Is Your Household Ready for an Emergency?

Key Takeaways

• September is a good time to review your household emergency plans.
• Every family should know where to go and how to reconnect if separated.
• A basic emergency kit should include essential supplies for several days.
• Important documents and contact information should be easy to access.

Main Article

Hurricanes, severe thunderstorms, flooding and other emergencies don’t always provide much warning. September’s National Preparedness Month is a timely reminder to make sure your household has a plan before you need one. A few simple preparations can make an unexpected situation much easier to manage.

Start by talking through the basics with everyone in your household. Decide where you’ll meet if you need to leave home, identify an out-of-area contact everyone can reach and make sure family members know how they’ll receive local emergency alerts. Consider how your plans might change if you’re at work, school or away from home when an emergency occurs.

Next, check your emergency supplies. Keep drinking water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, necessary medications, phone chargers and basic first-aid supplies where they’re easy to find. Don’t forget supplies for pets or household members with special needs.

Finally, keep copies of important documents, insurance information and essential phone numbers in a secure but accessible location. You may never need your emergency plan, but knowing it’s there can provide valuable peace of mind.