National Preparedness Month: State health dept. urges public to 'Be Informed, Get Ready' for emergencies

[September 07, 2012]  CHICAGO -- September is National Preparedness Month, and Illinois Department of Public Health Director LaMar Hasbrouck is reminding all Illinoisans to use this month to make a plan and prepare for natural disasters and emergencies.

"Emergency preparedness is the responsibility of every Illinoisan. By taking a few simple steps -- creating a disaster supply kit, making a family disaster plan and staying well-informed about weather-related and other emergencies -- we can ensure that citizen preparedness is a priority in every community statewide," Dr. Hasbrouck said.

National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Ready America campaign, is a nationwide effort designed to increase awareness as well as encourage individuals, families, businesses and communities to take action to prepare for emergencies. Last year, 1,800 National Preparedness Month Coalition members worked to create a culture of emergency preparedness in the United States by hosting at least 1,000 events and initiatives during and around September.

IDPH and its Office of Preparedness and Response recommend the following tips to prepare for emergencies:

• Make a plan. Have enough supplies to last at least 72 hours (three days); designate locations to meet family; designate an out-of-area contact.

• Create an emergency supply kit. Include at least 72 hours' worth of water, nonperishable food, a first-aid kit, prescription and nonprescription medicine, other tools and sanitation (extra batteries, hand-crank weather radio, soap, toilet paper, etc.), clothing and bedding.

• Get training. Learn first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and how to use an automated external defibrillator; know how to "shelter-in-place" and how to turn off utilities (water, power, gas) in your home.

• Volunteer. Volunteer in your community as a member of your Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT.

For more information, including a comprehensive, online tool kit, visit http://ready.illinois.gov/.

Also visit http://www.ready.gov/ for additional information about National Preparedness Month activities in your community.

[Text from Illinois Department of Public Health file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]