September is National Preparedness Month

How many times have you put off buying emergency kits because you thought you would just do it on your own? If you’re like me it never happened. So I bought mine from Totally Ready and now at least I know I have that covered. It was nice the other day when our power went out for almost 24 hours and we used the glow sticks and flashlights when the sun went down. I also used mylar blankets during the day in my windows that get the most sun to reflect the heat out. They worked great and were nice and big for covering large windows and sliding doors. My Mom’s latest article, “30 More Days and 30 More Ways to be Prepared.” gives a list of all the things you can do to get prepared this month. I’m already behind, so you can catch up on last week with me, but this is what’s on tap for this week:

September 9th
As a family read “Members in Coalinga Respond to Earthquake” (Ensign, July 1983, 77–78). Mom and Dad should read the article “Ready to Go!” (Friend, Jul 2007, 8–11) and plan a similar exercise for Family Home Evening tomorrow.

September 10th
Hold a family home evening based on the article “”Ready to Go.”

September 11th
Evaluate your preparations to care for your pets.

1. Have you assembled 72-hour kits for your pets? These should include water, food, medications, up-to-date vaccination and other medical records, vaccination records, collar, toys, food and water dishes, and sanitation
2. Also be sure you have someone who will care for your pets, outside of your immediate neighborhood, if you need to leave your home.
3. Make a list of foods and medications you need for a 1 month supply for each pet.
4. Make a list of items you need to gather or purchase.

September 12th
Gather or purchase the items on your pet needs list and place them in a pet 72-hour kit.

September 13th
Place an extra set of important keys in adult 72-hour kits, safe deposit box, at work, next to your bed, and with a neighbor. Keys should include all cars, homes, homes of those you have promised to help evacuate, offices, recreational vehicles, mail boxes, and storage sheds.

September 14th
Add $10.00 to your coin bank for spending on emergency needs.

September 15th — Get the house ready:

1. If you live in hurricane country, take necessary measurements and purchase supplies needed to board up windows. Don’t forget screws and bolts. Take supplies home and pre-drill holes to make installation fast
2. If you live in earthquake or tornado areas, purchase items to strap your water heater and to secure large furniture items such as dressers and sideboards to walls, and then do it.
3. If you live in a flood area, purchase and place survival items in your attic. See Meridian articles: “Preparing for a Flood,” “Prepare Your Home for the Unexpected” and “Prepare to Evacuate!“.