As we reflect on the four-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and the eight-year anniversary of 9/11, we are reminded that emergencies and severe weather can occur at any time. It is important to ensure your safety by appropriately planning for such emergencies.

Hurricanes, tornados, prolonged periods of heat, cold, or rain can have a crippling effect on a particular region and its residents. September has been designated as National Preparedness Month and is a good time to take the appropriate steps to protect yourself and your family in the event of a major emergency or natural disaster.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has developed a series of guidelines to follow and steps to take ahead of time in order to prepare for an unexpected emergency.

·         Get a Kit – Get a kit of emergency supplies that will allow you and your family to survive for at least three days in the event an emergency happens. The kit should include basic items like water, food, battery-powered radio, flashlight and a first aid kit.

·         Make a Plan – Plan in advance what you and your family will do in an emergency. Your plan should include a communications plan and address sheltering-in-place and evacuation. Go to www.ready.gov for more information and templates to help get you started.

·         Be Informed – Learn more about different threats that could affect your community and appropriate responses to them.  The Web site linked above also offers information regarding natural disasters and potential terrorist threats as well as information about the emergency plans that have been established in your area.

The American Red Cross also urges adults to prepare each member of the family for a sudden emergency by:
·         Posting emergency telephone numbers by all telephones (fire, police, ambulance, etc.).

·         Teaching children how and when to dial 9-1-1 or any other local Emergency Services number for emergency help.

·         Obtaining training from the local fire department for each family member on how to use a fire extinguisher and being sure that every family member knows where the extinguisher is kept.

·         Taking first aid and CPR classes.

In addition, the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Department of Emergency Management has developed a comprehensive Web site to assist Virginia families in the preparation for all types of natural disasters or emergencies.  For additional information, visit www.vaemergency.com.

Rick Boucher is Congressman for the 9th District of Virginia, which includes the New River Valley. You can catch his Capitol Commentary regularly at newrivervoice.com.