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

[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.

"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:

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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]