The Henry & Stark County Health Departments note that this September we
marked the 11th year anniversary of 9/11. Since then, September has been
designated as National Preparedness Month. This event was founded after
9/11 to increase preparedness in the U.S. Betty McNaught, RN Health
Department Emergency Services Director, states, "Now in its ninth year, the
designation is a nationwide, month-long effort that encourages individuals,
families, businesses, and communities to work together and take action to
prepare and plan for emergencies."

This year's effort has a growing coalition of more than 2,700 national,
regional, state, and local organizations pledging support. The goal for
National Emergency Preparedness Month 2012 is to encourage all Americans to
take active steps toward getting involved and becoming prepared.
Preparedness is everyone's responsibility. We have to work together, as a
team, to ensure that individuals, families and communities are ready.
Individuals are encouraged to: make a family emergency plan, put together an
emergency supply kit; be prepared to help your neighbor; and work as a team
to keep everyone safe.

According to the 2009 Citizen Corps National Survey, only 36 percent of
individuals believed there was a high likelihood of a natural disaster to
EVER happen in their community. But disasters happen every day in many
forms - from hurricanes to snowstorms, even localized events such as floods
and power outages.

McNaught notes, "Many people think that it will be easy to grab items
from your pantry if disaster strikes. But what if you aren't at home? What
if you family is separated? What if you have to leave quickly? We
encourage everyone to take a few extra minutes this month to plan for any
emergency."

In addition, all Americans should have some basic supplies on hand in
order to survive for at least three days if an emergency occurs. In order
to promote this point, the Department has put up special Emergency
Preparedness Supply kit displays for the month of September at the Black
Hawk College Community Education Center, Kewanee and the Kewanee and Geneseo
Public Libraries.

The following is a listing of some basic items that every emergency
supply kit should include:
* Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days,
for drinking and sanitation.
* Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
* Battery -powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather radio with tone
alert and extra batteries
* Flashlight and extra batteries
* First aid kit
* Whistle to signal for help
* Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct
tape to shelter-in-place
* Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
* Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
* Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
* Local maps
* Copies of your prescription (placed in a ziploc bag to keep them dry)

McNaught concludes, "September is National Preparedness Month and a good
reminder that emergencies will happen, but taking action now can help us
minimize the impact they will have on our lives. That's why the Health
Department staff is continually taking steps to become educated, trained,
and better prepared, and we urge you to take time this month to do the
same."

For more information on the Health Department's Emergency Preparedness
Activities or to set up a presentation, simply contact Ms. McNaught at
(309) 852-0197 or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or visit
www.ready.gov. or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health
Department

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