September is National Preparedness Month

Celebrate by preparing. All the recommendations can be overwhelming, so take it one step at a time. Start the month by picking one emergency preparedness task. When that one is done, pick another. Doing one thing is always better than none!

Remember, it is not all about buying supplies. Talking with your loved ones is a critical part of preparing – and it can keep you calm during a crisis.

Eight, quick tips for celebrating National Preparedness Month:

1. Copy (or scan) your identification and other important papers. Put them with your “go kit” of supplies or store them with a trusted friend or relative in another location.

2. Talk about how you will react to one, specific emergency situation over dinner or during a walk.

3. Visit the Reuse Center, Big Lots or other discount retailers for economical supplies or storage bins and buckets. For example, a reused five-gallon bucket can make great storage for an emergency kit, and an old, corded phone may be the only one that works without power.

4. Designate an out-of-town contact. Use it as an excuse to catch up with your friend or relative by phone or email. Make sure everyone in your household knows the contact’s information.

5. Make preparing a household activity. See who can come up with the best ideas, such as emergency meeting places or back-up communication strategies. Practice “racing” safely to your meeting spot.

6. Don’t forget the family pet or pets. Keep a copy of vaccination records, medicines and supplies ready to go if you need to leave quickly with the whole family.

7. Test your emergency kit. Take a “camping” trip or day hike using your supplies.

8. Visit with friends or neighbors. Find out what they have done to prepare, or what they are thinking about doing.

Ready to Start a Basic Emergency Plan?

Washtenaw County Public Health has developed an easy-to-use preparedness guide. It outlines the basics of an emergency plan – with space for you to fill in your information – and it provides links to more resources.

Visit our Public Health Emergency Preparedness Web site for more resources.