September Is National Preparedness Month

The team at Ready.gov wants to remind folks to get prepared for anything life can throw at you this month. That’s right, September is National Preparedness Month. They remind people to not only have a plan and make an emergency kit, but also to think of adding alerts to a phone, and how to care for older family members who might need an extra hand. Generator Source can help you prepare your business.

Heat Waves
September is kind of the last month to worry about heat in most of the country. But with that said, it is never a bad idea to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.

Whether you are experiencing a heat wave or just pushing the limits with outdoor activities like team sports, hiking and running, drink plenty of water even if you do not feel thirsty. Heat kills by pushing the human body beyond its limits and if you are giving it 110%, you need water.

Severe Weather
Severe weather can happen anytime, just about anywhere. From Hurricanes in the southern reaches, tornadoes over much of the mid-west and south, to blizzards, ice storms and wind events in the northern reaches or at higher elevations; extreme weather is a force to deal with.

If the weather isn’t really a factor in your region, fire or flooding could happen. You still need to be prepared as well. Flooding is possible due to man-made structures such as levees or a dam or even something as simple as a water main that could break. And don’t forget about earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis! Or what about an outbreak or war?

No matter the region you live in, everyone should have an emergency kit consisting of food, water, medical kit, flashlight, battery or small generator and more. To suggest an itemized kit list, Ready.gov suggests the following.

• Water (one gallon per person/day for several days, drinking & sanitation)
• Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio, NOAA Weather Radio with alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape (shelter building)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off gas)
• Can opener (for food)
• Local maps, cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
• Small Generator 
This is just a part of the list, see the full list here.

Older Family Members
As an older adult, you may have specific needs after a disaster. Besides the basics, know your risks. Then, understand your needs during emergencies. Give yourself an honest self-assessment to identify your specific needs so that you can create a personalized emergency plan.

Prepare and engage your support network. Make sure at least one person in your support network has an extra key to your home, knows where you keep your emergency supplies, and knows how to use lifesaving equipment or administer medicine.

If you undergo routine treatments administered by a clinic or hospital, find out their emergency plans and work with them to identify back-up service providers. Don’t forget your pets or service animals. Not all shelters accept pets, so plan for alternatives. Consider asking loved ones or friends outside of your immediate area if they can help with your animals.

Start Planning
Ready.Gov offers a Plan Form here https://www.ready.gov/plan-form. You and your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it’s important to know how you’ll reconnect if separated. Use the form to create a Family Emergency Communication Plan, which you can email as a PDF file to everybody once complete.

Get Alerts
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) allow officials to provide the public with life-saving information quickly. State, local, tribal, and territorial public safety officials, the National Weather Service, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the President of the United States are the only authorities that can send a WEA.

We are all familiar with the Emergency Alert System (EAS). This longtime national public warning system that allows the president to address the nation within 10 minutes during a national emergency. Other authorized federal, state, local, tribal and territorial alerting authorities may also use the system to deliver important emergency information such as weather information, imminent threats, AMBER alerts and local incident information targeted to specific areas.

Don't Forget Your Business!
Of course, businesses all have public safety plans in place for employees, but adding and maintaning a standby generator will allow your business to continue functioning, unless the building is gone! But there are numerous actions you can take now to also protect your livelihood.

Preventative Maintenance 
Routine checks, fluid changes, and component inspections are vital for keeping generators in peak condition. This proactive approach minimizes the risk of failures during severe weather events..

Post-Weather Maintenance
After extreme weather, thorough inspections and maintenance are essential to ensure your generator is ready for the next potential outage.

Preparedness Plan 
Establishing a comprehensive preparedness plan is essential for ensuring that effective processes are in place when the moment to act arises. A well-structured plan not only outlines necessary steps but also empowers individuals and organizations to respond swiftly and confidently in the face of unexpected challenges 

A well-rounded preparedness plan should include: 

• Regular load bank testing 

• Schedule preventative maintenance 

• Emergency action plans for personnel safety 

• Infrastructure hardening against wind and flood damage 

• Swift post-storm damage assessments and system restoration 

Power Solutions Partner 

Having a trusted power partner standing by can make all the difference during unexpected power disruptions. A reliable power partner is not just a vendor; they are a dedicated ally committed to ensuring that you have the resources and support necessary to navigate power disruptions effectively.

When emergencies arise, your power partner is ready to assist, allowing you to focus on safety and continuity while they ensure your power supply remains secure and constant. A power partner can offer regular maintenance packages, timely upgrades, and immediate support during outages, giving you peace of mind.   

As the largest buyer and seller of commercial and industrial generators in the country, Generator Source is here to help businesses and industries stay powered through any weather, or non-weather, event. Our team of experts provides tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of each client, ensuring uninterrupted power when it matters most. From small businesses to large industrial operations, we deliver peace of mind with our out-of-the-box generator solutions. 

Don't let a natural disaster or even a manmade event catch you off guard. Generator Source is your trusted partner to ensure your power stays on, no matter what. By investing in reliable backup power solutions, you can safeguard your business against the unpredictability of the world we live in today. 

We can help. Click here to learn more about standby power. Read more about Ready.gov’s National Preparedness Month here. You can never be too prepared for a life-threatening event!

Story Summary

What is National Preparedness Month?
National Preparedness Month is observed every September to encourage individuals, families, and communities to prepare for emergencies and disasters. This initiative, led by FEMA's Ready Campaign, aims to educate the public on the importance of having an emergency plan and supplies ready for various situations.

How can families prepare for emergencies?
Families can prepare by creating a Family Emergency Communication Plan, ensuring that all members know how to reconnect if separated. They should also assess individual needs, particularly for older adults or those with disabilities, and engage a support network for assistance during emergencies.

Why do businesses need standby power?
Businesses provide livelihoods. If your business is sitting idle due to a power outage, then you will lose money. Invest in standby power and keep it well maintained so it performs when you need it.   
 
What are Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs)?
WEAs are short emergency messages sent by authorized government authorities to alert the public about emergencies in their area. These alerts can provide critical information regarding severe weather, missing persons, and other urgent threats.

Why is it important to consider older family members in preparedness plans?
Older adults may have specific needs during a disaster, such as medical requirements or mobility issues. It is crucial to assess their unique risks and ensure that they have a personalized emergency plan, including support from caregivers and family members.

How can individuals stay informed about emergencies?
Staying informed can be achieved through multiple channels, including local news, weather alerts, and social media updates. It is also advisable to have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive emergency information if power is lost.
 

Brian La Rue | 9/3/2024 3:57:55 PM | 0 comments