National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort held each September to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools. Here are a few steps you can take now to prepare in case of an emergency:

Get a Kit—Have emergency supplies that will allow you and your family to survive for at least 3 days. A list of supplies is available at http://ser.ors.od.nih.gov/emergency_prep.htm.

Make a Plan—Plan in advance what you and your family will do in an emergency. Your plan should include communications, sheltering-in-place and evacuation. Consider what would happen if a parent or another family member were not at home during an emergency. Readiness may include having a prearranged meeting place, a code word or a relative’s phone number.

Be Informed—Learn about emergency plans that have been established in your area. The best thing you can do during an emergency is listen to messages from your local emergency managers, broadcast on radio or television, who will recommend ways to protect yourself and your family.

Get Involved—After preparing yourself and your family for possible emergencies, take the next step: get training in first aid and emergency response and get involved in preparing your community. The Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) classes are good for emergency preparation.

Learn First Aid and CPR—Take a first aid and CPR class. Local American Red Cross chapters can provide information about this type of training. Official certification by the American Red Cross provides, under the “good Samaritan” law, protection for those giving first aid.

Learn How to Use a Fire Extinguisher—Be sure everyone knows how to use your fire extinguisher(s) and where it is kept. You should have, at a minimum, an ABC type.