September is National Preparedness Month

Build a kit—Have enough food, water, and other supplies to support your needs for several days.

Preparedness is a journey. National Preparedness Month is the perfect opportunity to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones, whether you’re just starting out or have been on the road a while. It’s important to be prepared for natural and human-made emergencies and disasters, which can happen at any time and without warning.

Getting prepared is easy if you break it down. Try focusing on a different step each week...

Week one, Sept. 1-4: Make a plan. An emergency plan helps you and your loved ones think through what you'll do and how you'll communicate during a disaster or emergency. Be sure to include evacuation plans, meet-up points, and important contact numbers.

Week two, Sept. 5-11: Build a kit. Fill a backpack with essential supplies and survival materials to help you though the first few days of a disaster. Consider the needs of your family and pets as you pack food, water, flashlights, first aid, and other key items.

Week three, Sept. 12-18: Learn the hazards in your area. In Western Washington, we should all be prepared for earthquakes, but also take time to consider other potential risks, check your insurance policies, weather proof your home, and sign up for emergency alerts.

Week four, Sept. 19-25: Talk about preparedness with your kids, families, friends, and neighbors. Get to know your community, share resources and ideas, and discuss the preparedness steps you have taken. Informed individuals and connected communities are more resilient when disasters strike.

Visit www.makeitthrough.org and www.ready.gov/september to learn more about disaster preparedness and National Preparedness Month.