National Preparedness Month is the time where people are encouraged to start preparing for emergencies and disasters that might occur. The theme this month is “Prepared, not scared. Be ready for disasters!” You may be wondering what this all means, so let me break this down.

September is the official month to start preparing for any natural or unnatural occurrences. Occurrences like fires, hurricanes, storms, and tornadoes. During this time, you make plans and strategies for these events, help teach others, and help your community prepare for these emergencies.

Right now, every county in Alabama is under a Fire Hazard Warning. Without much rain, the dry conditions make fires more likely. Does your home have a Fire Safety Plan? If not, your family should map out a plan, rehearse the plan regularly, and even time your execution of the plan. Visit THIS resource for more information. You can even download the Make Safe Happen app, which can help your family time your escape route. If you have small children in your family, you need to practice your escape route more often because children are more likely to be confused during a fire.

Tornadoes also still pose a threat this season, especially September through November. Accuweather reported, “NOAA’s preliminary reports show there have been 1,407 tornadoes in 2019… we’re forecasting between 155 and 185 more tornadoes for the next three months, so there is still reason to stay proactive and be mindful of tornado activity.” Visit THIS resource to be more prepared for tornadoes. Mostly importantly, be weather aware and know your safe place in your home. Ready.gov advised, “Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.”

Figure out what natural disasters happen in your area, build a supply kit, and also discuss plans with your family. The Redstone Rocket reported that a good supply kit has “cash, flashlights and batteries on hand in case of an emergency. Take photos of important documents and personal items. In the emergency kit, have enough food, water and medications for at least 72 hours.” The Alabama EMA Twitter account back this up:

Make sure to be prepared and to help your community be prepared as well.