The Delaware Fire Department urges residents to participate in National Preparedness Month 2010, a nationwide effort held each September to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, and schools.
Delaware's Fire Department is taking part in National Preparedness Month in September. (sxc)
National Preparedness Month is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The goal of the month is to increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies and to encourage individuals to take action.
“National Preparedness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of emergency preparedness and to encourage all Delaware residents to better prepare their homes and communities for emergencies,” Delaware Fire Chief John Donahue said.
One of the key components to preparing for an emergency or disaster is to make a family plan in case you are not together in the event of a disaster. Chief Donahue says it is important to keep these points in mind:
- Establish a place to meet near the home and outside the immediate area as well.
- Make a contact card for each family member showing local contact names, phone numbers and emails, and a neighborhood meeting place in case you can’t go back to your home.
- Have the same information for an out-of-state or regional contact in case meeting up locally is not possible.
- Practice your plan so that everyone is familiar with it. In an emergency, being able to contact loved ones is a great comfort.
“Only you can develop an emergency plan that suits your family’s needs,” Chief Donahue said.
The public can contact the Delaware Fire Department at 740-203-1300 for more information on emergency preparedness and ways to take action.
Source: City of Delaware
