While it can be too later to prepare, it&#39;s never too early... Being ready is not hard, just do it, bit by bit...

Thursday, September 01, 2011

While it can be too later to prepare, it's never too early... Being ready is not hard, just do it, bit by bit...

LAFD News & Information - This September: A Time to Remember. A Time to Prepare.

"As you know, this September will mark the ten year anniversary of 9/11 and the Los Angeles Fire Department asks you to take time to remember those lost as well as time to make sure you are prepared for future emergencies. September is National Preparedness Month (NPM), which was founded after 9/11 to increase preparedness in the U.S. It is a time to prepare yourself and those in your care for an unexpected emergency.

Please plan in the event you must go for three days without electricity, water service, access to a supermarket, or local services for several days. The Los Angeles Fire Department along with our friends at FEMA and Ready.gov suggest you follow these three simple steps:

1. Get a Kit: Keep enough emergency ...

2. Make a Plan: Discuss, agree on, and document....

3. Be Informed: Free information is available to assist you from federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial resources. ...

Some have asked, "Why do I need to prepare?".
Fire, police, and rescue personnel may not always be able to reach you quickly, such as if they're overwhelmed by demand from multiple emergencies, or trees and power lines are down blocking access. The most important step you can take in helping us, is being able to take care of yourself and those in your care; the more people who are prepared, the quicker the community will recover

..."

You've heard me sing this song before, and you're going to hear me sing it again... "Being prepared is not hard to do..."

Just do it a bit at a time. A flashlight here, new batteries there, a pre-packed kit (the American Red Cross has some, and building your own isn't hard either) there, extra water then, some extra pet food, etc, etc.

Just do a little at a time and after a bit you'll have quite a bit.

Make it a family project. Have your kids help with the plan and the contact list, make it a game or a fun activity (like a scavenger hunt for preparedness supplies or something). Making it fun makes it less scary.

But start. Today. Please.