National Preparedness Month

 

Courtesy Image from Ready

September has been declared National Preparedness Month. Recently, President Biden proclaimed September as National Preparedness Month due to the climate changes and natural disasters. It is important to always have a first aid kit in your home and in your automobile. You can fill up an old school backpack with a blanket, first aid kit, a copy of medical documents, an emergency contact list, and a teddy bear for your child. There are emergency kits that can be purchased online that can be used after an earthquake.

Courtesy Image from Ready

Also, keep a supply of flashlights with extra batteries instead of using your flashlight from your cell phone. Other necessary supplies that can be included in your backpack are gloves, whistle, a good pair of tennis shoes or a strong pair of weatherproof boots. Stocking up on water, can food, pet food, baby food, extra pair of clean clothes, and a can opener can be stored in an area in your home or in your automobile. Make sure you know all the exits from your home and have an emergency plan for evacuating your home. Always have a portable radio with extra batteries, crossword puzzles, or game boards to entertain the kids while you wait for the electricity to come back on after an earthquake.

Remain calm and keep the kids calm especially during aftershocks. Explain to your children what an earthquake is in their level of comprehension. Do practice earthquake drills once a month. Know the safest areas in your home. Here are more resources about National Preparedness Month. 

Earthquake Safety Tips-Save the Children:

Earthquake Safety Tips | Save the Children

The 8 Best Earthquake Kits of 2021:

The 8 Best Earthquake Kits of 2021 (thespruce.com)

Build a Kit-Ready Gov:

Build A Kit | Ready.gov

Preparing for an Earthquake-Natural Disasters and Severe Weather:

Preparing for an Earthquake | Natural Disasters and Severe Weather | CDC

* Courtesy Images from Ready