National Preparedness Month (NPM) is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. As our nation continues to respond to COVID-19, there is no better time to be involved this September.
The Office of Resiliency, in collaboration with the Human Resources Professional Development Center, Environmental Health and Safety, and CWRU Police Department, are providing resources for all CWRU community members to better prepare for a wide range of emergencies. Resources and materials will be provided to the community around the Rave Guardian app, Stop the Bleed kits, and general planning and preparedness methods related to topics such as natural disasters and campus safety.
Members of the community are encouraged to participate in the various learning modules as there will be an opportunity to enter for a chance to win several prizes that will be given out at the end of September. Students, faculty and staff who take the quiz modules will have the chance to win prizes.
Week 1: Make a Plan
- Figure out which type of disaster could affect you
- Active Shooter, Cyber Attack, Earthquake, Extreme Heat, Financial Emergency, Flood, Novel Pandemic, Power Outage, Thunderstorm, Lightning, and Hail, Tornado, Wildfire, Winter Storm
- Discuss the following questions with your family and/or roomate(s)
- How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
- What is my shelter plan?
- What is my evacuation route?
- What is my family/household communication plan?
- Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?
Check with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and update my emergency plans due to Coronavirus.
- Consider specific needs in your household and/or dorm
- Different ages of members within your household
- Responsibilities for assisting others
- Locations frequented
- Dietary needs
- 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
- Fill out a Family Emergency Communication Plan
- Practice the plan with your household and/or dorm
Week 2: Build A Kit
To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.
A basic emergency supply kit for a household and/or dorm could include the following recommended items:
- Water (1 Gallon Per Person for At Least 5 days)
- Food (At Least a 3 day Supply of Non Perishable Food)
- Flashlight
- Extra Batteries
- First Aid Kit
- Whistle
- Face Mask
- Plastic Sheets & Duct Tape (To Shelter in Place)
- Moist Towelettes, Garbage Bags, & Plastic Ties (For Personal Sanitation)
- Wrench or Pliers (To Turn Off Utilities)
- Local Maps
- Cell Phone Charger
- Prescription Medications
- Nonprescription Medications (Ex: Pain Relievers)
- Prescription Eyeglasses
- Sleeping Bag or Warm Blanket (1 Per Person)
- Candle & Matches (In a Waterproof Container)
- Feminine Supplies
- Books, Games, or Puzzles
- Paper & Pencil
A basic emergency supply kit for a car could could include the following recommended items:
- Jumper Cables
- Flares or Reflective Triangles
- Toolkit
- Ice Scraper
- Cell Phone Charger
- Blanket
- Map
- Umbrella
- Rain Poncho
- Candle & Matches (In a Waterproof Container)
- String
- Flashlight & Extra Batteries
- First Aid Kit
- Bottled Water
Week 3: Prepare for Disasters
Week 4: Teach Youth About Preparedness
More information can be found at https://www.ready.gov/september