Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How.

Brookhaven, GA, August 30, 2018---National Preparedness Month (NPM), recognized each September, reminds all of us of the wisdom of preparing ourselves and our families now and throughout the year for unforeseen disasters and/or emergencies.

Take time to learn lifesaving skills − such as CPR and first aid, check your insurance policies and coverage for the hazards you may face, such as floods and tornados (not too many wildfires and earthquakes happen here!). Make sure to consider the costs associated with disasters and save for an emergency. Also, know how to take practical safety steps like shutting off water and gas.

According to Senator Jon Tester, Ranking Member on the Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Homeland Security, “Just like harvest season rolls around every year, you can count on emergencies being a constant in our lives. And while we can’t prevent every disaster, it just makes sense to prepare for them now.”

Ready, an official website for the Department of Homeland Security, has put together an in-depth look at how to best prepare for sudden disasters as part of NPM that provides a huge amount of information on wide ranging emergency topics.

Each week in September is built around a particular lifesaving skill and other preparedness steps:

·         Sept. 1-8 focuses on making and practicing an awareness plan

·         Sept. 9-15 is dedicated to learning lifesaving skills

·         Sept. 16-22 educates about insurance coverage 

·         Sept. 23-29 provides insight on how to save for an emergency

Here a few social media addresses to get you on your way to being prepared for any disaster: on Twitter go to  #PrepareNow, #FloodSmart and #NatlPrep. Online go to https://www.ready.gov/september.