As peak hurricane season nears, with Hermine having just passed by the NYC metro area over Labor Day weekend, we think it’s a good moment to take stock of your emergency preparedness. Should an unforeseen situation arise, it’s wise to have a plan you can easily put into action to keep you and your loved ones safe. Fortunately, it’s National Preparedness Month! Here are 5 timely tips you can put into action now to prepare for an emergency.

5 emergency preparedness tips*:

1. Sign up for local alerts. During an emergency, local alerts can provide critical information that will help you and your family stay safe. If your area provides local alerts (here in NYC we have a system called Notify NYC), sign up for them now. You’ll also want to monitor local news and weather. You may want to download the FEMA app too—it includes National Weather service alerts, safety tips and reminders, a shelter finder, and resources for contacting FEMA in the event of an emergency.
2. Create an emergency plan. It’s essential to create an emergency plan so you don’t have to improvise one on the fly under stressful conditions if a disaster happens. Don’t forget to factor in the special needs and requirements of your relatives and loved ones with disabilities. If your family includes pets, be sure to create a pet emergency plan as well. If your school or workplace has an emergency plan, you’ll want to review it. Test your emergency plan at least once a year and update it regularly too.
3. Create an emergency communication plan. If a disaster strikes, it may be difficult to communicate with your loved ones. Part of a good emergency plan involves having an emergency communications plan that can help you plan how to stay in touch before and after a disaster as well as how to coordinate a safe location where you can meet up.
4. Get your emergency kit ready. If an emergency hits your area, you might need to have supplies on hand that can last you several days. Make sure you have an emergency kit that includes food, water, and medicine for your family and pets. We have several custom branded emergency disaster kits available that include US Coast Guard approved food and water, a thermal rescue blanket, a flashlight, guide, gloves, and other important tools you would need in the event of a disaster. Our disaster kits can even be customized to your specific needs.
5. Learn about your community’s preparedness. Should a disaster strike your community, you will need to know what preparedness plans are in place and what kind of local assistance you can expect. Get in touch with local officials to learn about their community disaster plan and review a copy, if possible, to make sure you are informed. NYC residents, for example, can access a wealth of information at the NYC Office of Emergency Management’s National Preparedness Month site.

If you are looking for branded emergency preparedness products or need guidance on an emergency preparedness campaign you may have in mind, we can assist. Get in touch with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on the right products that can help you and your community get prepared.

* These tips were sourced from Ready.gov. They do not constitute professional emergency preparedness advice. For guidance specific to your own situation, be sure to consult your local authorities.