Emergency Preparedness Month

I'll bet not too many of you knew that September 2010 (last month) was National Preparedness Month.

You're probably thinking, "prepared for what?" When it comes to emergency preparedness, we're all too complacent and think that it probably won't happen to us.

Well, I beg to differ with you! Considering all that has been happening in the world today, and right in our own backyard, it just might be something we should all get serious about. Emergencies such as:

* Tornadoes!

* Blizzards!

* Floods!

* Earthquakes!

* Hurricanes!

* Power Outages!

* And More!

Here are some suggestions to start you on the right track:

Get A Kit - You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least three days, preferably five days. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. Help may come in hours, or it might take days! Also, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones may be cut off for days, a week or even longer.

Make A Plan - Make sure you have a family emergency plan. This is something that should be planned in advance, because your family may not be together when a disaster strikes. Think about: how you will contact one another; how you will get back together; and what you will do in different situations.

Be Informed - Find out about the different types of emergencies that could happen where you live and how to respond to them. This helps you make decisions about the actions you should take. Also, learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government.

Get Involved - After preparing yourself and your family for possible emergencies by getting a kit, making a plan and being informed, take the next step and get involved in helping your community prepare.

Emergency preparedness cannot be ignored.

Arlene Bridwell is passionate about preparing for emergencies and wants to make others more aware of possible disasters, which seem to be happening more frequently.

If you have any questions, please e-mail her at: abridwell@wi.rr.com

Her website is: http://www.emergency-preparedness-site.com