Are you prepared for a disaster?

As I write this column, in the first week of September, Hurricane Irma bears down on the United States. It therefore strikes me as ironic that September is National Preparedness Month.

Sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (part of the Department of Homeland Security) National Preparedness Month encourages Americans to prepare for emergencies at home, at their workplaces, schools and communities at large.

National Preparedness Month is one part of a government effort to strengthen the United States’ preparedness capabilities when facing any hazard — natural disaster or terrorist attack. The national preparedness plan includes prevention, protection, response and recovery efforts.

The aim of National Preparedness Month is to encourage individuals to take important steps to prepare beforehand rather than after an emergency. One step would be getting an emergency supply kit assembled.

The kit should have one gallon of water per person per day with additional water for pets with a three day minimum supply. Include a two weeks supply of non-perishable food; a manual can opener, flashlight with extra batteries, a battery powered/​hand-crank radio, a first aid kit, a seven day supply of medications and medical supplies, sanitation and hygiene items, a multi-purpose tool (i.e. Swiss Army knife), blankets, and cell phones with chargers (manual crank chargers preferably; these are found in camping/​travel catalogues).

Include extra cash; your local bank may be closed/​ATM not working. Maps of your local area are helpful in planning escape routes when your usual routes are blocked. An extra set of car and house keys should be in your kit. Copies of all important records — birth certificates, Social Security cards, driver’s licenses, credit cards, the deed or lease of your home, passports, insurance policies and family contact information — should be placed in a waterproof file or bag.

Pack the emergency kit items in clearly labeled, easy-to-carry containers and store where they are easily accessible. Sheltering at home or evacuating you will need quick access. Regularly check expiration dates on food, water, and batteries and replace as needed.

Also, collect everyoneís pertinent information and create a paper copy. Include everyone’s phone numbers (work, cell, home); email addresses (both nuclear and extended family); social media contact information; medical information (medicines — dosage/​frequency); doctors and service providerís names and contact information; and school contact information. Make sure everyone has a copy of this written information in their backpack, wallet or purse. Post a copy for quick retrieval on the refrigerator/​family message center.

Select a place where you would meet during different types of disaster. Where you arrange to meet after a tornado might be different from where to meet if there is a wildfire or flood. Select places in your neighborhood ñ at the end of your driveway or a neighbor’s house; outside the neighborhood — local community center, library, or disaster center; and outside of your town ñ the home of a friend or relative.

The community locations should be ones that your family already knows. If family members have mobility problems make sure the location is accessible or have a plan to adapt the location for accessibility.

Assessing the different possible emergencies includes exiting your home. Make sure your family knows at least two ways out of every room in your home. Just as fire can block an exit, so can a tree through the roof or debris block an exit.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has an extensive website — www.ready.gov — that outlines what families should do to prepare for various types of emergencies.

Mrs. Theil is a child advocate in Wayne and Holmes counties. She can be contacted at [email protected].