Emergency Preparedness: National Preparedness Month

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National Preparedness Month is observed each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. This year’s Preparedness month theme, created by FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency), emphasizes that preparation for a disaster helps create a lasting legacy for you and your family.

This month, Tigard CERT will again be displaying preparedness info and items at the Tigard Library. Please drop by to take a look!

The items below review some of the topics we’ve covered in this column previously, but all deserve special attention every year.

Make A Resolution to be Prepared

Here’s a summary of actions FEMA suggests that you can take to ensure that you’re prepared.

  • Make an emergency plan: choose a safe place to meet, learn evacuation routes, and establish an out-of-town contact.
  • Take a current photo of you and your pet together in case you get separated during a disaster.
  • Get to know your neighbors and invite them to be a part of your emergency plan.
  • Snap photos of important documents and save them in a secure place or online.
  • Set up group text lists so you can communicate with friends and family during emergencies.
  • Take a class in CPR and first aid.
  • Keep and update emergency supplies; remember to include cash.
  • Have back-up power sources available to charge devices in case of a power outage.
  • Snap pictures of your property for insurance purposes.
  • Check your insurance for coverage on disasters like floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes.
  • Sign up for alerts and warnings. Download the FEMA app to get real-time alerts, safety tips, and locate open shelters.
  • Save for a rainy day! Start and grow your emergency fund.
  • Financially prepare for the New Year. Find out how with the FEMA Emergency Financial First Aid Kit.
  • Spend within your means. Use a personal budgeting worksheet to help plan for holiday expenses and beyond.
  • Build up your savings. Put a small amount in your account the first of every month beginning January 1.

Tigard CERT Inc. is a local non-profit organization allied with the City of Tigard that trains volunteers in basic emergency response and organizational skills following the Federal Emergency Management Agency model and guidelines for local Community Emergency Response Teams. For more information about Tigard CERT, please visit our website at tigardcert.wordpress.com.

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