DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- It’s National Preparedness Month! Great … But what does that mean?
Glad you asked.
The month of September is in the middle of peak Atlantic hurricane season, which has been extremely busy this year. Furthermore, disaster response has been complicated by COVID-19. As such, there’s no better time than now to focus on family and community disaster planning. The theme for 2020 is “Disasters Don’t Wait ... Make Your Plan Today.”
Next question: How do you eat an elephant?
One bite at a time.
Deconstructing a long-term goal into short-term goals will help you accomplish your disaster preparedness goals by the end of the month. So, each week this month, we recommend you focus on a single task.
Sept. 1-5: Make a Plan
Talk to your friends and family about how you will communicate before, during and after a disaster. Make sure to update your plan based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 guidelines.
Sept. 6-12: Build a Kit
Gather enough supplies for each person in your household – enough to last for several days following a disaster. Don’t forget to consider the unique needs each person or pet may have, in case you have to evacuate quickly. Ensure your kits and supplies are updated in accordance with CDC COVID-19 guidelines.
Sept. 13-19: Prepare for Disasters
Do what you can to limit the potential impact of disasters on you and your family. Know the risk of disasters in your area, and check your insurance coverage. Learn how to make your home stormproof and protect it from other local hazards. If you receive a warning or alert, act fast.
Sept. 20-26: Teach Youth about Preparedness
Talk to your kids about preparing for emergencies, and make a plan for what to do in case they become separated from you. Reassure them by keeping them informed and involving them in any preparations.