Disaster/emergency preparedness doesn’t just happen
MADISON, Wis. – Preparing for disasters protects everyone you love, and ReadyWisconsin encourages people to take time during September to ensure they have the tools needed to respond to potential disasters and emergencies in their community. Gov. Tony Evers has declared September Preparedness Month in the state of Wisconsin.
“Every year, our state faces its share of floods, tornadoes and other emergencies,” said Gov. Tony Evers. “It’s critically important for Wisconsinites to make sure they’re prepared for emergencies that may arise and to take the necessary steps to protect their loved ones. This month, we’re helping do that by equipping folks with the skills and resources they need to remain safe during an emergency.”
As part of Preparedness Month, Wisconsinites should take the following actions:
• Make A Plan – Develop a plan for how you and your loved ones will reach safety during any emergency. Know where your shelters at home, work and school are located or how you will safely leave the building. Practice going to those safe places. Also, make sure everyone knows how to contact each other if a disaster were to occur while you are separated.
“It’s never too early for kids to learn what they should do during an emergency,” said Wisconsin Emergency Management Acting Administrator Greg Engle. “During Preparedness Month, families should teach their children about the possible dangers in their community, and then include them in the process of creating emergency plans and practicing them.”
• Build A Kit – Parents should talk to their children about what to do if there is an emergency at home, school, or daycare. Make sure they know who to contact and identify a safe meeting place. Put together a supply kit and have them help identify what items should go inside. You can find tips on building an emergency kit at https://readywisconsin.wi.gov/make-a-kit/. Kits should include enough non-perishable food, water, and medications to keep you safe for up to 72-hours. First aid supplies, a flashlight, and a NOAA Weather Radio, along with copies of insurance policies, prescriptions, and a list of important contact numbers, are also great inclusions. Store your kit in a location where you can access it quickly during an emergency.
• Know Your Risk – Being prepared for disasters includes identifying the risks that exist in your community. This includes understanding the natural threats, such as tornadoes and local flood hazards, and man-made risks that may be nearby, such as industrial sites. Use that information to develop your emergency plans, the review and practice them with everyone in your home.
• Teach Youth Preparedness – Disasters can be scary for kids. Help them feel more in control by talking about what they should do in an emergency.
Preparedness also begins in the classroom, and ReadyWisconsin is once again helping to educate children with the Student Tools for Emergency Planning (STEP) program. This curriculum developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is made available to fourth and fifth-grade classrooms across Wisconsin at no cost to educators. Participating schools are also provided with materials to help students build their own emergency kits.
The STEP program is funded with financial support from AT&T. Since 2012, AT&T has provided nearly $100,000 to support the STEP program in Wisconsin.
“Since it began in Wisconsin, STEP has helped over 85,000 children in the state learn about the importance of planning for emergencies,” said Engle. “Wisconsin Emergency Management is proud to continue offering this important program to teachers and students.”
If you have a student in fourth or fifth grade, ask their teacher about participating in the Student Tools for Emergency Planning (STEP) program in their classroom during the school year. Information on this free program is available at https://readywisconsin.wi.gov/step/.
For tips on how to create an emergency kit and plan, visit http://readywisconsin.wi.gov.