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The original item was published from 9/12/2019 12:51:00 PM to 9/12/2019 12:52:21 PM.
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Posted on: September 12, 2019[ARCHIVED] September is National Preparedness Month
Village of Westmont
Date Issued: September 12, 2019
September is FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) “National Preparedness Month”. National Preparedness Month is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster and emergency planning now and throughout the year. The 2019 theme is "Prepared, Not Scared." Here are some ways that you and your family can be prepared:
Save Early for Disaster Costs
- Check your insurance coverage and review the Document and Insure Property guide
- Visit Floodsmart.gov to learn more about flood insurance and how to protect your home or business
- Plan financially for the possibility of disaster
- Complete an Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK)
- Most homeowners’ and renters’ insurance does not cover flood damage. Learn more about flood insurance at FloodSmart.gov
- Snap photos of important documents and personal belongings to help you quickly file an insurance claim after a flood.
- It takes 30 days for most flood insurance policies to go into effect. Don’t wait until it’s too late!
- Are you financially prepared for a natural disaster? Learn how to make a plan with @CFPB’s tips: https://go.usa.gov/xPbJv
- What important documents should you have for an emergency? Download the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit, which will walk you through the planning process: https://go.usa.gov/xypkQ
- Keep some cash on hand in case of emergencies, since ATMs and credit card readers won’t always be available. Cash can help pay for immediate expenses like lodging, food and gas.
- Set aside a small amount from each paycheck to go into your savings account. Find more tips to help you manage your money to be prepared for the unexpected: https://www.usa.gov/flec
Make a Plan
- Be Prepared. Make an emergency plan today & practice it: https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan
- Preparing your family for an emergency is as simple as a conversation over dinner. Get started today: www.ready.gov/plan
- It’s important to include kids in the disaster planning process. Review your family emergency plan together so that they know what to do even if you are not there.
- Practice your fire escape plan by having a home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the home.
- Download a group texting app so your entire circle of family and friends can keep in touch before, during & after an emergency.
- Practice evacuating in the car with your animals, so they’re more familiar if you need to evacuate in an emergency.
- Be prepared. Get the @fema app with weather alerts for up to 5 locations, plus disaster resources and safety tips: fema.gov/mobile-app
- Contact your water and power companies to get on a “priority reconnection service” list of power-dependent customers if you rely on electrical medical equipment.
- Learn how to turn off utilities like natural gas in your home.
- Be prepared for a power outage by having enough food, water, & meds to last for at least 72 hours.
Youth Preparedness
- Teach children what to do in an emergency if they are at home or away from home.
- Help your kids know how to communicate during an emergency. Review these topics with them: Sending text message; Emergency contact numbers; Dialing 9-1-1 for help.
- Update school records and discuss emergency contact numbers with kids before they go.
- Add your kids’ school’s social media info to the family communication plan.
- Start talking with your children early about money. Include kids in discussions about saving for a disaster.
- Review your family emergency communications plan with kids at your next household meeting.
- Include your child's medication or supplies in your family’s emergency kit.
- Include your child's favorite stuffed animals, board games, books or music in their emergency kit to comfort them in a disaster.
- Get the kids involved in building their own emergency kit: https://www.ready.gov/kids/build-a-kit#ReadyKids%20#PreparedNotScared
- Kids can #BeAForce... by playing the online emergency preparedness "Build a Kit" game: www.ready.gov/kids/games
- Speak Up! Ask your child’s teacher about the plans the school has in place for emergencies.
- Teaching kids about disaster prep is important.
Get Involved in Your Community’s Preparedness
- Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) trains volunteers to prepare for the types of disasters that their community may face. Find your local CERT: https://community.fema.gov/Register/Register_Search_Programs
- Learn about the hazards most likely to affect your community and their appropriate responses.
- Every community has voluntary organizations that work during disasters.
- Encourage students to join Teen CERT so they can respond during emergencies. Learn more: www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/28048
- Your community needs YOU! Find youth volunteer and training opportunities to help your community here: www.ready.gov/youth-preparedness
- Finding support from friends, family, and community organizations can help kids cope with disasters.
- Take classes in lifesaving skills such as CPR/AED and first aid, or in emergency response, such as CERT.
- Check in with neighbors to see how you can help each other out before and after a storm.
If you have a disability, plan ahead for accessible transportation that you may need for evacuation or getting to a medical clinic. Work with local services, public transportation or paratransit to identify accessible transportation options. You can also contact your city or county government’s emergency management agency or office. Many keep lists of people with disabilities so they can be helped quickly in a sudden emergency. www.ready.gov/disability
The Westmont Emergency Management Agency (EMA) helps the Village of Westmont be prepared for emergency situations. The Westmont EMA consists of community volunteers who have been trained to assist our professional emergency service personnel for a variety of situations and duties. The EMA is charged with the task of assisting in the coordination of all governmental and non-governmental agencies in time of emergency and disaster, and providing the unique skills and capabilities related to disaster preparedness. For more information or to sign up to be a volunteer visit: https://westmont.illinois.gov/index.aspx?nid=192
For more Emergency Preparedness Resources from Dupage County Homeland Security and Emergency Management please visit:
https://www.dupageco.org/OHSEM/Emergency_Preparedness
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Contact: Larry McIntyre
Village of Westmont
Communications Director/PIO
630-417-0280
lmcintyre@westmont.il.gov
