A Time to Remember; A Time to Prepare
September is National Preparedness Month
This September marks the 10-year anniversary of the tragic terrorist attacks of 9/11 that included a jet airplane crashing into the Pentagon on Virginia soil, killing 125 military and civilian workers and all 64 people on the plane.
In observing the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, we can honor the memory of
those who were lost by making sure we are ready to respond to all types of
disasters and emergencies. There is no better time for Virginians to get ready
for emergencies than September, which is National Preparedness Month.
Those who are prepared for emergencies recover faster and can help others who
also may be affected. Every family and business can take just a few simple steps
to prepare and protect your family and your assets:
Make an emergency plan. In a recent survey, just 15% of Virginia respondents
had a written family emergency plan. This may be the single most important thing
you can do for your family. Plan in advance what you will do in an emergency and
how you will get in touch with each other. Write it down. Get a family emergency
plan worksheet at www.ReadyVirginia.gov
Store at least a three-day supply of water and food. The rule of thumb is to
store one gallon of water per person per day. That is enough for drinking,
cooking and personal hygiene. Be sure to have canned and packaged food on hand
that does not need electricity to store or prepare, in case the power is out.
Get a battery-powered and/or hand-crank radio. To stay informed if the power is
out, you’ll need a radio to hear instructions from local officials. Make sure
you have extra batteries, and choose one with a NOAA Weather Band so you’ll get
weather information direct from the National Weather Service.
The following links provide additional emergency preparedness information and
opportunities to get involved in National Preparedness Month!
http://www.vaemergency.com/
http://www.citizencorps.gov/index.shtm
http://community.fema.gov/connect.ti/READYNPM
