RHHD officials urge emergency planning in light of National Preparedness Month

The National Preparedness Month theme this year is "Start a Conversation," and health officials say the best way to start a family emergency plan is to have a conversation about preparedness.

Families should include everyone in the plan, even pets, and should consider what to do if an emergency happens to an elderly neighbor or someone with a disability, officials said. Discussions should take place over a short period of time but not be rushed, they said.

“Emergency preparedness starts with a few simple, cost-free steps,” said Ed Porner, RHHD's emergency preparedness and response coordinator. “Talk to your family, gather important information, and find out what your friends and neighbors will need. The more prepared we are as a community, the better we will fare.”

Some of the best ways to prepare for emergencies, Porner said, include gathering important documents (such as birth certificates, citizenship papers and backup medical prescriptions) in a secure location, such as a fireproof box. Children also should have a plan for what to do in the event of an emergency and what to do if they need to be reunited with family or friends.

Families should also consider ways to communicate with trusted people in their lives if phone lines are down, and discuss a way to access emergency services if someone needs help, he said. And, practicing implementation of the plan is also a good idea, according to Porner.

For details, click here.