By Rebecca Marquis, Acting Director, Ready Campaign

You may think that you have enough supplies in your pantry to make it through an emergency, but if you have to evacuate, do you have a to-go emergency kit that is easy to grab at a moment’s notice? If an emergency occurs, you might assume you can simply call your spouse or children to see if they’re okay, but what if the phone lines are jammed with others doing the exact same thing? When it comes to you and your loved ones, is having a plan that’s “good enough” good enough? The Ready Campaign, Citizen Corps and the North Dakota Safety Council encourage you to take a few extra minutes this month to plan for any emergency.

September is National Preparedness Month (NPM) and a good reminder that we all have a responsibility to protect ourselves, our families and our communities. Emergencies will happen, but taking action now can help us minimize the impact they will have on our lives.

This year, NPM focuses on changing perceptions about emergency preparedness and helping Americans understand what it truly means to be Ready. Preparedness goes beyond fire alarms, smoke detectors, dead-bolt locks and extra food in the pantry. Being Ready includes: getting an Emergency Supply Kit; making a Family Emergency Plan; being informed about emergencies and their appropriate responses; and getting involved in community efforts such as Citizen Corps. Throughout September, activities and events will take place across this country to highlight the importance of emergency preparedness and promote individual involvement, such as first aid trainings, town hall meetings and much more.

For more information on NPM or to learn about family emergency plans and templates, emergency supply kit checklists, and much more, follow the links for Ready America, Ready Business or Ready Kids. You can also get prepared by contacting the North Dakota Safety Council at 701-223-6372 to ask them about how you can get certified in First Aid/CPR! 

Emergencies can happen at anytime and to anyone. Are you ready or are you Ready?