Each year the month of September is designated as National Preparedness Month. This initiative serves as a reminder of the importance of planning and preparing for possible emergencies we may face. These emergencies can range from things such as a fire in your home to natural disasters such as flooding, tornadoes, winter storms or extreme temperatures among others, any of which could result in a long- term loss of utilities such as electricity, gas, or water to your home. They can also be man-made or technology related incidents such as a hazardous materials release as the result of a transportation accident or a loss of services due to a cyber attack or other failure. Any of these types on incidents can result in significant impacts. Preparedness is a whole community effort and responsibility. While responders work together to plan for and be ready for response to a disaster along side local government officials and partners from agencies such as the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and United Way, individuals and families need to also plan and prepare to help build resilience in our communities. This resilience will serve to help mitigate the impacts of disaster as well and enhancing the response to and recovery from a disaster if it occurs. There are many things we can do to help be more prepared for an emergency. Fond du Lac County Emergency Management encourages everyone to be as ready as possible. This preparation and planning can make a major difference in your ability to respond if an emergency happens. Make A Plan – Develop a plan for how you and your loved ones will respond during any emergency. Know where your shelters at home, work and school are located and how you will safely leave the building, if needed such as in a fire. Practice going to those safe places. Also, make sure everyone knows how to contact each other if a disaster were to occur while you are separated. Have A Kit – Kits should include enough non-perishable food, water, and medications to last up to 72- hours. Consider special dietary needs such as formula for infants or items with those on special dietary restrictions. First aid supplies, a flashlight, and a NOAA Weather Radio, along with copies of insurance policies, prescriptions, and a list of important contact numbers, are also great inclusions. Store your kit in a location where you can access it quickly during an emergency. Be informed- Know the potential hazards you may encounter. Know your risk and how you will respond. Have multiple sources of information before, during, and after an emergency to receive important information from responders and local officials about the emergency including vital information such as shelters, if needed, utility restoration, and safety instructions are all important things to have available.
NOAA All-Hazards Radio, local TV and Radio, cell phone apps and internet sites such as National Weather Service are examples of these types of sources of information. Preparedness Month serves as an excellent reminder and opportunity to do what we can to plan and prepare for emergencies. We must also remember that this is a year-round need. More information is available through your County Emergency Management Office along with FEMA’s ready.gov website and Wisconsin Emergency Management’s Ready Wisconsin website.
