National Preparedness Month is observed across the country -- and in Michigan -- each September to encourage individuals and communities to prepare for and become more resilient in the event of an emergency or disaster. It serves as a reminder that the best way to survive and thrive during and after an emergency is to take steps to be prepared before an emergency.
This year's Preparedness Month theme, Don't Wait. Communicate. Make Your Plan Today highlights the importance of planning ahead. Have you and your family created an emergency plan? Do you practice it regularly? Do you recommend to your patients that they too should have an emergency plan in place?
While it may seem overwhelming, there are simple ways that you can start preparing now or recommending that your patients do so as well. Take stock of what you already have and build from there. Do you keep canned goods in your pantry that you and your family like to eat? Great! You already have an emergency supply of shelf-stable foods started. Shelf-stable foods are those that are safe to keep on the shelf for at least a year and don't require cooking before you eat them. If your budget and space allow, buy and store a few extra canned goods and replenish your supply as you use them throughout the year.
Another simple way to prepare your family and to encourage your patients to do the same is to download the Michigan Prepares Emergency Plan app from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The MI Prepares Plan app is a free, easy to use app that allows you to quickly create, store, and share an emergency plan with your family and emergency contacts -- all from your mobile device. It's available in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
This September, take a few minutes to visit www.michigan.gov/prepares and follow Michigan Prepares on Twitter @miprepares to learn more about the different types of emergencies that could affect us here in Michigan, and steps you can take yourself, as well as recommend to your patients to survive and thrive!