National Preparedness Month is an opportunity to be ready for anything. September is a transitional month. Students head back to school, the season starts its change, and summer’s heat begins to cool. But September is more than a month for transitions, it’s a month for being prepared. National Preparedness Month is observed every September and reminds us of the critical planning that can make a difference when the unexpected happens.
We asked our friends at SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties for their tips on how families can be ready for disaster. Here are five tips to keep in mind.
Are You Ready for National Preparedness Month?
Create an emergency kit.
According to SERVPRO, having an emergency kit ready to go is one of the more important steps you can take in being prepared for the unexpected. Your kit should include essentials like medications, first-aid, flashlights, batteries, water, non-perishable foods, and clothing, to name a few.
Ensure your insurance is up to date.
It’s wise to check in with your current insurance policies prior to any disaster to ensure your personal items and property are protected. You may also want to go a step further and create a list of all valuables, including the year, make, and model of expensive appliances to ensure any reimbursement is accurate.
Sign up for local alerts.
The deadliest thing about disasters is that they often happen when you least expect it. SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties suggests signing up for local alerts on your phone to stay in the know about emergency situations occurring or that are imminent in your community.
Safeguard important documents.
Think about it—do you know exactly where in your home your birth certificate is? What about your social security card, marriage or divorce papers, wills, IDs, or adoption papers? Having these items secured in one location, such as a fire-proof safe, can save you a lot of grief later on in the event the unexpected happens.
Prep your property before severe weather.
Before a severe storm or hurricane, preparing your property can help mitigate hazards and damage. Check for vulnerable trees on your property and cut back branches that may fall in high winds. Clear out any debris in your gutters to help prevent water from pooling and causing roof leaks. Store all outdoor furniture in a garage or basement. Prepping now could save you later.
Are you ready to get prepared? SERVPRO of Cape May & Cumberland Counties is here to assist you in creating a ready plan or Emergency READY Profile before an unexpected disaster. Contact them today to learn how they can help you be READY: 609-624-0202.
