Emergency Preparedness Starts with You!

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Emergency Preparedness Starts with You!

I will never forget August 2005 when Hurricane Katrina caused the death and the destruction of so many lives.

We all think disasters will never happen to us, they only happen 'somewhere else'.  Don't risk your life and the lives of your family and loved ones. When a disaster strikes, it will be too late, get prepared now! Prepare a Family Disaster Plan and an Emergency Survial Kit.
Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week) is an annual event that takes place each year during the first full week of May.

September is National Preparedness Month!

Lens created on August 31, 2007
Last updated on June 11, 2011

Make a Plan

Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home.

What would you do if basic services, such as water, gas, electricity, or telephones were cut off?

Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away.

Families can and do cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team. Knowing what to do is your best protection and your responsibility.

Refer to the links below in the Emergency Preparedness Resources section which include tons of information, tips and suggestions.

Learn more about Family Disaster Plans by contacting your local emergency management office, local government or local Red Cross chapter.

Prepare or Buy an Emergency Kit

Assembling the supplies you might need following a disaster is an important part of your Family Disaster Plan, especially a "grab and go" kit.

I always recommend having the basic supplies that would last your family, not three days, but at least one week.

Following a disaster, having extra supplies at home or supplies to take with you in the event of an evacuation can help your family endure evacuation or home confinement.

Involve children in Disaster Preparedness. Ask your kids to help you remember to keep your kits in working order by changing the food and water every six months and replacing batteries as necessary. Also ask them to think of items that they would like to include in their own Disaster Supplies Kit, such as books or games or appropriate nonperishable food items.

Refer to the links below in the Emergency Preparedness Resources section which include tons of information, tips and suggestions.

Learn more about Disaster Supplies Kits by contacting your local emergency management agency, local government or local Red Cross chapter.

Be Informed

Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as developing a Family Disaster Plan and making an Emergency Kit, are the same for both a natural or man-made emergency.

However, there are important differences among potential emergencies that will impact the decisions you make and the actions you take. Learn more about the potential emergencies that could happen where you live and the appropriate way to respond to them.

In addition, learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state/provincial and local government.

Refer to the links below in the Emergency Preparedness Resources section which include tons of information, tips and suggestions.

Knowing what to do during an emergency is an important part of being prepared and may make all the difference when seconds count.

More Great Information

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Please don't forget our Furkids!

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Emergency Preparedness Week in the News

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Emergency Preparedness Vids

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In Canada, May 1 to 7, 2011 is Emergency Preparedness Week

Countdown to The next Emergency Preparedness Week starts on

The next Emergency Preparedness Week starts on: May 1, 2011

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Guestbook Feedback

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  • SereneSea Mar 17, 2011 @ 12:06 pm | delete
    I agree with you we feel safe in our comfort zones, do not want to venture out or even contemplate risks and emergency preparations. This lens shows that it pays to remain emergency conscious.
  • Tipi Jan 6, 2011 @ 12:08 am | delete
    Guess it's time to get our heads out of the sand....very well done! You may have just saved my life....
  • RichMann Oct 22, 2008 @ 8:45 am | delete
    If more people would just take the time to be prepared for an emergency disaster event, the first responders would have a network of people already at the event location able to help those around them helping to ease the initial response to some degree.
  • Comfortdoc Nov 10, 2007 @ 10:38 pm | delete
    Thanks for joining SquidAid. Great lens and a very appropriate topic--being prepared for disasters.
  • titanium_knights Sep 27, 2007 @ 10:08 am | delete
    Thank you for this important lens and information! Sadly, too many people don't think about this stuff until it is too late. And I agree - prepare at least a week of supplies, not just 3 days is a good idea.
    I'll bookmark and stop back for more reading later.
    Thanks!

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