September is National Preparedness Month

September is recognized as National Preparedness Month to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year.

The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) are encouraging residents to prepare for emergencies and disasters by taking simple steps to keep oneself and loved ones safe. Police say residents should have a plan in place with family and friends, build an emergency preparedness kit and to learn life-saving skills like CPR and first-aid.

MSP/EMHSD is joining federal, state and local governments, plus public and private organizations throughout the month in supporting emergency preparedness initiatives and encouraging residents to take action to prepare all throughout the month of September. The theme for this year’s preparedness actions is “Start A Conversation,” to encourage everyone to create a family plan and learn skills needed to help themselves until others arrive.

Emergency management officials say disaster can strike at any time, which is why they encourage all residents to develop a plan for when it does.

It’s best to first develop a plan and discuss it with your family, such as what to do in the event of a fire or if the power is out for an extended period of time. Make an emergency preparedness kit for your home and vehicle, with items like water, food and a first-aid kit. Engage your community to come up with a community disaster plan to allow neighbors to help one another in the event of a disaster, and talk to your children about your plan to ensure they understand what to do in case you become separated or what they can do to be involved.

To learn more about preparing for emergencies and disasters and making an emergency preparedness plan, visit michigan.gov/miready, or visit ready.gov.