Tips For Prepping For Disaster Offered During Prep Month

PINEVILLE — September is National Preparedness Month – an opportunity for families everywhere to prepare for emergencies. We know McDonald County is at risk for floods, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, ice storms and disease outbreaks. By getting prepared now, you can help protect your family. It’s simple, really – just three steps: plan, prepare, practice.

Plan

Make sure your family has an emergency response plan. Everyone should know where to go and what to do if an emergency happens. Disasters may occur while your family is separated – at school, work or activities. Select a family meeting place outside your home, in case your home is damaged or streets are blocked. Direct family members to text or call a family member or friend who lives outside of the area if local phone lines are not accessible.

Prepare

Build a three-day emergency kit. Include everything you would need to survive for 72 hours completely on your own. Pack it in a portable container so that you can take it with you if you need to evacuate. The kit should include at least the following:

Three gallons of water for each person Dried or non-perishable food and snacks and a manual can opener

Flashlight with extra batteries

Battery-powered radio or crank radio

First aid kit

Prescription medications eyeglasses, diapers, infant formula or other needed items

Food and water for pets

Comfort items like blankets, coloring books, etc.

Hand sanitizer, toilet paper

Change of clothing

Cash trashin small bills bagsand

Important legal papers

Practice

Practice your plan with your family at least twice a year. This will help everyone to become more familiar with the plan. It may also identify anything you forgot or anything that doesn’t work.

You can’t prevent all emergencies from occurring, but knowing that your family is ready for a disaster will give you peace of mind and free you up to help others in our community who find themselves unprepared.