In the event of a disaster or emergency, would you be ready? Would your children be prepared? Do you know specific actions to take in a critical situation?

To help ensure all Americans can handle the unexpected and the unavoidable, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security designated September as National Preparedness Month, and SERVPRO of East Toledo is offering advice to communities on the steps they need to take to be prepared.

SERVPRO is a coalition member of National Preparedness Month and is committed to promoting preparedness by providing valuable tools and resources for disaster planning, said William Wills, owner of SERVPRO of East Toledo.

Wills suggests the following steps to help local community members prepare:
• Get an emergency supply kit. The kit should include one gallon of water for each person for three days, a three-day supply of food, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first aid kit, a whistle, moist towelettes, garbage bags, a manual can opener for food and local maps.
• Make a family emergency plan. Make sure you have a plan if your cell phone were inoperable. Also, inquire about emergency plans at places such as schools, day-care facilities, work, etc. Incorporate their plans into your family plan – know where you would meet and how you would get there.
• Know the appropriate responses to each emergency. Disasters come in many different forms and each one has a different response protocol. Be prepared by contacting your local or state Office of Emergency Management. Also, when an emergency does occur, use the radio in the emergency supply kit to find out specific advice from officials.
• Pet owners, older Americans, disabled Americans and business owners need to take extra steps. Individuals with special needs need to alter their emergency supply kits and plans to accommodate those conditions.
• Get involved. Join community groups that are dedicated to coordinating community and non-governmental resources in emergency planning, response and recovery.

“We know how much devastation can be caused from a disaster and we hope our community members following these steps, but we’ll be there when we’re needed to deliver immediate help and peace of mind,” Willis said.

For more information on SERVPRO of East Toledo or National Preparedness Month call 419-691-6550.

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