Being prepared for disasters may seem daunting or intimidating, but it’s actually much easier than you may think. The Prepare in a Year book that is available online, is a great way to get started! The book will help walk you through 12 important steps for disaster preparedness. It’s as simple as completing one activity a month. By the end of 12 months, you’ll be much better prepared! Remember that everything you do to be prepared will help you in small emergencies, like a flat tire on your car, as well as large disasters, like an earthquake. Think of disaster preparedness not as a checkbox, something to do once and never again, but rather a continual process of learning, restocking supplies, and encouraging others to be prepared.
For example, the first step is to step up a communication plan. Remember that phone networks get congestered in emergencies and a regular call may not get through. Texting a short messages to a group of friends and family is more likely to get through than a voice call. Having an Out-of-Area Contact at least 100 miles away that can relay messages to other members of your family when you can’t get through. The book provides Out-Of-Area Contact card that you can print and place each family member’s wallet, purse or backpage.
