DHS urges Americans to make a New Year's resolution to be prepared
DHS says the New Year is a perfect time to Resolve to be Ready; department’s Ready Campaign outlines top ten items for a basic emergency supply kit so that Americans can keep their preparedness resolutions next year
DHS reminds Americans that the New Year is a perfect time to Resolve to be Ready. The department’s Ready Campaign has outlined the top ten items for a basic emergency supply kit so that Americans can keep their preparedness resolutions next year. “We cannot stress enough the importance of being prepared for all types of emergencies, from natural disasters to terrorist attacks,” said DHS secretary Michael Chertoff. “Having a plan can make all the difference, as the recent flooding and ice storms across the country have shown. The time for individuals, families and businesses to plan is now, and to resolve to make readiness a priority for 2008.”
Keeping New Year’s resolutions is challenging, but making resolutions that are simple and realistic is the key to success. Americans can successfully prepare for emergencies by following the Ready Campaign’s three easy steps:
* Prepare an emergency supply kit
* Make a family emergency plan
* Be informed about the kinds of emergencies that can happen in your area and their appropriate responses
To help get started, the Ready Campaign is issuing a checklist of the leading items needed in a basic emergency supply kit for the home or business. These items include: water, food, radio, flashlight, first-aid kit, whistle, moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties, wrench or pliers, local maps, and personal items. For the complete list of items the Ready Campaign recommends including in your emergency kit, visit the Ready Campaign Web site. Ready also suggests creating a smaller, portable kit for your home or office in case you need to evacuate immediately. The Web site includes free information, checklists and guidelines about the two other key components of preparedness — developing a family emergency plan and being informed.
DHS reminds Americans to get involved in neighborhood and community preparedness efforts once their families are prepared. A good way to start is by reaching out to a local Citizen Corps Council to learn about hands-on training and opportunities to get involved with a local organization.
