September is National Preparedness Month

For more information contact: Tod Pritchard, WEM Office: (608) 242-3324   Cell: (608) 219-4008 

 For Immediate Release 

September 3, 2014 

 September is National Preparedness Month

“Be Disaster Aware. Take Action to Prepare”

(MADISON) –Are you ready for an emergency? Are you ready to protect the people around you in a disaster? September is Preparedness Month. Wisconsin Emergency Management’s ReadyWisconsin campaign encourages individuals, families, businesses and communities to get ready for anything unexpected.

“You can be a hero to your family, friends and neighbors by preparing for emergencies such as tornadoes, flooding and winter storms,” said Brian Satula, Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator. “Getting ready now could protect you and your loved ones later.”

Preparing can start with three important steps:

- Make a plan for what to do in an emergency

- Get an emergency supply kit

- Be informed about emergencies that could happen in your community

Identify sources of information in your community that will be helpful before, during and after an emergency. ReadyWisconsin’s Facebook and Twitter feeds are a great place to start. You can also learn more about Wireless Emergency Alerts that go to your cellphone. Those alerts warn you of severe weather and other life threatening events.

“Individuals and families need to be self-reliant and prepared for days without utilities such as electricity, water and phone service, availability of local businesses such as gas stations and supermarkets, and other needed supplies,” said Satula.

The ReadyWisconsin website has more information on how to make an emergency supply kit on a budget, tips for creating your own emergency plan and commonly asked questions and answers about preparedness. Just go to: http://readywisconsin.wi.gov.