National Preparedness Month: A Time to Remember, A Time to Prepare

A Time to Prepare," is a campaign initiated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to encourage all Americans to take necessary steps to ensure their homes, workplaces, and communities are prepared for disasters and emergencies of all kinds. This year's campaign marks the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate emphasizes the importance of being prepared to respond and recover from all types of disasters and hazards. Understanding risks is the first step in preparation. It involves identifying potential hazards and assessing their likelihood and potential impact. A risk analysis tool can be used to determine the risk level, which can be categorized as none, low, moderate, or high. This information can then be used to develop a plan of action to mitigate the impact of the risk. The campaign provides a simplified version of a risk analysis tool, which includes categories such as biological threats, blackouts, chemical threats, earthquakes, and more. Effective communication is also crucial in preparation. Information can be categorized as either "pushed" or "pulled." Pushed information is typically alert systems, such as email, text messages, Twitter, sirens, and weather radios, which provide immediate notification of a threat. Pulled information, on the other hand, requires effort and often provides longer lead times before the threat is upon you. Examples of pulled information include experts in the field, public news, TV, websites, and research. A family communications plan is essential in preparation. This plan should include information on how to contact each other, where to meet, and how to stay informed. The campaign provides a sample family communications plan, which includes contact information, meeting points, and emergency contact numbers. In addition to a family communications plan, it is also essential to have a plan for short-term and longer-term physical needs. Short-term physical needs typically refer to the first 72 hours after a disaster, during which time basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter are essential. A 72-hour grab bag or go-bag should be prepared, which includes essential items such as food, water, first aid kit, and a battery-powered radio. Longer-term physical needs refer to the period after the initial 72 hours, during which time more extensive planning and preparation are necessary. This may include having a plan for extended loss of job, pandemic, or events that break down the supply line. The campaign provides information on how to prepare for longer-term events, including having a plan for alternative housing, food, and water. The preparation process can seem overwhelming, but it is essential to start with what can be done and build from there. The campaign emphasizes the importance of being informed, exercising plans, and taking action to reduce risk. By following these steps, individuals and communities can be better prepared to respond to and recover from disasters and emergencies. The campaign also emphasizes the importance of being aware of surroundings and being involved in community preparedness efforts. This can include participating in disaster action teams, citizen corps, and community emergency response teams. These organizations provide opportunities for individuals to participate in disaster preparedness and response efforts, and to make their communities safer and more resilient. In conclusion, National Preparedness Month 2011 is a campaign that emphasizes the importance of being prepared for disasters and emergencies. By understanding risks, communicating effectively, having a family communications plan, preparing for short-term and longer-term physical needs, exercising plans, and being involved in community preparedness efforts, individuals and communities can be better prepared to respond to and recover from disasters and emergencies.