National Preparedness Month happens in September to promote family and community disaster and emergency planning.
The theme for this year is “Prepared, Not Scared”, and there are a variety of ways that individuals, companies and organizations can help people feel prepared when it comes to possible disasters and emergencies.
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Have a plan in place. First off, everyone needs a plan, whether they are at home, outside or in the office. This includes knowing where to exit/evacuate and understanding the procedures and steps to take, if necessary.
Pro Tip: Gift employees, clients and fans with power banks so that phones will be charged up and ready to call 911 if need be.
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And have a back-up plan. The safety of humans is the top priority when disaster strikes, but often times, buildings, resources and belongings can get destroyed or lost. Before an emergency situation ever comes about, you need to make sure that insurance is set up and that important documents are backed up, just in case.
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Give everyone a role. Families, offices and other groups should talk about who does what in one of these situations… these situations that will bring distress and panic. So even if a prepared plan does not go as it should, it will make everyone feel safer knowing that they have a part to play.
Pro Tip: Make sure everyone has necessary tools, such as flashlights, which could come in very handy.
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Create a kit. Another way to be prepared is to have a kit. In the car, for instance, people may choose to carry tire gauges and ice scrapers, while at work, people can stash first aid kits and multi-tools in their desks. Better safe than sorry!
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Focus on prevention. Of course, one of the best ways to make sure disaster doesn’t strike and an emergency situation doesn’t come up is through prevention. Award those who are being safe and smart. Incentivize people to promote being prepared. Give talks and resources full of tips and stats. In short… be prepared, not scared.