The U.S. Department of Homeland Security launched the site Ready.gov to serve as the central information hub for the public to access crucial data and emergency preparedness tips that help them prepare for natural disasters. The site hosts an annual public awareness campaign each September; National Preparedness Month discusses necessary preparations every household needs to meet the most basic needs during a catastrophic disaster.
Every region in the U.S. is impacted by some type of natural weather event. In Missouri, strong tornadoes and flooding lead to power outages, limit access to clean drinking water and threaten the home. Here’s how to prepare for any emergency.
Table of Contents:
National Preparedness Month History
Start a Conversation About Emergency Prepping
Tips for Generator Safety
Learn the Best Way to Store Important Documents
Create an Emergency Preparedness Kit
The Importance of an Emergency Evacuation Plan
Preparing for a Major Power Outage
Key Takeaways:
During September, have a conversation about emergency preparedness. This month marks National Preparedness Month, and households should begin to make their emergency plan in the event of a major natural disaster or emergency. Pack an emergency kit, use a generator, and gather important documents. Proactive solutions minimize fearful and reactionary responses.
National Preparedness Month History
Each year, Ready.gov chooses a theme for National Preparedness Month. The 2024 theme is “Start a Conversation” and focuses on providing crucial emergency information to Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander areas and communities. The “Start a Conversation” materials offer plans, preparations, and tips for hurricanes and severe flooding (related to hurricanes and tropical storms).
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) initiated the National Preparedness Month campaign in 2021, choosing the theme “Prepare to Protect.” Every annual campaign features infographics and other materials for the public to use as guides for preparing for disasters and emergencies.
Start a Conversation About Emergency Prepping
The 2024 theme encourages conversations about preparing for natural disasters like hurricanes and tropical storms. Ready.gov aims to remove the fear and apprehension about discussing these topics, ensuring that every community is equipped with the tools they need to stay safe and meet their basic needs in the event of a severe disaster or emergency.
While this year’s materials emphasize hurricanes and prepping for these emergencies, midwest communities face the threat of severe storms and disastrous tornadoes. Preparing for a tornado requires communities and individuals to assess their emergency resources to ensure they have access to the tools they need when disaster strikes.
Discussing the possibility of a tornado feels overwhelming for some families, especially when parents must talk to their children about these emergencies. However, starting a conversation must translate into a positive and proactive conversation. Dispel the fear and focus on proactive approaches to staying safe in emergencies.
Use these tips to help discuss severe weather and tornado preparedness with children and others in the family:
Plan a family meeting to ensure everyone is available to talk and engage in a discussion.
Keep action plans simple for young children.
Focus on empowerment. Discuss safe places for sheltering in place during a severe storm or tornado.
Invite older children to participate in preparing.
Make a list of crucial items during an emergency. The list should include any important documents as well as supplies.
Tips for Generator Safety
While Ameren is fairly quick in responding to power outages during major storms, widespread outages lead to longer delays. Many families invest in a backup generator to power their home and keep the HVAC and major appliances operational during a long outage.
The American Red Cross offers safety tips for using a generator. It’s important never to handle a generator when hands are wet and never use the generator around water. Always allow generators to cool off after using them; never place a hot generator around flammable items. Parents should teach children to stay away from generators!
Learn the Best Way to Store Important Documents
Important legal and personal documents must be kept in a safe place with easy access during an emergency. These documents include birth certificates, social security cards, deeds, car titles, insurance policies, and other legal forms and paperwork.
A secure personal safe or a small waterproof and fireproof storage box are ideal for these documents. Small personal safes or storage boxes are available online and at many retail stores like Walmart and Target.
Create an Emergency Preparedness Kit
Every household should prepare an emergency kit with all the necessary items to meet basic needs. Children can help create emergency kits, and this activity can help them feel more empowered about preparing for an emergency. Comprehensive emergency kits should include the following:
A first aid kit (bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain reliever, gauze, medical tape, antihistamine, tweezers, scissors, antibiotic ointment, and any other necessary medication)
Batteries (different types)
Multiple flashlights
Matches
A radio
A charging station (for cell phones)
Clean bottled water (a gallon or more)
Nonperishable food items
Blankets
Cash
Masks
Garbage bags
Plastic sheets and tape
Whistle
Wrench and pliers
The Importance of an Emergency Evacuation Plan
Evacuation orders can happen during major natural disasters. In addition, a tornado could damage a home to such an extent that leaving the home is the only option. Know what to do during an emergency evacuation.
Choose where the family will meet and where to go during an evacuation. Have a list of what to pack (including important documents). However, in some cases, time is of the essence. Families may pack an emergency bag to grab during an evacuation.
Preparing for a Major Power Outage
Unfortunately, power outages commonly occur during major storms. Again, some families prepare for outages by investing in a backup generator. Households should have multiple flashlights, batteries, matches, candles, blankets, nonperishable food, clean water, and other necessities in a long-term outage. While Ameren offers rapid response to outages, widespread outages increase the likelihood of a long-term power outage. Prepare ahead of time!
Stay Safe and Start a Conversation About Emergency Preparedness
Families may shy away from discussing emergency situations with children, believing they protect them from a scary conversation. Do not miss the opportunity to prepare the family for a tornado or other emergency. Conversations about safety are empowering and enable children to feel prepared versus fearful. Pack an emergency kit, gather necessary supplies around the home, and be proactive instead of reactive. Have an emergency preparedness discussion today, and be prepared for any emergency!
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