Tuesday, September 11, 2007

National Preparedness Month

Is Your Family Prepared?


Unfortunately, emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. While no one can anticipate every scenario, there are some basic things families can do to be better prepared. Here are some tips on emergency preparedness from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Ready.gov website: http://www.ready.gov

Get a kit— Put together a kit of emergency supplies that will allow you and your family to survive for at least three days. The kit should include basic items like water, nonperishable food, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, extra batteries, and a first aid kit. http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/index.html

Make a plan— Plan in advance what you and your family will do in an emergency. Develop a communications plan and know your options for both staying put and evacuating. Ask about the emergency plans of your children’s schools, your place of work, and other key locations. http://www.ready.gov/america/makeaplan/index.html

Be informed—Learn about the potential man-made and natural threats that could affect your community, as well as the appropriate responses to them. Seek information about state and local emergency plans. http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/index.html

Get involved—After preparing yourself and your family for possible emergencies, take the next step: Get training in first aid and emergency response and get involved in preparing your community. Learn more from Citizen Corps at http://www.citizencorps.gov/

Finally, talk to your kids about emergencies. Visit ready.gov/kids as a family to start conversations with your children about their fears and the things they should know and can do in case of emergency.

September is National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. PTA is proud to be a member of the National Preparedness Month 2007 Coalition and to help promote the safety of all children and families.