Day 1 – National Preparedness Month Challenge
National Preparedness Month encourages Americans to take simple steps to prepare for an emergency in their homes, businesses, schools, and communities. With this September monthly challenge we hope to encourage you to take important steps to prepare for an emergency. These preparedness steps include:
- // Get an emergency supply kit – 72 or 96 hours what do you need?
- // Make a family emergency plan
- // Find the emergencies that may affect you
- // Take the steps to get trained in community preparedness and response efforts
- // How finances and debt affect your family
- // Short and long term food storage
- // Water storage
- // Spiritual preparations
As I write this, Tropical Storm Isaac is bearing down on Louisiana and Mississippi, resulting in at least 800,000 people being without power. Furthermore, in the South East Region, the residents have once again boarded up their homes, while some states are implementing mandatory evacuations in response to the declared state of emergency. Simultaneously, in San Diego, a “swarm” of earthquakes has been relentlessly shaking the surrounding area for the past few days. Consequently, the residents have been advised to expect thousands more of these small quakes.
Prepare for All Kinds of Emergencies
We are encouraged to prepare for all kinds of emergencies, natural and man made, and know that it is only a matter of time before the preparations we have (or have not) made will be needed. According to a recent Allstate survey
“Americans’ lack of evacuation plans and procedures are a cause for concern. Almost half (46 percent) of survey respondents have not considered or discussed an evacuation plan or designated meeting place outside their home for their family. These plans are crucial and should be discussed with relatives and neighbors in advance of a catastrophe.
In addition, the majority of Americans (62 percent) admit to not having prepared an emergency kit. Families must prioritize assembling easily accessible, well-stocked first-aid and disaster-supply kits. The disaster-supply kit should contain water, non-perishable foods, a weather radio, cash or traveler’s checks, important documents, personal hygiene items, blankets, and extra clothes and shoes.
Regardless of your current state of preparedness, whether you haven’t considered it at all or feel confident in your readiness, we invite you to join us in the upcoming 30 days. Use this time to acquire new skills and review your emergency preparedness plans.
Today’s Challenge:
GOOD – Get a 2″ binder and use it to collect the emergency preparedness information you will gather this month. Make a commitment to preparing.
BETTER: Have a family meeting and talk about the elements of preparedness. Look at www.providentliving.org for ideas
BEST: Take a moment to pray and reflect on what areas your family should prioritize during National Preparedness Month. Perhaps you have made significant progress in terms of food storage; however, it may be necessary to shift your focus towards reducing your debt.
“We become self-reliant through obtaining sufficient knowledge, education, and literacy; by managing money and resources wisely, being spiritually strong, preparing for emergencies and eventualities; and by having physical health and social and emotional well-being.”Julie B. Beck
Thanks for putting this all together! I am loving the layout and the peace that comes with it!