September is National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month. In light of the severe weather events our area has experienced in the last few years, including Hurricane Irene and Superstorm Sandy, it is more important now that ever to be prepared in the event of an emergency – weather related or otherwise.

According to information from the National Preparedness Community, one of the most important messages of National Preparedness Month is to be prepared for an emergency by having enough supplies to be self-reliant for three days without utilities, electricity, water service, access to grocery stores or local services and even potentially without assistance from police, fire or rescue.

Four steps noted by the National Preparedness Community to aid in preparing include:

1. Be informed about emergencies that could happen and identify sources of information in your community that would be helpful before, during and after an emergency.
2. Make a plan for what to do in an emergency.
3. Build an emergency supply kit.
4. Get involved.

For more information about being prepared during an emergency, visit community.fema.gov/connect.ti/readynpm/groupHome or cdc.gov/features/beready/.

An important way you can stay informed during emergencies is by connecting with our department through the different social media platforms we use. Follow us on Twitter @bergenfieldnjpd, “Like” us on Facebook and sign up for our Nixle notifications for alerts, advisories and community-related postings. You can also keep up-to-date on information by visiting this blog.