September is National Preparedness Month!

September is National Preparedness Month. With so many people being new to Western, Western’s Emergency Management would like to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies for everyone. They can happen at any time, like pop quizzes, and it’s not as hard as it sounds. Every little bit you do can be helpful. Here are some ideas to help get you going:

• Make a Plan-Learn the disasters that might affect you? (Check here.) How will you communicate with family or friends and reconnect? Consider specific needs to your household. The Disability Access Center and Human Resources can provide addition assistance for persons with disabilities.
• Build a Kit-Gather supplies considering the unique needs of each person or pet, don’t forget medications.
• Low Cost/No Cost Preparedness-Sign up for alerts (all Western associated persons receive Western Alerts, but you can sign up for local public alerts at www.WhatcomReady.org), buy extra food or water when it comes on sale, gather important documents, participate in campus drills.

For other ideas and more information, go to https://mil.wa.gov/preparedness and/or www.Ready.gov.