September is National Preparedness Month! This year’s theme is “Start a Conversation.”
Here are some ways that you can start the conversation and begin preparing:
📋 Plan Ahead
Develop an emergency plan with your family. Discuss what types of disasters may impact you and your community. Know where emergency shelters are located and your evacuation route, and establish a meet-up location.
Download a local church disaster plan template to help your church prepare for disasters. The plan includes inventory lists, communication plans, and contact lists.
Having important information in one place will help you find all the information you need if a disaster impacts your community.
🧰 Create a Kit
Assemble an emergency kit in an easy-to-carry container or bag. Include a supply of water and non-perishable food for 3-7 days, a first aid kit, medications, important documents, and items for your pets. Keep an emergency kit in your car.
An outreach opportunity for churches could be to create kits for older adults or church members.
Already have a kit? Check to see if any of your supplies need to be refreshed.
🗂️ Important Documents & Inventory
Gather copies of essential documents, such as health care, insurance, social security, vehicle information, titles, mortgage information, birth certificates, and utility bills. Check with your insurance company to see if your plan is active, what it covers, and how to file storm damage claims.
Also, take an inventory of items in your home or church and document their conditions if you need the information for insurance claims.
Visit ready.gov to learn about National Preparedness Month, and visit our preparation page for more resources. To learn more about how you can prepare for and respond to disasters, sign up for an upcoming Connecting Neighbors course or schedule a training at your church.