Tips for National Preparedness Month to Keep Your Family Ready

September is National Preparedness Month, have you outlined a plan with your family in case disaster strikes? In this day and age, many people fear terrorist attacks, bombings, and the like-but what about other disasters, like a house fire, flooding, or even being without power for 2 or 3 days, or longer? According to the Home Safety Council (insert link), the majority of mothers think that their families are prepared for emergencies, but less than one-third have even discussed what to do in an emergency situation let alone prepare a communications plan or readiness kit.

The HSC findings which have recently been released, also show that of the children surveyed 64% think their families are prepared, but less than 27% say that their family has a plan or readiness kit. The HSC advises that families prepare both a "Ready-To-Stay" and a "Ready-To-Go" kit so they are prepared for any emergency that may strike.

Find a backpack or duffel bag that is easy to carry for your Ready-To-Go kit, fill with the following items and keep it someplace handy so it's always ready to grab on your way out the door. They recommend the following: One gallon of water per person-while hard to put in the backpack, even keeping a half dozen or so bottles of water is necessary. Food that does not have to be refrigerated and a manual can opener-things like granola bars or mix, canned soup, crackers, even canned cheese are relatively lightweight and easy to pack - don't forget to throw in some dried fruit and nuts.

Plastic/paper plates, cups and utensils-my recommendation is things that are reusable so you can rinse them instead of carting around massive packs of plates and cups, if you have to go, you probably want to be able to NOT break your back with too much stuff!; Flashlight and extra batteries-watch for sales now as the fall and early winter are when stores put flashlights, etc. on sale for winter preparedness; Battery-operated radio-this is a must so you can stay informed of what is happening around you.