(847) 995-0970

National Preparedness Month Resources

Disasters Don't Plan Ahead. You Can.

We should all take action to prepare! We are all able to help first responders in our community by training how to respond during an emergency and what to do when disaster strikes — where we live, work, and visit. The goal of National Preparedness Month is to increase the overall number of individuals, families, and communities that engage in preparedness actions at home, work, business, school, and place of worship.

Week 1: Make and Practice Your Plan

Make an Emergency Plan
Sign up for alerts and warnings in your area
Learn your evacuation zone and have an evacuation plan

Week 2: Learn Life Saving Skills

Know basic home maintenance to protect your family and home. Learn how to mitigate your home against flood damage, or protect against the impacts of earthquakes.
Learn how to turn off utilities like natural gas in your home.
Put smoke alarms on every level of your home, test them monthly, and replace them when they are 10 years old.
Know the ways to keep your home safe from cooking, heating & electrical fires.
On National Day of Action, hold a preparedness event. Some examples of events might be hosting a CPR class or Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training at your business, school, or house of worship; or volunteering with a local disaster response or recovery agency.
Life Saving Skills video

Week 3: Check Your Coverage

Insurance is the first line of defense; check your insurance coverage and review the Document and Insure Property guide.
Flood Insurance allows communities and families to recover more quickly and more fully. Visit Floodsmart.gov to learn more about flood insurance and how to protect your home or business.

Week 4: Save for an Emergency