Don’t wait for a disaster to make a plan

In addition to the information in this article, three lesser-known tips that may be helpful in a disaster are: 

• Prepare to be self-sufficient for three days with non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, medicine, money, and clothing. 

• Learn first aid and CPR. 

• Compile an inventory list of your home’s contents or take pictures or a video. Don’t forget to keep this information in a safe place. 

September is National Preparedness Month and is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies. Because disasters can happen at any time and with little warning, the best thing you can do is to be prepared. 

Do you have a plan for you and your family in an emergency? If not, learn what to do before a disaster strikes because things don’t always go as planned, so get ready for the unexpected now. And, if you already do have a plan, it’s always a good idea to do a quick check every now and again. 

Allison James is the Town of Superior’s Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Manager. She and her team are responsible for disaster recovery, preparedness and planning efforts, emergency management, and enhancing community resiliency. With the recent fires, we chatted with Allison about how her team is supporting residents to get in front of an emergency. No matter where you live, the following is helpful information to know. 

As part of National Preparedness Month, Allison is working on a social media campaign, Superior Keeps It Simple. Each week in September, a new video will launch on a topic based on community input and includes: 

• Alerting 

• Grab lists 

• Animal Preparation with Charlie (which is done in collaboration with FEMA and stars Allison’s pup) 

• Evacuations 

The idea for the short spotlight series is that you may not have two hours to attend a meeting, but you do have time to watch a one-to-three-minute video on a specific topic. Each video will include links to additional resources and information. Be sure to check out Superior’s video and library of education material, which is chock full of useful information. 

Visit the Town of Superior’s site  to learn how to: 

• Stay informed and sign up for alerts. 

• Create a disaster preparedness plan. 

• Make a grab list. 

• And so much more. 

While you’re on the site, be sure to check out upcoming disaster preparedness events, which are open to all, no matter where you live. Two specific events to note include: 

Rover Ready (Disaster Preparedness and Recovery) on September 14. 

Mountain View Fire Protection District to Host Special Superior Slash Drop-off Chipping Event (Disaster Preparedness and Recovery) on September 28. 

When you stay informed, are ready, and have a plan, you ensure the safety and security of your family in times of disaster. And, when disasters happen, agencies like JFS and Allison’s team are ready to help with financial assistance, food and essentials, mental health support, and much more.