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ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md.-National Preparedness Month is an excellent time to think of low-cost, no-cost ways to prepare for emergencies.
“Limit the impacts that disasters have on you and your family,” said Installation Emergency Manager Essie Washington-Bennett. “Know the risk of disasters in your area and check your insurance coverage. Learn how to make your home stronger in the face of storms and other common hazards and act fast if you receive a local warning or alert.”
Washington-Bennett said while creating an emergency kit, think about everyday items which you might already own.
“Look at what you have already because most of us buy double,” she said.
According to Washington-Bennett, it is better not to wait for an emergency to gather supplies. For example, before a hurricane, it might be difficult to find batteries in stores or online. It is beneficial to always keep a fresh supply of batteries in your home or apartment so you will be ready in the event of a power outage, she said.
The COVID-19 pandemic also highlighted the need to prepare for the unexpected, she said. Last year, some products like hand sanitizer and cleaning products were difficult to find in stores or online for months. Some stores are still limiting how much of a product you can buy at one time. She advises families to set aside money in their budget for emergencies.
“Shop smartly,” she said. “And have an emergency fund. You have to be prepared to take care of the needs of your family.”
Additionally, she recommends families research resources in their area, like food banks and the American Red Cross, which could provide assistance or shelter during and after a disaster.
Being prepared also includes knowing about the volunteer opportunities in your community and being trained to help and share skills with others. For example, being certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR can help save a life.
“You should be connected to your community,” she said.
On Monday, Sept. 27, Washington-Bennett will be at the APG South (Edgewood) Express to give educational handouts to customers from 11 a.m. to noon. She invites the community to stop by to learn more about low-cost, no-cost ways to prepare for disasters.
“Natural disasters don’t wait for a convenient time,” the www.ready.gov website states. “Preparing for them shouldn’t wait either. Start today by signing up for alerts, safeguarding important documents and taking other low cost and no cost preparedness actions to lessen the impact of disasters and emergencies for you and your family.”
Editor’s note: This month, the APG News will publish a series of articles that focus on the four weekly themes on the www.ready.gov website: Make a Plan; Build a Kit; Low Cost, No Cost Preparedness; and Teach Youth about Preparedness.
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