How to Participate in National Preparedness Month 2022

National Preparedness Month is observed every September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. Ready.gov provides a theme each year for preparedness month. The 2022 theme is “A Lasting Legacy: The Life You’ve Built is Worth Protecting.” Prepare for disasters to create a lasting legacy for you and your family.

Each week in September, Ready.gov’s campaign will focus on a different aspect of preparedness for individuals, families, and communities. The themes are as follows:

• Week 1: Build a Kit with Everyone in Mind

  • For everyone in your home, gather supplies that can last several days after a disaster.

  • Consider the unique needs of your family. Include supplies that might be needed by pets, older adults, and those with disabilities in the event of an emergency.

• Week 2: Make a Plan to Prepare for Disasters

  • Make a plan that:

    • Considers any special needs your family might have.

    • Ensures your kids know important phone numbers.

    • Includes learning your evacuation routes.

  • Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security recommends having a plan specifically detailing:

    • How you will get to a safe place

    • How you will contact each other

    • How you will get back together and

    • What you will do in different situations.

• Week 3: Protect Your Family and Your Property from Disasters

  • Be informed about the types of disasters that could happen in your area, which could call for an evacuation and when to shelter in place.

  • Keep an NOAA Weather Radio tuned to your local emergency station, monitor TV and radio, and follow mobile alerts and warnings about severe weather in your area.

  • Download the FEMA app and get weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States.

• Week 4: Teach Youth to Prepare for Disasters

  • Prepare your kids for disasters and emergencies. Take time to make a plan and have conversations about preparedness. Help them know how to stay safe and navigate potentially scary situations.

  • Disasters can leave children and teens feeling frightened, confused and insecure. Their responses can be quite varied. It's important to not only recognize these reactions, but also help children cope with their emotions.

For more information about disaster preparedness, follow ServiceMaster DSI on Facebook and LinkedIn. Should you experience water, fire or mold damage to your home due to an unexpected disaster, we are here to help clean up and restore your property. Reach us any time, day or night, at 50923">50923.