Ruins from the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, one of the worst disasters in the history of the United States. Photo by H.D.Chadwick. Collection of Mational Archivers and Records Administration (NARA).
September is National Preparedness Month. This year’s theme is “Start a Conversation”. Talking about potential disasters or emergencies isn’t always easy. We may think we’re protecting the people we love by avoiding these conversations, but they are crucial for taking steps to get ready and stay safe. This year’s theme emphasizes the importance of discussing these topics to build a culture of preparedness.
Why Conversations Matter
Discussing potential disasters or emergencies can feel overwhelming or uncomfortable. However, these conversations are one of the most effective ways to begin taking steps to ensure the safety and well-being of those we care about. By starting a conversation today, you can help your family and community take important actions to prepare for unexpected events. Making preparedness a part of your dialogue can help everyone feel more confident and ready in the face of adversity. Ready.gov recommends the following:
Steps to Start the Conversation
1. Set Aside a Calm Time: Choose a time when everyone is calm and relaxed. This will make it easier for everyone to engage in the conversation without feeling rushed or stressed.
2. Hold Discussions Over Time: It may help to hold the discussions over a set time period. This way, decisions aren’t rushed, and people feel more comfortable talking about the topic. Breaking the conversation into smaller, manageable parts can make it less daunting.
3. Share Your Preparedness Steps: Talk about the steps you’ve taken to prepare and encourage others to ask questions about preparedness actions that might work for them. Sharing your experiences can provide valuable insights and motivate others to take similar steps.
Practical Steps to Prepare
1. Make a Plan: Create a plan that includes how you and your family will communicate and what you will do in different emergency situations. Identify evacuation routes, safe meeting places, and contact information for key people, including neighbors and local authorities.
2. Build an Emergency Kit: An emergency kit should contain essentials such as non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and first-aid supplies. Tailor your kit to the specific needs of your household, including pets and family members with special health needs.
3. Stay Informed: Being aware of potential risks in your area is crucial. Sign up for local alerts and warnings, and learn about your community’s emergency plans. Understand which natural disasters are common in your region and how to respond appropriately.
4. Get Involved: Preparedness isn’t just about individual efforts; it’s also about strengthening the resilience of the entire community. Volunteer with local disaster response organizations, join a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), or participate in preparedness training to help your neighborhood respond better to disasters.
Final Thoughts
Preparedness doesn’t happen overnight, but starting the conversation is a great first step. Discussing emergency plans and preparations now will help ensure that everyone knows what to do if a disaster strikes. Whether it’s assembling an emergency kit, reviewing local evacuation routes, or simply understanding what risks are common in your area, every action you take will contribute to the safety and resilience of your family and community.
Resources
Ready (Official Website of the US Department of Homeland Security)
Ready.gov
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
FEMA.gov
Red Cross
RedCross.org
*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.