Every September, we celebrate National Preparedness Month, and it’s an excellent time for all of us to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies. These are often unexpected, so preparation is vital! This year’s theme is “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.”
It’s a great time to build (or revise) an emergency plan for your family and build an emergency kit that will last for a few days in case of an emergency. If you already have a kit, now is the time to check the contents and replace any missing or expired items.
Learn how to make your home stronger in the face of storms and other common hazards in your area. September is also a good time to check your insurance coverage to make sure it is current.
For those with families, speak with your children about preparing for emergencies and what to do if you are separated. Have them help you set up or check your emergency kit so that they feel involved. It can be a fun family activity!
Basic Disaster Supplies Kit
To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.
A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:
- Water(one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
- Food(at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
- 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)
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
Additional Emergency Supplies
Consider adding the following items to your emergency kit based on your individual needs:
- Masks (for everyone ages 2+), soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
- Prescription medications
- Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, and antacids or laxatives
- Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
- Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Cash or traveler’s checks
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children
These are just a few Emergency Preparedness suggestions – please also review the more detailed information in the links below.
Direct Line Global cares about its employees, which is why Safety is one of our Core Values. We frequently share important safety & health information with employees, focusing on off the job safety & health to help protect both employees and their families.
For more information, visit these links:
Ready.Gov: https://www.ready.gov/september
Preparedness Toolkits: https://www.ready.gov/toolkits
Emergency Preparedness Publications: https://www.ready.gov/publications
National Safety Council Emergency Preparedness: https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/emergency-preparedness/emergency-preparedness-home
Center for Disease Control Natural Hazards: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/emres/natural.html
BOTTOM LINE: YOUR SAFETY & HEALTH MATTER, BOTH ON AND OFF THE JOB.
Thank you, and stay safe out there!
