September is National Preparedness Month and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA is urging Americans to take emergency preparedness seriously. Lea Crager is director of the Ready Campaign, which is designed to help residents prepare for and respond to emergencies, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think the one really good thing we can say about 2020 is it has been the year that has really got to the forefront for everyone how important it is to be prepared for any type of emergency or disaster situation. You can talk and talk about it a lot, but until something really major happens a lot of people don’t pay attention.”
This year’s campaign message is “Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today.” Crager says everyone should have the basics in place.
“Take the time with your family or your neighbors and just have a conversation so people know if you can’t reach me at this number, or if you can’t get to a certain location. And then at your home you can have the normal things. You can have nonperishable food, canned food, you know, just some bottles of water, things that you keep around normally. But most importantly I like to tell people, if you’re on any type of prescription medication, to have an extra supply.”
According to FEMA’s most recent National Household Survey, nearly 60% of Americans consider themselves prepared for an emergency, but 10% still see no need to prepare.
Visit Ready.gov for more information.
