September is National Preparedness Month

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)-  National Preparedness Month is observed during September to stress the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time.

“Do you know of evacuation routes? If you have to leave do you know where you’re going to go? Are you going to go stay with the family or friend and if you have pets are you bringing them with you because a lot of these evacuation shelters don’t take pets.”

The program is broken down into weeks starting with September 1-4, make a plan if what to do in an emergency.

“And if they don’t congregate in the same area they take a chance of going back into the house looking for their loved one putting not only themselves endanger their lives in danger, but it also puts those first responders at risk if they have to go back in looking for somebody that may already be out of your house.”

Week two is build a supply kit of things you might need.

“Do you have your pets what supplies of food and water. Every person should have a gallon of water per person for at least three days.”

Week three is performing no cost or low cost preparedness actions to put you and your family in a position to be safe.

“Make sure you have plenty of coverage for you and your property itself.”

Week four focuses on preparing your kids about what to during an emergency.

“Get them all involved, kids and adults they learn more about doing it than just reading it.”

She says all of those things together will put people in the best position to be safe if an emergency occurs.