MADISON — Some disasters cannot be avoided, but by taking time to plan and prepare, their impact can be reduced. Gov. Tony Evers declared September as Preparedness Month in Wisconsin to emphasize the need for individuals, families, and communities to prepare for disasters and emergencies.
“When everyone is prepared, it helps communities recover faster and become more resilient,” said Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle. “Preparing now keeps you safer, helps you stay calm, and makes sure you can handle whatever comes your way.”
During the month of September, ReadyWisconsin encourages everyone to prepare by keeping these four things in mind.
● Develop a family emergency plan. This should include what to do in the event an emergency or disaster forces you to remain at home for several days or you are forced to leave your home. Make sure the plan is practiced.
● Create an emergency supply kit. Gather key items to get through an emergency in one location, such as a first aid kit, nonperishable food, water, and flashlights. Remember to think about medical needs and don’t forget to include supplies for your pets. Make sure they are in waterproof and portable containers so you can take it with you in case you need to leave your home.
● Review and update your insurance. Check your home and vehicle insurance policies to make sure you have adequate coverage during an emergencies or disaster. Make sure you have access to your documents, whether they are in a waterproof container or accessible through the cloud.
● Stay informed. Know what disasters and potential risks that could happen where you live, work, or go to school. Make sure you have multiple ways to receive alerts. You can receive alerts several ways including a trusted weather app, Wireless Emergency Alerts, local news, or a community alert system such as Nixle or Code Red.
During the fall months, it is also important to take steps to mitigate the risks of potential disasters to your home. Mitigation is a way to lessen the impact of future disasters. Before the winter months arrive, consider trimming branches and cleaning your gutters of leaves and debris.
“Preparedness Month serves as a reminder that readiness is not just a precaution but a necessity,” said Engle. “Taking time to be ready empowers Wisconsinites to face emergencies with confidence and the ability to weather the storm.”
Preparedness Month is recognized every September across the country as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Ready Campaign. This year’s theme will focus on empowering Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities to act today to prepare for future risks and disasters.
For more safety tips, visit ReadyWisconsin at https://readywisconsin.wi.gov. ReadyWisconsin is a public safety campaign of Wisconsin Emergency Management, a division within the Department of Military Affairs.