By Staff
WASHINGTON – In recognition of September being "National Preparedness Month," U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, encourages southwest Michigan residents to take a moment to focus on emergency preparedness.
This nationwide effort encourages Americans to prepare for emergencies of all kinds in their homes, businesses, schools and communities.
This year, the Department of Homeland Security is putting particular focus on family emergency preparedness, reminding individuals to make themselves and their loved ones better prepared.
"As America observes National Preparedness Month, I hope that families in Michigan and across the county take the time to take a few simple steps to put together a disaster preparedness plan," Upton said Thursday. "I encourage folks to put together an emergency kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, first aid and a flashlight, among other things.
"I also encourage families to have a communications plan in place as families may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan how you will contact one another and review what you will do in different situations. One can never be too prepared in times of emergency," Cass County's congressman added.
National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort held each September to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools.
The goal of National Preparedness Month is to increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks and to encourage individuals to take action to prepare themselves and their families.
"This fall, the Department of Homeland Security and the National Preparedness Month Coalition are urging Americans to take a few basic steps to insure that their families are prepared before emergencies," said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. "Through events and activities across the country, every American will be reminded of the personal responsibility they have to keep their families safe if the unexpected occurs."
One of the simplest things that folks can do to be better prepared is to have a family emergency plan.
To develop a plan, ask some important questions:
In the event of an emergency, do we have everyone's contact numbers and an out-of-town contact?
Is there a designated place for everyone to meet outside of the home and neighborhood?
What is the emergency plan, including the evacuation location, of my child's school?