September is National Preparedness Month, a campaign from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. As Hurricane Florence comes towards the East Coast and possibly have an impact on the National Capital Region, FEMA and Ready Army encourages individuals to be prepared for possible disasters.
The Ready Army campaign encourages people to be informed, make a plan, build a kit, and get involved.
According to the Ready Army website, people should listen to local mass warning notifications for possible danger and to act when that time occurs.
“Stay tuned into what Florence is doing, and check on your neighbors now. Have a plan,” stated MaryAnn Tierney, FEMA Region III regional administrator in a statement. “Everyone, especially those who are at greatest risk of being impacted by this storm, should start preparing now by seeing what they may need in an emergency and preparing for any possible impacts from Florence. Be the help in your neighborhood to ensure that everyone is taking action to prepare, including at risk populations.”
FEMA suggests downloading their app, listening to the local radio, and signing up for Wireless Emergency Alerts.
Families should also make a plan for different situations, and know how to get in contact with one another and what roles people would have. Ready Army said thinking of the “five Ws” (who, what, when, where, and why) will help determine a plan for Families to remain safe.
In addition to making a family plan, Families should also build a kit to include items that may be needed in case of an emergency. Ready Army suggests that there should be enough to last three days. Some of the items that the website suggests includes:
- Water — at least one gallon per person per day for at least three days
- Food — nonperishable food for at least three days. Consider items that do not require cooking and will maintain freshness for several months such as canned food, energy bars, freeze dried foods, and dehydrated foods.
- Formula and diapers for infants
- Food, water, other supplies, and documents for pets
- Manual can opener
- Flashlight, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration battery-powered weather radio, battery-powered cellphone charger, and extra batteries
- First aid kit and prescription medications
- Sanitation supplies such as moist towelettes, disinfectant, and garbage bags
- Important documents in watertight packaging — personal, financial, and insurance
- Local maps and command reporting information
- Five-gallon bucket with plastic bags for use as a portable toilet
- Cash in small denominations
Finally, besides preparing their own Families, individuals should help prepare their communities. FEMA suggests people check with their local officials for what resources and plans there are in place as well as check on their neighbors.
Pentagram Staff Writer Abigail Kelly can be reached at akelly@dcmilitary.com.