September is National Preparedness Month and Marshall County EMA Director Clyde Avery has 12 recommendations in order to be better prepared in the case of a variety of hazards.
He suggests signing up for alerts and warnings through the free Marshall County IN APP.
Avery encourages families and businesses to make a plan for what actions should be taken if an emergency occurs. Discussions should be based on the threats or hazards most likely to occur. Never assume that it can’t happen to you or in your community.
A communication plan should also be developed to make sure everyone knows how to contact everyone to make sure they’re safe. Some plans should include scenarios in case technology is not readily available. Get neighbors involved in plans in order to help out each other in an emergency.
Once the plans are established, practice the plans and conduct drills so everyone knows what to do.
Take pictures and videos of the exterior and interior of your home. Document the make, model, and serial numbers of valuable equipment and then safeguard those documents, along with other personal documents such as birth certificates and insurance policies.
Put together an emergency kit of supplies including non-perishable food, bottled water, medicines, feminine supplies, personal hygiene items, baby supplies, and supplies for pets.
Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors throughout homes and businesses and routinely check the devices to ensure proper working order.
For more tips on preparedness, call the Marshall County Emergency Management Agency at 574-936-3740.
