Do you know what to do when disaster strikes? Do you, your family, neighbors, and co-workers have a plan in the event of a fire, medical emergency, or extreme weather?
National Preparedness Month is a time for residents to plan ahead. Being ready during an emergency is not just about personal safety; it is about protecting loved ones and first responders, who risk their own well-being to protect others. Oakland County Homeland Security is helping residents during National Preparedness Month with the “Your Emergency Plan” downloadable form.
Background
National Preparedness Month began after the September 11th terrorist attack in 2001 as part of a broader effort to better-prepare citizens’ ability to respond to a variety of natural and manmade disasters.
What Should You Do?
This year, the Oakland County Homeland Security Division has customized a list of weekly themes for Oakland County residents that includes tips, actions items, and tools to use each week during National Preparedness Month to get you and your family prepared. View their full list, here: National Preparedness Month
Week 1 – September 1-9: Create an Emergency Plan for your family
Week 2 – September 10-16: Plan Financially for the Possibility of Disaster
Week 3 – September 17-23: Practice and Improve your Plans
Week 4 – September 24-30: Help your Neighbor and Community
Of course, emergency preparedness is important every month of the year. There are many ways to stay involved after September. Whether you volunteer for disaster training, teach preparedness to others in your neighborhood, or promote preparedness online, there are many ways to make a difference in your community.
Oak Alert
Part of being prepared for disaster is knowing when danger is on the horizon. OakAlert, Oakland County Homeland Security’s emergency notification system, is an opt-in program that warns residents via text message or email in the event of an emergency, disaster, or hazardous situation. Residents can subscribe to the service free of charge on the Oakland County Homeland Security website.*
For more information on emergency planning and National Preparedness Month, visit ready.gov, the Oakland County Homeland Security website as well as their Facebook page. Join the conversation by using #NatlPrep for more emergency preparedness information all month.
*Standard messaging rates may apply.
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