National Preparedness Month: State health dept. urges public to
'Be Informed, Get Ready' for emergencies
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[September 17, 2013]
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 an emergency supply kit for their
homes.
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"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.
IDPH and its Office of Preparedness and Response recommend the
following tips to prepare for emergencies:
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Have enough supplies to last at least 72 hours; designate
locations to meet family; and designate an out-of-area contact.
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Create an emergency supply kit. Include at least 72
hours' worth of water, nonperishable food, prescription and
non-prescription medicine, a first-aid kit, clothing and
bedding, tools and sanitation supplies -- extra batteries,
hand-crank weather radio soap, toilet paper, etc.
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Get training .
Learn first aid, CPR and how to use an automated external
defibrillator; know how to "shelter-in-place" and how to turn
off utilities (water, power, gas) at your home.
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Volunteer . Volunteer in your
community as a member of a Citizen Emergency Response Team.
For more information, including a comprehensive online tool kit,
visit
http://ready.illinois.gov/.
[Text from
Illinois Department of Public
Health file received from the
Illinois Office of Communication and Information] |