Photo of Superstorm Sandy aftermath by Katheryn Laible
September is National Preparedness Month., and annual national campaign ”to remind everyone that preparing for emergencies and disasters can keep them, their families and their communities safe.” Thousands of people are harmed by natural disasters each year. The early Fall is known for hurricanes. These and other major storms often come with some warning. Other events like house fires will never be expected. The best we can do, both for our family and in service to those who risk their lives to rescue others, is be prepared.
Be Ready LI
Be Ready LI is a collaboration from PSEG, 2-1-1 Long Island and United Way of Long Island. The website contains information on what to pack and other ways to prepare including: an emergency supply kit checklist, evacuation routes and family disaster plan advice and more information on how to handle valuable items, assets and pets. There are links to a broad variety of educational and other resources aimed at residents, businesses and others, covering a broad range of potential disasters and ranging from all levels of government, to power and transportation systems, to emergency service providers, as well as resources to track weather events and power outages. There are also special sections dedicated to children, seniors and individuals with special needs.
PSEG's Critical Care Program
There’s a much simpler recent press release from PSEG LI, that something of a quick sheet on how to be prepared. Among resources is a “Critical Care Program” specifically designed to serve individuals with special needs who may literally count on electricity to keep them alive.
Community Emergency Response Team
If you want to advance to the next level of being able to protect your family and neighbors, you might consider joining the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) in Nassau or Suffolk County. These are federally funded, community based volunteer programs providing special training that prepares citizens to assist emergency responders in the event of disaster, or in providing public education to make our communities more resilient.
At the very least, when you know something’s going to happen, please listen to the advisories, and stay home when recommended. It’s not a matter of personal bravery, but saving emergency management folks from having to put themselves at risk unnecessarily.
The better prepared we are, the better off we’ll be.
