National Preparedness Month - Be Ready for Emergencies

Contributed by Audra Stewart-Gordon, Community Health and Communications Coordinator

A box of matches, bottles of water, canned food, and a clipboard with a disaster prep list and whistle.

How prepared are you for an emergency? Would you know what to do if disaster struck, and do you have supplies to get you and your family through it?

September is National Preparedness Month, a time to remind everyone of the importance of being prepared for emergencies—big and small. Maine may not face some of the disasters other states do, but we still have unexpected events that can become crises, and we want our citizens to be prepared. 

You can never be too prepared! It can make all the difference in protecting your family, home, and peace of mind. Planning and taking simple steps now can reduce risks, minimize damage, and ensure your loved ones stay safe. 

Why it’s Essential to be Prepared

Emergencies happen when you least expect them. They can disrupt your daily life in ways you might not have imagined. When you’re in the middle of an emergency, it’s difficult to remember all the things you need to do to get through it. And a lack of supplies can exacerbate the emergency.

You can navigate the emergency more smoothly with preparation, practice, and planning. When emergencies strike, the time to prepare has already passed. Being proactive allows you to reduce risks, protect your family, and minimize potential damage to your home. 

When you’re prepared for an emergency, you’re also contributing to the greater safety of the entire community. The burden on emergency responders is lessened when each household is ready, and recovery efforts can happen faster and more efficiently. Taking the time now to prepare ensures that when the unexpected happens, you’ll be able to respond calmly and confidently, knowing that you’ve done everything possible to protect the people and things that matter most. 

If you and your family have experienced a disaster and need assistance: http://www.strengthenme.com

For more information on how you and your family can best prepare for an emergency: http://www.ready.gov

 

 

 

POSTTracey Carlsonclimate anxiety, national preparedness month, emergency preparedness, StrengthenME, HPM, BN