National Preparedness Month

National Preparedness Month (NPM), is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster and emergency planning now and throughout the year.

 

 

 Week 1:  Make a Plan

  • #PrepareToProtect means preparing to protect everyone you love. Start by making a plan before disasters and emergencies strike. www.ready.gov/plan
  • Discuss with your household or family how you will communicate if there is an emergency.
  • Decide and practice your emergency plan with members of your household.
  • Houses, mobile homes, apartments, and high-rise buildings have different evacuation considerations. Make a plan for each: www.ready.gov/plan-for-locations 
  • Involve your entire family, including your children, in planning for disasters and emergencies so they are prepared, not afraid www.ready.gov/plan
  • Need preparedness assistance? Contact the Benicia Fire Department at firedept@ci.benicia.ca.us or 707-746-4275

 

Week 2: Build a Kit

  • Create or update your emergency supplies with this list: www.ready.gov/kit
  • Make sure your emergency kit is ready to go in case you need evacuate. Include:
    • Enough food and water to last several days.
    • Medication, face masks and disinfectant for everyone in your household.
    • Pet supplies.
  • When building a kit, people with disabilities should consider the items they use daily, as well as life-sustaining items. www.ready.gov/disability
  • Have medication for at least three days in your emergency supplies.
  • Check the expiration date on your emergency supplies, and replace any old items. 
  • Get the kids involved in building their own emergency kit: www.ready.gov/kids/build-a-kit
  • Kids bored? We can help. Check out our online Ready Kids Build A Kit game: www.ready.gov/kids/games 
  • Include your child's favorite stuffed animals, board games, books or music in their emergency kit to comfort them in a disaster.

 

Week 3: Low-Cost, No-Cost Preparedness

  • Download or order your free preparedness products to help your family plan and prepare for the next emergency. www.ready.gov/publications
  • Drills aren’t just for your toolbox. Practice emergency drills with your family regularly. 
  • Emergencies can happen anytime, and less than half of American families have a communication plan. Plan ahead: www.ready.gov/kids/make-a-plan 
  • Make preparing fun for kids! Go on a scavenger hunt around your house for items you already have to add to your disaster supply kit. Follow this list: www.ready.gov/kit and see how many items you can check off!
  • Know what disasters and hazards could affect your area, how to get emergency alerts, and where you would go if you and your family need to evacuate. Visit: www.ready.gov/be-informed.

 

Week 4: Teach Youth About Preparedness

  • Review your family emergency communications plan with kids at your next household meeting.
  • Kids, parents, & educators, visit the Ready Kids web pages in Spanish: www.ready.gov/es/ninos
  • Need tips for talking to your kids about natural disasters? Visit www.ready.gov/kids/parents
  • Many Americans aren’t familiar with their child’s school evacuation & reunification plans. Are you?
  • Kids can become Disaster Masters with this @Readygov preparedness game: www.ready.gov/kids/games 
  • Get involved in Teen CERT. Find opportunities by learning about Teen CERT online: www.ready.gov/kids/teen-cert
  • Your community needs YOU! Find opportunities to help your community here: www.ready.gov/youth-preparedness