As September winds down we want to take a moment to remind Ohioans that it is National Preparedness Month, which reminds Ohioans to prepare for potential disasters or emergencies. The Ohio Emergency Management Agency's (EMA's) 2024 Ready Campaign provides simple inexpensive or free steps you can start today:
1. Know the disasters and emergencies that are typical where you live, including:
2. Create an emergency communications plan, including identifying important contact and medical information, to store (electronically and in hardcopy) and share with others in your life. For an easy-to-use template, visit ready.gov/plan-form.
3. Store:
- Significant phone numbers someplace other than your smart phone
- Important documents and items, such as passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, maps, and electronics, somewhere waterproof and fireproof if possible
4. Sign up for emergency notifications to receive lifesaving information in your state and locality. To sign up for one or more credible alert systems from which to receive timely warnings, visit Emergency Communications.
5. Download:
- FEMA App in English or Spanish for severe weather alerts, safety tips, and reminders to ready yourself
- Preparedness resources for additional and more detailed readiness information
6. Build a kit of emergency supplies, such as:
- Flashlight
- Batteries
- Water
- Non-perishable food
- Weather radio
7. Communicate with family, friends, and loved ones your emergency plan (See No. 2.), including a gathering location where everyone will meet in case of evacuation.
8. Contact your local fire department to see if it has programs to provide and install fire and/or carbon monoxide detectors, and then ensure that both are installed and working in your home.
9. Register for a free or discounted CPR and/or First Aid course.
10. Research your area's flood risk at Floodsmart.gov.
No matter what life throws at you, you will reduce your stress levels and increase your chances of survival by preparing for potential future emergencies now rather than during chaotic events and situations.
For more emergency details and hazard-specific preparations (e.g., earthquakes, wildfires, home fires), visit Ohio EMA's website at https://ema.ohio.gov/prepare-respond/be-prepared/national-preparedness-month.
