Yet, after an emergency is not the time to prepare.
No one knows when the next flood, tornado, hurricane or even chemical spill will impact our area.
But you can prepare for these and other disasters.
Preparing now for emergencies makes you better equipped to handle and recover from them when they occur.
September has been North Carolina Preparedness Month and marks the 12th annual National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
We here at HCPHS want to educate our residents about how to prepare for emergencies by creating an emergency plan, communicating with your family and loved ones what to do during an emergency, and putting together an emergency supplies kit. It’s easy to get started.
Make a plan
Use the resources on websites like ReadyNC.org or Ready.gov to help you and your family make emergency plans for home, work or school.
Plan for the risks
If you live in a low-lying area or area prone to flooding, work together with neighbors, colleagues, and others to build community resilience.
Discuss and practice
Be sure to communicate with one another about where to go and how you will get in touch with each other when an emergency occurs.
Build a kit
Keep enough emergency supplies – water, nonperishable food, first aid, prescriptions, flashlights, and battery-powered radio on hand – for you and those in your care.
Stay informed
Halifax County has the CodeRED Emergency Telephone Calling System for mass emergency notifications. CodeRED will notify residents and businesses within minutes of an emergency or a potential hazard.
Register using this link — https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/7D932DD17B87
It’s important to mold your plan to your family’s needs and discuss it with every member in the house. Planning ahead of time will help you remain calm, think clearly, and react accordingly.
The more prepared we are, the quicker our community will recover. It’s important to be aware and prepare … Because Public Health Matters!
For more information about how public health is working for you, contact HCPHS Health Department at 252-583-5021.
