Have you checked these emergency preparedness activities off your list?
Utah is known across the nation as a state that prepares for emergencies. Our level of preparedness means that we are able to help ourselves and help others when emergencies happen. That’s part of what makes Utah one of the best states to call home.
It’s important to remember that preparedness isn’t something we try to get “done.” It’s really something that just becomes a way of life, like when we buy a couple extra cans of food at the store, when we keep ourselves physically active, or when we learn how and when to shut off the natural gas at our homes.
Here are a few preparedness activities for those who are just getting started and a few for those who are looking for something else to build into their routines. If you are just getting started head over to BeReady.Utah.gov. They have loads of preparedness tips for families, communities, businesses, and schools.
Consider the basics: Make a plan, get a kit, be informed, and get involved.
Make a plan: Know what kinds of disasters and emergencies might happen where you are. Consider how you might respond to a wildfire, a flood, or an earthquake. Having a plan is the first step.
Get a kit: Store the essentials you’ll need for a few days, like water, food, a flashlight, first aid, and pet supplies. And don’t forget to have a kit in your car in
your car, too.
Stay informed: Sign up for local alerts and keep a portable charger handy.
Get involved: Consider joining your city’s CERT program or volunteering with other emergency preparedness groups, such as Medical Reserve Corps, or in your own neighborhood.
If you are looking for other new preparedness habits
Notice: Build a habit of noticing exits in public places. If you are staying in a hotel for the first time, take the stairs down at least once so you know where they lead.
Learn: Take a class in CPR or learn how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). When bystanders do CPR or use an AED, they can keep someone alive until emergency responders arrive. We need to help people feel more willing to do CPR, which will help more people survive. That willingness and confidence will come from training and practice.
Give: There is always a need for blood. If you’ve never donated before, visit the Red Cross website and learn what it takes to donate. For most people, it’s a relatively quick process and it saves lives. If you haven’t donated for some time, take a minute and make an appointment now.
After you do any of these activities, it’s important to share what you’re doing. Just pick one person and let them know you’re sharing because you care about them. The more we prepare, the more resilient we’ll be when an emergency happens.
And remember, it’s never too late to start preparing… until it is.
BeReady.utah.gov
Ready.gov
