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September is National Preparedness Month: What's in YOUR Plan?

Posted on 08/31/2023
Images of first aid kit, piggy bank, flashlight and other emergency needs; title says: NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH

Have an emergency plan already?

This might be a good time to check it for needed updates. 
 

No plan, yet? 

September is the annual National Preparedness Month, so what better time?  (OR, any time you're reading this!)
  • Your family may not all be together if a disaster strikes.   
  • Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. 
  • Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.
  • A meeting place may need to change based on which possible Los Angeles area disaster is occurring, and where it's focused.

 

STEP 1: Put a plan together by discussing the questions below with household and close contacts to start your emergency plan.

  1. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?  
    • Register for NotifyLA to stay up to date with emergency information from the City of Los Angeles
    • Visit Ready LA County's Emergency Notifications cross-agency directory to register for alerting systems that operate where you work, attend school, or regularly visit.
  2. What is my shelter plan?
  3. What is my evacuation route?   
  4. What is my family/household communication plan
  5. Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?
AND, check with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and LA County Public Health to update emergency plans based on current health issues.

STEP 2:  Consider specific needs in your household.

As you prepare your plan, tailor your steps and supplies to your specific daily-living needs and responsibilities.  Discuss your unique situations and how people in your circle of contacts can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets, or specific needs like operating medical equipment.  Create your own personal network for specific areas where you need assistance.  Keep in mind some these factors when developing your plan:
Shows drawing of a digital checklist on a smartphone device.
  • Different ages of members within your household
  • Responsibilities for assisting others 
  • Locations frequented
  • Dietary and/or medical needs (including prescriptions and equipment)
  • Disabilities or access and functional needs (including devices and equipment)
  • Languages spoken
  • Cultural and religious considerations
  • Pets or service animals
  • Households with school-aged children 

For more in-depth plans, see the Emergency Management Department's Comprehensive Guide to Family Preparedness.

STEP 3: Fill out a Family Emergency Plan.

Download and fill out a family emergency plan or use it as a guide to create your own.
·         Emergency Plan for Parents (PDF)

STEP 4: Practice your plan with your family/household

 

 

 Drawing shows family members gathered together. Headline says: TIPS FOR PREPAREDNESS MONTH. Smaller text suggest each week having a new focus: 1) Prepare a Plan; 2) Buld a kit; 3) Prepare for disasters; 4) Teach youth how to prepare.

Additional Resources:

(updated 8/31/23)

EMD 2022 NPM Newsletters: