In order to keep people prepared and informed, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), American Red Cross, America Prepared Campaign, National Association of Broadcasters, Department of Education, and other partners are hosting events to mark September as "National Preparedness Month." Since I agree that it is important that Americans stay prepared and informed, I, along with Senator Joe Lieberman, Representative Christopher Cox, and Representative Jane Harman, accepted the honor to be named a co-chair for National Preparedness Month.
National Preparedness Month will give citizens an opportunity to assess how prepared they are to handle an emergency situation. Throughout the month, there will be events across the country and in the state of Maine encouraging people to "get a kit, make a plan, and be informed." In order to be prepared, families, schools, and businesses should consider having emergency supply kits and emergency communications plans.
Since there are several different types of emergency situations for both natural disasters and man-made attacks, it is important to focus on the basics of survival when putting an emergency kit together. It is for this reason that DHS suggests including items that will provide clean air, fresh water, and food. In the event of an attack where the air supply is contaminated, it is important that people use materials around them to protect their mouth, nose, eyes, and any cuts. When protecting their air supply, people should place a face mask or a heavy cotton material snugly over the nose and mouth to create a barrier between them and the contaminated air.
If a storm strikes, communities may be left without food, water, or electricity for several days. In this case, it is important to have three days worth of nonperishable food and water for drinking and sanitation. It is important to remember that each person will need around one gallon of water for each day, even more than that if temperatures are high. When packing food, remember to choose non-perishable items that are easily prepared. Don't forget to include necessary utensils such as can openers, if necessary.
While ensuring you have food, water, and clean air is a priority in an emergency, additional materials may help in such situations. A first aid kit with basic supplies to treat minor injuries can make a difference in an emergency. Your first aid kit should include bandages and cleansing agents, as well as prescription and over the counter medication. A battery-powered radio with extra batteries will help you keep informed of what is happening. Remember, if you do not have access to electricity, you will not be able to get your news by simply turning on the television. A flashlight is another essential item to have when there is no electricity so you can get around more easily.
While preparing kits is important, it is only one step in being prepared for an emergency. DHS suggests your next step be making a plan for what to do in an emergency. Get together with your family, office, and school in advance to determine what actions you will take in an emergency. Remember, since there are varying emergencies, assess the situation and use common sense to ensure the safety of you and your family. Keep in mind that you may not be together when emergency strikes, so plan for how you will get in touch if this is the case. In order to help you create a plan, find out what kinds of disasters will most likely affect your area and how officials will notify you. The local chapter of your American Red Cross can offer assistance by providing you with emergency information specific to your community.
While you can make plans in advance, some decisions cannot be made until the crisis arises. One decision that can't be made in advance is deciding whether to stay put or leave the area. There are times when officials will direct you to stay or go; in these instances, the decision is fairly simple as it is a good idea to listen to the authorities. However, if no official determination has been made, use your own common sense, and determine which action will be best in ensuring your family's safety. Regardless of where you are when emergency strikes, whether on the road, at work, at school, or at home, you should use common sense and listen to the authorities.
It must be emphasized that in order for us to truly be prepared for an emergency, we must be informed. In today's post-9-11 world, natural disasters are no longer the only emergencies we may face. We must now prepare ourselves against the possibility of biological and chemical attacks. People have long prepared for natural disasters, but in today's environment where terrorist attacks are a real possibility, additional steps must be taken. It is important to understand these new threats from those who want to jeopardize our way of life.
September 11th changed us as a nation—making us stronger and aware. Three years later, we must live with the realization that there are people in the world who hate the idea of democracy and freedom, and they will do whatever they can to take that away from us. Now that we have that knowledge, it is the responsibility of every American to be prepared for such an attack. I hope that each of you will participate in "National Preparedness Month" this September by taking action to ensure that your family and community are prepared.
Additional information on "National Preparedness Month" and preparedness kits can be found by visiting www.Ready.gov or by calling 1-800-BE-READY.