From tornadoes to wildfires, hurricanes to floods, blizzards to volcanic eruptions, each of these disasters present unique challenges. Family discussions about these types of emergencies can be uncomfortable and even scary, but are crucial to taking the necessary steps to prepare and stay safe. In fact, everyone you love must know what to do in the event of an emergency. And since our closest friends are often considered family, extend an invitation to them to join the conversation.
Plan a get-together, sit around the table with friends and family, and talk about the steps you’ve already taken to prepare and those that need to be taken. Make the time interactive by encouraging questions and perhaps having friendly competitions testing preparedness.
What preparedness efforts should we talk about?
n The types of emergencies that occur in the areas where you live or work.
n What to do for each type of emergency.
n Signing up for electronic services (such as National Weather Service) to receive emergency alerts where you live, work, or vacation.
n Evacuation routes at home and at work.
n Keeping vehicles fueled.
n Storing emergency cash in the event power affects ATMs.
n When to practice the family or household communication plan.
n Confirming phone numbers on your mobile devices and testing charging capabilities.
n Checking the freshness and accuracy of the contents of your home emergency preparedness kit.
Starting a dialog today can help and encourage you, your family, and your friends to take more actions to prepare for these types of events. These good conversations launch the best in all preparedness efforts.
It is always a good time to be prepared. The month of September is set aside to promote and encourage planning readiness. In addition to the internal USPS® National Preparedness site, Ready.gov is a valuable resource to aid in emergency preparedness efforts.
For more information about National Preparedness, go to the Personal Preparedness page on Postal Blue to download preparedness lists for you and your family at blue.usps.gov/nationalpreparedness/personal-preparedness.htm.
— National Preparedness,
Chief Performance Office, 8-7-25
