National Preparedness Month emphasizes household emergency planning

September marks National Preparedness Month, a period dedicated to encouraging households to prepare for natural disasters and unexpected emergencies. Health and humanitarian organizations are emphasizing that readiness involves more than just stockpiling food and water.

Medical experts suggest that preparedness plans should include essential health items such as medications, medical records, eyeglasses, and dental supplies. Residents are encouraged to identify local risks using resources like Cal OES MyHazards or FEMA’s National Risk Index to guide their evacuation routes and supply needs.

To manage costs, the American Red Cross recommends low-cost or no-cost strategies, such as downloading the free Red Cross Emergency app for weather alerts and shelter locations. Effective planning includes establishing multiple meeting locations, determining evacuation methods, and ensuring pet safety by identifying pet-friendly accommodations in advance.