This is the third week of National Preparedness Month, and this week’s theme is “Prepare for Disasters.” Depending on where you live, you might face a variety of different hazards. Common types of disasters in Arizona include wildfires, flooding, power outages, and severe storms. Knowing which type of disasters are most likely to affect you and your household is one of the keys to preparedness.
As the nation continues to address the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, wildfires rage across parts of the Western states and hurricanes continue to wreak havoc along the Gulf Coast. However, there are simple things we can all do to help ensure our safety and well-being during emergencies and disasters. You can limit the impacts of disasters to you and your family by taking the following steps:
- Knowing the risk of disasters in your area and checking your insurance coverage
- Learning how to make your home stronger in the face of storms and other common hazards
- Staying informed and learning about available emergency alerts
- Having alternative methods for charging devices that require power
- Being prepared to act fast if you receive a local warning or alert
- Knowing your community’s evacuation routes and finding several ways to leave the area
- Preparing go-kits so you and your loved ones can leave at a moment’s notice
- Preparing an emergency supply kit for your car
Be sure to visit the Arizona Emergency Information Network (AzEIN) for more tips on emergency preparedness, up-to-date information on disasters in Arizona, and social media links for warnings and alerts. These are just a few of the things we can all do to mitigate the impacts of emergencies and disasters on our lives. Remember to spread the word about preparedness and help ensure those you care about are ready for the unexpected.
