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Emergencies can happen without much warning, but getting prepared doesn't have to take all day. September is National Preparedness Month; we challenge you to take just 15 minutes to make your home and family a little more ready for whatever comes next.
Whether it's severe weather, flooding, wildfire, winter storms, or another emergency, a few small steps today can make a big difference tomorrow.
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Set a timer and see how many of these simple tasks you can complete in just 15 minutes:
Check that everyone in your household knows two ways to receive weather warnings.
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Save an out-of-state emergency contact in your phone and share it with your family.
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Locate your emergency kit and replace expired food, water, batteries, or medications.
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Make sure flashlights are easy to find and working.
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Review your family's emergency plan so everyone knows where to meet and how to communicate if you're separated.
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Gather copies of important documents and store them in a safe, waterproof location.
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 Five Things People Often Forget When Preparing for Emergencies
When most people think about emergency preparedness, they remember the basics like food, water, flashlights, and batteries. Those are essential, but some of the most important items are often the easiest to overlook.
One: Prescription medications are one of the first things people realize they need during an emergency. Keep a current list of medications and talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about the best way to prepare for unexpected situations.
Two: Important documents can also be difficult to replace after a disaster. Store copies of insurance policies, identification, medical information, and other important records in a waterproof container or secure digital location.
Three: Don't forget about your pets. They rely on you during an emergency just as much as the rest of your family. Be sure to have food, water, medications, leashes, carriers, and vaccination records ready if you need to leave home quickly.
Four: Cell phones help keep us connected, but they won't do much good if the battery dies. Keep a portable power bank charged and consider having charging cables in both your home and vehicle.
Five: Finally, remember that preparedness starts with a conversation. Take a few minutes to talk with your family about where you'll meet, how you'll communicate if you're separated, and who your out-of-state emergency contact will be. A simple conversation today can prevent confusion when every minute counts.
Emergency preparedness isn't about having everything—it's about thinking ahead. By planning for the things people often forget, you'll be even more ready when it matters most.
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Learn more about your risks, expore the common disasters in Oklahoma and how to prepare.
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 Preparedness Doesn't Have to Break the Bank
One of the most common reasons people put off building an emergency kit is the cost. It's easy to look at a long list of supplies and think you have to buy everything at once. The good news is you don't.
Preparedness is built one step at a time. Even with a small budget, you can begin putting together a basic emergency kit by picking up one or two items each time you shop.
A flashlight, extra batteries, bottled water, canned food, peanut butter, crackers, a first aid kit, or a manual can opener are all affordable items that can make a big difference during an emergency.
Dollar stores, discount retailers, and sales can be great places to find many of the essentials. You may already have some of the items you need at home. The goal isn't to have the biggest emergency kit, it's to have one that's ready when you need it.
As your budget allows, continue adding supplies such as medications, personal hygiene items, pet supplies, important documents, blankets, and phone chargers. Over time, those small purchases add up to a kit that can help keep you and your family safe during severe weather, power outages, or other emergencies.
Preparedness isn't about spending a lot of money. It's about taking small, consistent steps today so you're better prepared for tomorrow.
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