Author: nakia.kyler

September 2024

www.ReadyAlabama.gov

Are You Ready?

What do you do if your gas, power, and phones go out during a natural or man-made disaster? Where would you go? How would you
protect your family?

Ready Sunday was created to recognize the important role faith and community-based organizations play during disaster preparedness and response.
On any Sunday in September, leaders are being asked to inform their congregations on how to Be Ready for a man-made or natural disaster. By following these three steps, you are one step closer to protection and safety.

Be Informed.

Locate Shelters
Different locations provide shelters for different needs such as pets, medical, emergency, and
transitional sheltering.
Know Evacuation Routes
A key part of preparing for emergencies and
disasters is knowing what you will do if the need arises. Once you have your plan, be sure to practice and know it.
Listen for Emergency Information
Check with local TV stations, radio stations, and
related websites. It is also helpful to have on hand a National Oceanic & Atmospheric Association (NOAA) weather radio or another emergency alert system.

Be Involved.

Get Trained
Visit ServeAlabama.gov, call 211 or a local non- profit/volunteer organization for training
opportunities in your area. Take FEMA’s OPEN training (Organizations Preparing for Emergency Needs) to prepare for emergencies.
Be a Volunteer
Visit ServeAlabama.gov or local voluntary groups
for opportunities. Join your local Community
Emergency Response Team (CERT). CERT teaches basic disaster training you can use to respond to needs of your family and neighbors in an emergency.
Report Suspicious Activity
Citizens are America’s most valuable asset. Protecting homes, houses of worship, neighborhoods, schools, communities, stores, farms, and factories is a shared responsibility. Notify local law enforcement
immediately. Call 911 to report suspicious activity.

Be Ready.

Make a Family Plan— Plan in advance what you will do in an emergency. Depending on your circumstances and nature of the event, the first decision is whether you “Shelter-in-Place” or evacuate. Make sure you have an evacuation route. Work with friends, neighbors, and family members to develop a communication plan.
Check Insurance Coverage—Insurance is the first line of defense in a disaster. Review existing policies and ensure there is adequate coverage.
Plan for Your Pets—Before a disaster, know which shelters are available to house your pet during a disaster. Learn about rules or restrictions and adjust your Disaster Kit accordingly. Fido needs to Be Ready too!
See back to learn how to make a 3-Day Kit!

Be Ready.

3– Day Kit Checklist
Having a 3-Day Kit ready and packed will help prepare your family in the case of an emergency or evacuation. Keep the following items in a sturdy and easy-to-carry container, and make sure it is ready to go at all times
during the year:
Copies of important documents in a waterproof
container (Photo IDs, proof of residence, insurance, birth certificates, deeds, Social Security Card, etc.)
Hygiene kit consisting of toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, deodorant, feminine products, shaving
supplies, etc.
Non-expired medication, medical contact
information, prescriptions, and first aid kit
Extra car and house keys
Bottled water (1 gallon per person per day) and
nonperishable food (i.e. granola or energy bars)
Battery operated radio, flashlight, and extra
batteries
Contact and meeting place information for your household and a small regional map
Small denomination of cash and ATM cards
Comfortable shoes, raingear, blanket, and towels
Any special care items

For more information on disaster preparedness,
visit www.ReadyAlabama.gov or Ready.gov
for ideas on how to Be Ready!
Follow ReadyAlabama and Ready.gov on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for additional preparedness information.