Can you believe this? It’s AUGUST! That means that the end of summer is just around the corner…pools will be closing…school supply shopping is ramping up…families are squeezing in those last-minute vacation activities…sheesh! Can’t believe it! And you know what all that means, don’t you? That’s right — September is chompin’ at the bit, ready to just bowl us all over. Why…at this rate, it’ll be Halloween before you know it (shudder!).
Hey – speaking of September – you know what September is, don’t you? (Besides the end of 100+ degree days that is) September is National Preparedness Month. A month set aside for agencies/organizations to focus on practicing preparedness in their day-to-day business, and encourage their employees/representatives to take these messages home for their everyday use as well. Their slogan, Get a Kit – Make a Plan – Be Informed – Get Involved, says it all I think.
If your organization would like to become involved, visit the Ready.gov NPM website to get more information and to register as a Coalition Member. While you’re checking that out – take a look at some of the organizations that have already registered. Pretty interesting, and just might motivate you to get involved!
Well, that’s all great for organizations and companies…but what about just everyday kind of folks like us?
There’s LOTS of stuff we can do too…not just in September, but with it being the beginning of the school year for so many, I suppose it’s as good a time as any, right? So, let’s see — what could we look at?
School: Know your child’s school or daycare Disaster Plan; Make sure your Emergency Contact Information is up-to-date with the main office; Have you changed phone numbers? Be sure your children know the new one.
Home: Practice your home Fire Escape Plan with EVERYONE in the family…no exceptions; Test your smoke detectors monthly (and let the kids hear it so they recognize the sound and know what it means; Check for worn out extension cords; Check Disaster Supplies – need new batteries? more band aids?
Work: What is the Disaster Plan in your office? Are you in a multi-story building?; Plan alternate routes to and from work; What about “other” emergencies? Does your employer have a Business Continuity Plan? What if there’s a major flu outbreak?
Travel: Check the mechanical operation of your vehicles. Turn signals working properly? Headlights all lighting the way? Any strange new leaks on the driveway or parking lot?; Check the spare tire – still aired up?; Put together or check your Auto Emergency Kit (flashlight, jumper cables, first aid kit, etc.) And while we’re at it — Are you addicted to staying “connected” while traveling? Then be sure to have some form of “hands free” communication for your cell phone – either that or place it in the glove box/purse/console so you won’t be tempted to text and drive.
There are lots of Tips and TidBits that I could share — but why take the space here, when just a couple of mouse-clicks will connect you with the experts in the world of Preparedness. Check ’em out!
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