September is National Preparedness Month, an annual opportunity to help raise awareness of the importance of preparing for emergencies. National Preparedness Month, an annual campaign that encourages people across the nation to prepare for natural, man-made, and technological disasters at their homes, businesses and neighborhoods.
The 2023 theme is “Take Control in 1, 2, 3”. Focusing on preparing older adults for disasters, specifically older adults from communities that are disproportionally impacted by the all-hazard events, which continue to threaten the nation.
Older adults often face greater risks when it comes to the multitude of extreme weather events and emergencies we now face, especially if they are living alone, are low-income, have a disability, or live in rural areas. Emergencies often come with little warning, but there are steps all Nevadans can take that could save lives.
“Today is the perfect time to prepare yourself and those you love for unexpected emergencies or disasters,” said DEM Chief Dave Fogerson. “We’re encouraging Nevadans to find out what hazards could affect their areas and then take actions to increase their preparedness measures with the tips outlined below,” said DEM Chief Dave Fogerson. “From government to businesses to families, everyone has a role to play in preparedness.”
Throughout September, the Nevada Division of Emergency Management / Homeland Security will highlight six essentials of preparedness to help the community prepare for disasters.
• Build a Kit. An emergency supply kit is a collection of basic items people might need in an emergency. An emergency kit should contain essential supplies, equipment and food for all family members to last for at least three days. Remember, disaster can happen at any time, having a supply kit at home, place of work, and in the car is the best way to prepare for the unexpected.
Items in the kit can include, but are not limited to, a battery powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, shelf-stable food, a flashlight, a first aid kit, a whistle to signal for help, plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place, manual can opener, moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation and local maps.
• Make a Plan. Every family should have their own emergency plan that includes how to communicate during disasters and where to meet if they can’t make it home. Emergencies and disasters can happen anywhere, anytime, to anyone; so planning ahead of time is the best way to prepare.
• Stay Informed. The first step to being prepared is being informed. One of the best ways to stay informed is through emergency alerts. Receive text, calls or emails about weather advisories and other emergencies in your community. Everyone is encouraged to sign up for alerts and learn about different ways to stay informed about receiving emergency alerts and information through wireless emergency alerts, the Emergency Alert System, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and local television and radio stations.
• Get Involved. Becoming active with local response and recovery partners is a great way to get involved before and after an emergency.
• Know Your Hazards. Identify the hazards at home, work or your commuting route, and learn ways to prepare for them. Once people know their hazards, they can take steps to obtain the right insurance coverage, make home modifications to make property more earthquake, flood and wind resistant, and prepare an emergency supply kit.
• Learn a Skill. Knowing a skill - such as hands-only CPR, how to stop uncontrolled bleeding, how to use a fire extinguisher, and how to safely turn off utilities - can help friends, family or bystanders until first responders arrive.
For more information about emergency preparedness, follow us at https://dem.nv.gov/.