AUGUSTA — September is National Preparedness Month and the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) joins the efforts of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and millions of Americans in taking action to prepare for emergencies.
“Emergencies can happen anywhere, and unfortunately many people aren’t prepared,” said MEMA Director Bruce Fitzgerald. “Oftentimes they aren’t motivated to prepare until they’ve experienced a disaster firsthand. We want to change that.”
Although preparedness is something citizens need to be thinking about all year long, preparedness month serves as a reminder of the importance of taking action to prepare for the types of emergencies that could affect us where we live, work, learn and visit.
Preparedness Month in Maine will feature a different theme each week.
Week 1
With many heading back to school this week, the focus will be on youth preparedness. There are many things families can do at home with their children, such as: have preparedness conversations; learn the building blocks of preparedness — be informed, make a plan, build a kit and get involved; know the emergency plan for your child’s school and child care facility; practice evacuation plans and other emergency procedures regularly; and learn different ways to help children cope during and after an emergency.
Families should also teach kids when and how to call important numbers, like 9-1-1, and make sure children have emergency contacts memorized or written down in a secure place.
Week 2
The focus for week two will be on preparing family and friends. It’s important to make a plan and communicate that plan and to update contact information. Families should determine where to meet outside the home, in the community, or outside of town in case of emergency.
Preparing the home for emergencies is important, as is planning with community organizations and neighbors.
Week 3
This is a week to reflect on the events of 9/11 and an opportunity to recognize those who play a role in keeping citizens safe as first-responders. It’s also an opportunity to remind people that not all disasters are natural disasters. There is a lot people can do to protect themselves and their neighbors from man-made disasters such as active shooters and explosions.
Citizens are encouraged to be vigilant in reporting anything that looks suspicious in their community.
Week 4
This week the focus will be on preparedness for individuals and those with functional needs. The FEMA smartphone app is a tool that allows users to receive weather alerts for up to five locations, as well as shelter information and preparedness tips. This is a quick, easy and free way to prepare.
Week 5
There are a number of natural hazards that we can face in Maine, including hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, severe summer and winter storms, wildfires and earthquakes, which are rare, but can happen.
Daily preparedness information will be available at Twitter.com/MaineEMA and on Facebook.com/MaineEMA. Citizens are encouraged to share their preparedness stories with MEMA on social media. Additional information about preparedness is available at Maineprepares.com.
