National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort held each September to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools. Since its inception in 2003, its goal has been to increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies and to encourage individuals to take action. 

The events of Sept. 11, 2001, altered the perception of the need for disaster preparedness planning almost overnight, a perception that was reinforced in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. As a result, more Americans than ever before have taken steps to be adequately prepared for emergencies. A recent study revealed that from 2005 to 2008 the number of Americans who say they have taken any steps to prepare for emergency has increased from 45 percent to 58 percent. 

Here are some tips to keep in mind when preparing your family for a disaster.

• Have a plan. Communicate it and rehearse it with your family. Involve your entire family, and talk openly about it. Knowledge calms fears. 

• Discuss how you will contact each other. Part of the plan should include multiple methods of contacting each other. Use the “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) method of identification on cell phones and speed dials at home. Ask an out-of-state friend or relative to be your point of contact, and program their phone number with the ICE prefix. Make arrangements for seniors and family members with special needs. 

• Designate a meeting place and determine evacuation routes. Know the disaster plan at your child’s school. 

• Build or buy a disaster kit. Recommend items to include in your disaster kit include:

· Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

· Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

· Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries

· Flashlight and extra batteries

· First aid kit

· Whistle to signal for help

· Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

· Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

· Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

· Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)

· Local maps

· Cell phone with chargers
 

Some additional items to include in your disaster kit:

· Prescription medications and glasses

· Infant formula and diapers

· Pet food and extra water for your pet

· Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container

· Cash or traveler’s checks and change

· Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov

· Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.

· Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.

· Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.

· Fire Extinguisher

· Matches in a waterproof container

· Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items

· Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels

· Paper and pencil

· Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

If your family has animals, see these tips from ready.gov for preparing your animals for a disaster.

Story by John Slykas published in the SouthTownStar. Click here to view full article.

John Slykas is the manager of the ambulance service at St. James Hospital and Health Centers. St. James is a member of the Southland Health Alliance

ABCO Fire Protection, is a regional provider of fire protection services in Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania.
ABCO provides fire safety products that protect life and property.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has a Web site, www.ready.gov, to help families educate themselves and prepare their homes for natural or man-made emergencies. You can educate your children about emergency preparedness with Ready Kids. Disaster kit content information and pet preparedness tips from ready.gov