September is National Preparedness Month: “Prepared, Not Scared”

LENOIR, NC (September 6, 2019) — Caldwell County Health Department would like to remind our residents that September is a good time to prepare – not only for the next hurricane, tornado, or flood – but for any emergency that might put you and your family at risk. In today’s world we need to be prepared for many kinds of emergencies, whether caused by disease outbreaks, hurricanes, wildfires, severe weather, earthquakes or an act of terrorism.

Ready.gov has launched a preparedness campaign this month with weekly topics. The Caldwell County Health Department is utilizing this information on our Facebook page. For more information visit our Facebook page.

Week 1: Save Early and Plan for Disaster Costs

* Check your insurance coverage and make sure that your current plans/polices have you and your family fully covered

* Most homeowners and renters’ insurance does not cover flood damage. Visit Floodsmart.gov to learn about flood insurance and how to protect your home or business

* Snap photos of important documents and personal belongings to help you quickly file insurance claims after a flood.

* Start talking to your children early about money and include them in discussions about saving for a disaster.

* According to the Federal Reserve, 40% of Americans don’t have $400 in savings. Make sure you are prepared to handle costs after the disaster. You can find tools to help guide you at ready.gov

Week 2: Make a Plan

* Make a Family Emergency Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency

* Preparing your family for an emergency can be as simple as a dinner conversation

* It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.

* You may also want to inquire about emergency plans at places where your family spends time: work, childcare and school. If no plans exist, consider volunteering to help create one

* Practice your plans annually so you are familiar with the procedures

Week 3: Youth Preparedness

* Teach your children what to do during an emergency if they are at home alone or out of town

* Help your kids know how to communicate during an emergency. Review different methods of communication

* Update school records and emergency contact numbers

* Include your children’s medication or other needed supplies in an emergency kit

* Include your child’s favorite board games, stuffed animal, board games, etc. in an emergency kit

Week 4: Get Involved in Your Community’s Preparedness

* Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTS) trains volunteers to prepare for the types of disaster that our community might face. Find your local CERT team and get involved.

* Be familiar with the most common disaster that your community might face

* Encourage youth to get involved in community preparedness

* Check in with neighbors to see how you can help each other before and after a disaster strikes

The information above is a just a sample of what residents can do to prepare. For more information about preparedness, contact Caldwell County Health Dept. Preparedness Coordinator at (828) 426-8461. Additional information can be found at the following websites:

* www.caldwellcountync.org

* www.readync.org

* www.ready.gov

* www.bt.cdc.gov

* www.redcross.org

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