Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today.

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

September is National Preparedness Month

Every year, September is recognized as National Preparedness Month in hopes of encouraging families to participate in disaster planning now and throughout the entire year. The Ready.gov website has come up with a timeline for you to use this month in order get yourself and your family prepared in case of a disaster.

Here is a week by week breakdown on what you can do this month to prepare:

Week 1: Make a Plan 

It's important for you and your family to know how you will contact each other in case you are separated. Make a plan by discussing topics such us how emergency alerts will be received, what is your evacuation route, shelter plan, and family communication plan. Remember to take into consideration any specific needs of your household. Once you are ready, fill out and print an emergency plan for each of your family members to have.

Week 2: Build a Kit

An emergency kit should have a collection of basic items your household may need in case of an emergency. It should also include any unique items that your family members may need such as supplies for your pets. Click here to download an print a checklist that will help you build your own emergency kit.

Week 3: Prepare for Disasters

Here in the Mid-Atlantic region, we are at a high risk for winter storms and hurricanes. It is important to learn the risks of disasters in your area. Check your insurance coverage and learn how to make your home stronger against those disasters. 

Week 4: Teach Youth About Preparedness

Teaching your kids about preparedness may be hard but it is an important step to ensure that you are all prepared in case of an emergency. Involving them in the planning process may be reassuring to them. Visit Ready.gov/Kids for more tools and tips to help teach your kids about preparedness. 

We here at SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford hope that this guide helps you and your family prepare in case of an emergency. As leaders in cleanup and restoration, we are always HERE TO HELP!