September has another theme. Last week I wrote about suicide prevention.

This week’s article will discuss preparedness.

I have written about this all of last year with the “Do 1 Thing” articles, but it’s that important that a reminder of basic tips are always needed.

Do 1 Thing.Com, RedCross.Org, michigan.gov/prepares, and michigan.gov/miready are just a few websites that have excellent information to get prepared.

In Michigan, we know how winters and severe weather can impact the state. We must be prepared. Remember, the first 72 (hours) is on you. This was the theme of the Do 1 Thing articles I wrote about last year. It may take up to 72 hours before emergency personnel or state workers can get to you in the event of a disaster.

Gov. Rick Snyder has proclaimed September as Preparedness Month to encourage Michiganders to plan and prepare for natural and human-made emergencies and disasters.

“This is the time of year where we encourage all Michiganders to prepare for emergencies and disasters,” Snyder said. “For the last couple of years, many communities have experienced severe weather disasters, with the most recent in Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties. By taking just a few crucial steps this month, Michigan families can be prepared for the worst, just in case.”

Throughout September, Michigan is joining federal, state and local governments and private and public organizations in supporting emergency preparedness and encouraging citizens to take action. Agencies nationwide are uniting under the banner “Don’t Wait. Communicate.” to encourage everyone to create a family communications plan.

“Preparing an emergency communications plan may seem like a big job because many people don’t know where to begin,” said Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and Director of the Michigan State Police. “It doesn’t have to be a chore. To get started, write a plan that outlines who to call, what to bring and where to go, and then share that plan with your family and friends.”

The governor’s proclamation also asks citizens to know the hazards that affect their communities, create an emergency communications plan and build a supply kit with enough food and water to last three days per person.

Michigan is encouraging citizens to take action by downloading the free Michigan Prepares Emergency Plan App which enables users to quickly create an emergency plan on their mobile device.

“Smartphones are a big part of our daily lives. We keep a lot of important information and tools on our phones that we might need during an emergency,” said Nick Lyon, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. “The app uses resources already in your phone to make creating and sharing a basic emergency plan easy. The plan can be shared electronically with household members and printed so the entire family can be prepared for an emergency before it happens, even if smartphones aren’t available.”

Expect more preparedness tips next week.

 

Any further questions or comments please contact me at TrooperRob53@yahoo.com or call (269) 683-4411