Prepare for the Unexpected by Taking Action Now
Published: September 12, 2008
Over the past decade, our country has seen hundreds of natural disasters – ranging from blizzards and wildfires to hurricanes, tornadoes and flooding that disrupt or even destroy families' homes and entire communities across America. These events can happen without warning, changing our lives in an instant.
During the month of September, the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Ready Campaign is celebrating National Preparedness Month (NPM) to serve as a reminder that we all have a responsibility in protecting ourselves, families and our communities. Emergencies will happen, but taking action now can help us minimize the impact they will have on our lives.
This year, the Ready Campaign and its DHS partner Citizen Corps are reminding Americans to take steps to prepare during NPM including:
- Get an Emergency Supply Kit
- Make a Family Emergency Plan
- Be Informed about the emergencies and their appropriate responses
- Get Involved in community efforts such as Citizen Corps Councils
Throughout September, activities and events will take place across this country to highlight the importance of emergency preparedness and promote individual involvement, such as first aid trainings, town hall meetings and much more.
As a Ready Campaign Coalition Member, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is doing its part to make sure employees and members of the community are receiving the tools and information necessary to help them be prepared. Several events have been planned throughout the month providing opportunities to receive information such as Family Emergency Plan templates and Emergency Supply Kit Checklists.
Events
Ready Kids mascot, "Rex," joins Blanche Collins, PhD, during last year's National Preparedness Month activities.
The Clifton School - CDC Campus, September 10, 2008 – 3 - 5 p.m.
The Clifton School - Clairmont Campus, September 18, 2008 – 3 - 5 p.m
Ready Rex (the Ready Kids Mascot) will interact with children throughout the center (in classroom settings and on playground) and will distribute fun activities such as a Scavenger Hunt, Pack It Up Matching game, crossword puzzles and coloring pages, as well as age-appropriate, step-by-step instructions on what families can do to better prepare for emergencies and the role kids can play in that effort.
McNair Elementary Academy- September 16, 2008 - 9 a.m. - 4p.m.
September 18, 2008 – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
In partnership with CDC's Community Initiative Office, Ready Rex will engage students at CDC sponsored school - McNair Elementary Academy - with the Ready Kids message. Ready Rex will interact with students during 10 minute classroom visits on both days.
CDC/BIG Health Awareness Day, Friday, September 19, 2008 - 10 a.m. - 1p.m.
During this time Ready Rex shares the ready message with CDC employees. Be Ready! Ready Rex will interact with staff during breakout sessions and distribute literature.
For Sisters Only, Sunday, September 14, 2008 (Georgia World Congress Center)
Ready materials will be distributed during this event. Brochures include: Ready Emergency Supply List; Every Business Should Have a Plan; Preparing Makes Sense for People with Disabilities and Special Needs.
The Ready Campaign encourages you to take a few extra minutes this month to plan in case of an emergency. Consider the following questions:
- Have you spoken to your children's schools about their shelter-in-place and/or evacuation plans?
- Do you know the evacuation plan at your work?
- If your cell phone was inoperable how would you get in touch with your family?
- Do you have a family meeting place and an out of town contact?
These are just a few of the questions you should consider as you are developing your emergency plan.
Free preparedness resources, are just a click away at ready.gov or listo.gov or by calling 1-800-BE-READY. The Ready Web site also has a special sections for kids, ages 8-12, (Ready Kids) and small- to medium-sized businesses (Ready Business).
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