September is National Preparedness Month, which promotes family and community disaster and emergency planning. This year’s theme is “Prepared, Not Scared.”

A natural disaster or unexpected emergency can severely limit people’s access to food, safe water, medicines, and medical supplies for days or weeks or even longer, and it’s so important to “Be Prepared, Not Scared!”

No one can prepare your family for a disaster like you can, because no one knows the personal health and healthcare needs of your family like you do. Take your family’s emergency preparedness personally. Be prepared to protect your family’s health and well-being by having the personal needs, prescriptions, paperwork, power sources, and practical skills you need to respond.

What are some things you can do to be prepared?

• Personal needs: Gather enough non-perishable food, water, and medical supplies to last at least three days.

• Prescriptions: Organize and secure at least a 7- to 10-day supply of prescription medications.

• Paperwork: Collect and protect important documents and medical records. Save electronic copies of important papers to a secure cloud-based service. Store flash drives and hard-copies of important papers in a fireproof and waterproof container or safe, with a trusted friend or relative, or in a safety deposit box at a bank.

• Power sources: Be prepared for the possibility of power outage with emergency light, alternative heat, and backup power sources.

• Practical skills: Learn self-help and life-saving skills and lessons. For more information, tips, and lists, visit cdc.gov/prepyourhealth, or visit the Clinton County Health District’s Facebook page.

Brittane Dance is Emergency Response Coordinator for the Clinton County Health District.