Once again, we roll around to September and the official National Preparedness Month. As we do each year, this can prompt us to reflect on what preparations we have made, which we still have on your To Do list, and any changes that may have occurred that would cause us to alter our plans. I think given that last two years, we should have a much different mindset that we would have in September 2019. Thankfully, we also seem to be in a better place now as far as access to supplies than we were in September 2020.
As it does each year, Ready.gov has posted helpful lists and documents. I am going to post some links to a few because I always feel you should use any and every resource at hand to develop the best plan possible.
One new one this year is a simple index card sized checklist. It is very general, but I like the fact that it would be easy to print and hand out to open the conversation about disaster planning. It could be used to educate people in town halls, neighborhood meetings, or church events. I think it would be good anywhere you might want to spark discussion without getting bogged down in complex detail.
Ready.gov – 12 Ways to Prepare Postcard
There is also a download centered on family communication planning. I feel in lots of cases this is a very overlooked item. Most people are so accustomed to being able to grab their cell phone and call/text/Snapchat/etc. the rest of the family that they assume that is enough plan. It is not enough based on lessons learned from past disasters such as 9/11 and Katrina.
Ready.gov – Create Your Family Emergency Communication Plan
Another list to review and refresh as lots of us return to the workplace after working from home during COVID19 restrictions is for commuters, What changes do you need to reflect on this list that are different from last year?
Ready.gov – Commuter Emergency Plan
Another form of disaster, or often a result of one, is related to finances. It often gets overlooked in many discussions, but can be more devastating that a hurricane or earthquake. Many have felt the financial crunch as a result of the COVID19 pandemic. Here is a packet of info posted that discusses this.
Ready.gov – Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK)
They even have a Rainy-Day Fund graphic.
Good luck this month as you review and revise your plans. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to contact me via the contact page or in the comments.