As September rolls in, Ohioans are reminded that it's high time to get their ducks in a row—emergency preparedness is the game, and everyone's expected to partake. Echoing the timeless advice of ol' Ben Franklin, the Bureau of Health Preparedness (BHP) advocates for readiness in the face of the unpredictable. "Emergencies are unpredictable, but preparedness is within everyone’s reach," BHP Chief Thomas Muldrow stated in a recent release by the Ohio Department of Health official website.
For starters, staying aware can make all the difference when disaster strikes. And with Ohio's resume of tornadoes, floods, and snowstorms, there's a suite of digital tools at your fingertips. Thomas suggests opting into community text alerts and social media updates from local officials to stay in the know. Alongside this, smartphone apps—from FEMA to the American Red Cross—are ready to keep Ohioans clued in on the latest emergency alerts.
But it's not just about staying informed, Ohio Preparedness Month is also about concrete action. Thomas advises putting together a family communication plan. You can hammer out the details with the FEMA Create Your Family Communication Plan fact sheet, which keeps crucial contact information and emergency contacts all in one place. Keeping this info both in your cell phone and printed out is a solid move to bolster your emergency response arsenal.
Then there's the family preparedness kit, an essential collection of items that should be at the ready. While tailored to individual needs, some staples never change—think water, non-perishable food, cash, and of course, the all-important cellphone chargers, batteries, and a trusty radio. And while you're at it, don't skip out on your pets. A simple conversation with your vet about emergency planning and pet-friendly locations in case you need to bounce could make all the difference for your furry companion's safety.
To learn more, Ohioans are encouraged to head over to the Ohio Preparedness Month website. Here, they can dive into a sea of resources and even catch a glance at Governor Mike DeWine's Ohio Preparedness Month Proclamation. After all, it's not just a month—it's an ongoing commitment to ensure that when Mother Nature throws a curveball, Ohio is ready to swing back with preparation and resilience.
