GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The start of the month September is recognized as National Preparedness Month. National Preparedness Month recognizes each September to promote family and community disaster planning.
As we continue to respond to COVID-19, there is no better time than to get involved and help prepare yourself and your loved ones if faced with a disaster.
The theme for 2020 NPM is: “Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today”
For the first week of September, we will talk about the steps of making a Family Emergency Plan.
Make A Plan
The importance of establishing an emergency plan today:
- Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters, man-made or natural could affect your area.
- Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated.
- Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.
Step 1: Put together a family emergency plan by discussing these 5 questions:
- How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
- What is my shelter plan?
- What is my evacuation route?
- What is my family/household communication plan?
- Do I need to resupply/update my emergency preparedness kit?
Step 2: Consider specific needs in your household.
-As you prepare, tailor your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities.
-Discuss your needs and responsibilities and how people in the network can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets, or specific needs like the operation of durable medical equipment.
-Keep in mind some these factors when developing your plan:
- Different ages of members within your household
- Responsibilities for assisting others
- Dietary needs
- Medical needs: prescriptions/equipment
- Disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment
- Languages spoken
- Cultural and religious considerations
- Pets or service animals
Step 3: Fill out a Family Emergency Plan
-Download and fill out a family emergency plan or use them as a guide to create your own.
Step 4: Practice your plan with your family/household
-Practice how you play.
-Become familiar with your emergency plan steps