Getting Prepared for National Preparedness Month

Each September, National Preparedness Month urges Americans to be equipped for family and community disaster. The theme for 2019 is “Prepared, Not Scared”, and there are many tools available to assist individuals on how to protect themselves during an emergency.¹

This year, the CDC’s Center for Preparedness and Response has published a CDC Digital Media Toolkit. This toolkit relates to personal health preparedness and how to build an ideal emergency kit. Other than focusing on food and water, the kit should include:

• Any personal needs (supplies necessary to protect physical, mental, and emotional health),
• An emergency supply of any prescription medications and medical supplies,
• Important paperwork regarding medical coverage, proper ownership, identity, etc., and
• Backup and alternative power sources for mobile phones and medical devices.²

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is also providing guides for individuals and families on topics, such as: how to report emergencies, knowing about your community’s water systems, and dealing with excessive mold or flooding of buildings.³

In addition, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has developed weekly themes for National Preparedness Month. Each theme focuses on an important tip or resource that is useful during any natural disasters. The weekly themes for 2019 are: Save Early for Disaster Costs, Make a Plan to Prepare for Disasters, Teach Youth to Prepare for Disasters, and Get Involved in Your Community's Preparedness.¹

RELATED ARTICLES

• Need for Blood Donations Ahead of Hurricane Dorian
• Ensuring Medication Safety and Accessibility During Natural Disasters

References

1. National Preparedness Month. FEMA website. https://www.ready.gov/september. Accessed September 5, 2019.
2. National Preparedness Month- September 2019.Center for Disease Control and Prevention.2019; 68(35):757. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/wr/mm6835a1.htm?s_cid=mm6835a1_e&deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM8344. Accessed September 5, 2019.
3. September is Preparedness Month. EPA website. https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/september-preparedness-month. Accessed September 5, 2019.