September is National Preparedness Month. Cooper is raising awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, Ready.gov, and Cooper’s own Division of EMS/Disaster Medicine are valuable resources to help you stay prepared.
Below are the top 10 things to consider when preparing for disasters and emergencies.
- Cell phones and computers can be unreliable during a disaster. Do you have a Family Emergency Communications Plan? Find one supplied by FEMA here.
- Do you have a designated place to meet your family outside your home or immediate neighborhood?
- Do you have enough emergency supplies in your home to last 72 hours? The American Red Cross has a survival list to help you create your own. Click here for more information.
- Do you have enough emergency supplies in your car to last 24 hours? The National Safety Council has a list of items you can keep in your car in case of an emergency. Click here for more information.
- Do you have tourniquets in your car and home to stop life-threatening limb bleeding? Do you know how to use one? Cooper offers free Stop the Bleed courses with hands-on training on wound packing and proper application of tourniquets. For additional information, contact Sarah Cunningham, Trauma Outreach Coordinator.
- Do you have a fire escape plan for your home?
- Do you have an alternate source of power in your home such as a generator? Does it have enough fuel to last 72 hours?
- Do you have a fire extinguisher in your home?
- Does everyone in your household (including children) know how to shut off the gas, water, and electricity coming into your home?
- Do you have a fireproof and waterproof container in your home for storing important documents?
Consider signing up for Basic Disaster Life Support and Advanced Disaster Life Support courses taught by Cooper’s own disaster experts. Click here for more information.