Be prepared for disasters

September is National Preparedness Month, and the National Fire Protection Association has suggestions to help the public prepare for a disaster before one strikes.

"Get Ready! Preparing Your Community for a Disaster" is a disaster preparedness guide developed by the association to make the task of preparing for the unknown more manageable. The kit was recently sent to 30,000 fire departments across the country as a resource for them to help their communities prepare. Materials are also available for download at no charge from www.nfpa.org/disaster. Most materials are also available in Spanish.

Informational sheets provide guidance on what to do before, during and after an incident on the following topics: home fires, blackouts, hurricanes, landslides, thunderstorms, tornadoes, earthquakes, national security, volcanoes, extreme heat, nuclear incidents, wildfires, floods, older adults, winter storms, hazardous materials, people with disabilities and pets. The guide also provides a lesson plan and presentation materials, making conducting a workshop easy. A family emergency plan is available for download as well as an emergency supplies kit checklist.

Have an emergency plan that includes:

•Escape and evacuation routes

•Family communications •Utility shut-off and safety •Vital records •Specific needs •Caring for animals

•Safety skills

Get an emergency supplies kit that at a minimum includes:

•Bottled water: A minimum three-day supply of water. A seven-day supply is best, with a three-day supply ready to take with you. One gallon of water per person, per day is recommended.

•Food: Avoid foods that cause thirst. Include canned foods, dry mixes and other nonperishable food. Remember to include a hand-operated can opener.

•A battery-powered radio with extra batteries or a handcrank radio

•Flashlights and extra batteries •First aid kit

•Sanitation and hygiene items

•Matches in a waterproof container

•A whistle •Extra clothing

•Cooking utensils

•Photocopies of credit and identification cards

•Cash •Items for infants •Specific needs items •A personal pack for children