National Preparedness Month

As Hurricane Gustav fizzles out, and Hurricane Hanna (with Ike and Josephine on her tails) approaches the southeast US, it is time to be sure you are prepared for any emergency. Safety and health are more important than ever during an emergency situation. Being prepared is a real-time, year round activity.

September is National Preparedness Month which is sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This program helps us prepare for emergencies. It encourages us to "get a kit, make a plan, be informed, get involved".

While it is important to prepare yourself, it is also important to help prepare your community. The Citizens Corp, "uniting communities, preparing the nation", encourages you to start with personal preparedness as well as volunteering to help in community preparedness.

Citizens Corps programs include the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Fire Corps, Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS), and USA on Watch (National Neighborhood on Watch). Learn more about these programs at www.citizenscorp.gov. Get involved. If you are already involved, call on others to do their part.

Preparedness begins at home. Be ready, stay ready. Be informed and check out National Preparedness Month at www.ready.gov.