(DES MOINES) ñ Gov. Terry E. Branstad has proclaimed September as Family Preparedness Month in Iowa.
National Preparedness Month was created in response to the terrorist attacks of 9/11. As this year marks the 10th anniversary of 9/11, we will remember those lost, honor our first responders, and renew our commitment to prepare and plan for all disasters and emergencies.
Iowans are being urged to take steps now to be prepared for emergencies and disasters.
“Ten years ago, Americans were caught by surprise by the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, D.C.,” said Branstad. “It is critically important for our Iowa families to have a plan in the event of an emergency. I am pleased today to sign this proclamation declaring September ‘Family Preparedness Month’ as a reminder to Iowa families to have an emergency plan.”
“We may not be able to prevent a terrorist act or a natural disaster, but there are things we can do to ensure our families and our communities are better prepared. We all have a role in preparedness,” noted Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division Administrator J. Derek Hill. “We continue to stress the importance of being prepared for any emergency or disaster, natural or human-made. The message is not just about preparedness, but is also about empowermentóindividuals can and do make a difference.”
There are three easy steps everyone can take to be more prepared for any emergency or disaster:
1. Put together an emergency supply kit with insurance and financial information, prescription medications and other items you may need if you cannot return home for several days or even longer.
2. Write a family emergency plan. Work with family members to so you will know who to contact if you are separated in an emergency, and where to go if you are told to evacuate.
3. Be aware of the risks in your community. Listen to radio and television stations for the latest warnings and watches. Purchase a NOAA weather radio for your home or business to be alerted to severe weather or flooding conditions in your area.
Employers and businesses need to plan how they will survive a disaster, back up critical information, develop a plan for assisting employees on site, establish a call tree to account for employees, and identify back-up sources of power and supplies.
Schools need to develop, implement, and communicate a crisis plan with their staff and students. See the U.S. Department of Education’s Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools Technical Assistance Center at http://rems.ed.gov/.
Learn more at www.BeReady.iowa.gov.|
