This year marks the 20th anniversary of the deadliest terror attack on U.S. soil.  The events of that fateful day ignited a culture of preparedness which is now instilled in the fabric of our emergency response mechanism.  National Preparedness Month is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster and emergency planning. Disasters don’t wait, and they can strike at anytime and anywhere. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), and local emergency managers, are encouraging Illinoisans to take time to prepare for potential emergencies at homes, at work, and in the community. Some things to consider include: 

• Make a Plan for When a Disaster Strikes: Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters (tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, etc.) could affect your area, and know how you will contact one another or reconnect if separated.  How will your family adjust its routine should a member of your family require quarantine or isolation due to COVID-19?  Plan today for different scenarios that could impact your work, school or family routine.

• Build a Kit: Once a disaster strikes, you will not have time to shop or search for supplies, so it’s important to have supplies pre-assembled. A kit should contain basic survival items necessary during an emergency, such as food, water, weather radio, batteries, medication, supplies for each member of your family.  It is also recommended that you include face masks, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes in your emergency supply kit to address the current COVID-19 environment. Because a disaster can strike anywhere, Emergency kits should be kept at home, at work and in your car.  

For more information about emergency and disaster preparedness, visit ready.illinois.gov.