SAFE IN 60
Safe in 60: Make a Plan to Be Prepared
Sep 10, 2018, 7:00 AM | Updated: 8:02 am
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – September is National Preparedness Month, and it’s a great time to prepare ourselves and our families for disasters that may happen.
Utah has had its share of disasters, such as wildfires, severe weather, flooding, drought, land slides, blizzards, earthquakes and power outages. It’s a good idea to be ready in case you need to leave your home for several days.
What are your resources?
Getting prepared takes some planning and time. The National Preparedness website has a weekly plan for September to help keep you on track. Here in Utah, Be Ready Utah has also listed resources and information on their website to provide ideas of where to start.
The most important thing you can do this month: make a plan with your family. Where will you meet in an emergency? How will you contact each other if your cell phones don’t work? What are possible evacuation routes from your home, place of work or school?
September is also a great month to learn lifesaving skills such as CPR and first aid, or a time to check your insurance policies to make sure you have appropriate coverage.
What should you have handy?
Another way you can be prepared: gather supplies for you and your family. It’s a good idea to have an emergency backpack ready at work or in the trunk of your car, as well as a three day supply of food and water at home.
Here are some of the most important items to have on hand:
- Water: plan on one gallon per person per day.
- Non-perishable food and a way to access it such as a can opener.
- First aid kit, including any special medications you need on hand.
- Flashlight with extra batteries.
- Portable radio.
- Whistle to signal for help.
- Duct tape and plastic sheeting in case you need to build a shelter.
- Tool to turn off utilities.
- Local maps – remember, cell phones and GPS may not work.
You’ll find a list of other items to have on hand here.
Utahns are known for our generosity and willingness to help. September is also a great time to get involved. There are many ways to volunteer. You can join the The Red Cross or become part of a community emergency response team.
Additional resources:
https://www.ready.gov/september
