September is National Preparedness Month, a time to remind the nation to prepare for potential emergencies. Tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, and floods can strike at almost any time, and are just some of the disasters we face each year.
Disasters don’t wait until you are ready, so take the time to prepare today. Planning ahead can mitigate response or recovery time and help relieve some of the anxiety caused by unexpected events. You and your loved ones are worth the investment.
Effective planning for emergencies starts at home:
n Know what type of threats are most likely to occur in the areas in which you live (e.g., earthquakes in California, flooding in a coastal city or town).
n Sign up to receive local emergency alerts and warnings.
n Replace any outdated stock in your personal emergency preparedness kit. This is particularly important for medications with expiration dates.
n Update your emergency contact information at work or at your children’s school.
n Develop a plan for your family or household that you will follow in an emergency. Review it with the members of your household so everyone knows what to do and where to go when it counts.
n Develop a plan for a potential widespread power outage, such as how to charge your mobile phone, use an ATM, or fuel a vehicle.
n Familiarize yourself with all local evacuation routes and shelter locations. Keep this information in a single designated place so you can find it in an emergency.
For more information and valuable resources for emergency preparedness efforts, visit the following sites:
n USPS® National Preparedness page at blue.usps.gov/nationalpreparedness/personal-preparedness.htm.
n Department of Homeland Security at ready.gov/september.
n Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov/disasters/covid-19/disasters_severe_weather_and_covid-19.html?deliveryName=USCDC_2062-DM33192.
— Continuity and Preparedness,
Corporate Affairs, 9-9-21
