National Preparedness Month

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), under the Department of Homeland Security, spawned the National Preparedness Month in 2004 in an attempt to encourage Americans to prepare for such disasters as mentioned above. When I consider my own preparedness, and I am consider well counseled as identified by my many hours of training with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and by virtue of my Master USCG License, I was appalled at my own lack of readiness for natural disasters.

Living in the hurricane alley of the northeast, we are regularly hit by not only hurricanes, but nor’easters, as well as the aftermath of nearly every hurricane or storm that hits any part of the east coast. These two points (my USCG training and my geographic area) might make you think that I would be exceptionally well prepared for any such disaster – unfortunately, this is not the case. I had to look for flashlights, and to have any emergency water supply on hand, I would have been reduced to taking water from my pool (ever drink pool water, yuck!).

Needless to say, I was not prepared and I would venture to guess that many of those reading this article are equally unprepared. A Citizens Corporation National Survey of 2009, showed that only 57% of Americans surveyed reported having supplies set aside in their homes just for disasters, and only 44% have a household emergency plan.

All families should:

1. Have an emergency supply kit
2. Have a family emergency plan
3. Have knowledge of the different disasters and how each of those disasters might affect them
4. Be aware of how they integrate into their community when a disaster hits

With regard to business response to an unexpected disaster, you should:

1. Have a plan to stay in business
2. Talk to your people
3. Protect your investment.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Preparedness_Month

At Visiting Angels, we too have felt the serious impact of many natural disasters. Our family and friends, which includes our franchisees and their staff, our clients, our care recipients, and our caregivers; have been exposed to a plethora of floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, terrorist attacks, and other devastations.

One goal of the Department of Homeland Security is to “educate the public about how to prepare for emergencies, including natural disasters, mass casualties, biological and chemical threats, radiation emergencies and terrorist’s attacks.” (Ibid.) As President Obama said in his Proclamation speech, “I encourage all Americans to recognize the importance of preparedness and observe this month by working together to enhance our national security, resilience, and readiness.”

Below are a few websites that will you direct you to information focused on helping you to get prepared – read them and implement their suggestions. You really never know when YOU will be the one in need!!!

• www.ready.gov/build-a-kit
• http://emergency.cdc.gov/hazards-all.asp
• www.ready.gov/make-a-plan
• www.ready.gov/be-informed
• www.ready.gov/get-involved

If you haven’t done so already … Get Started. Be Prepared.


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