National Preparedness Month

Posted on 09-17-2014

September is National Preparedness Month (NPM), and High Voltage encourages Americans to ask this one potentially life-saving question, “If disaster were to strike today, how long could your family go without electricity and running water?”  If you don’t know the answer to that question, then it’s time to become disaster-prepared.  Remember, emergency personnel may not be able to respond to you in a timely manner, so take the initiative now to take care of your family.

Emergency kits should be readily available in your home and business.  The key is to have all things in one location for easy access.  Kits should include medications, first aid items, non-perishable foods, bottled water, pet food, baby essentials, and flashlights. Also, include items like a manual can opener. Solar powered items are a smart investment from phone chargers to a solar powered radio.  Be sure to have enough supplies to last your family at least 3 days.  Also, keep copies of birth certificates, phone numbers and other important documents in your kit.

It’s important to have a family plan such as a meeting place when disaster occurs.  Keep in mind, if natural disaster hits, your familiar community may no longer be familiar.  Your cell phones may not be working.  So, work around such challenges when planning with your family.  Make sure your kids know what to do and where to go.

Visit the Red Cross website for available emergency apps:

http://www.redcross.org/wa/seattle/programs-services/get-prepared/disaster-preparedness-apps