September is National Preparedness Month and Alaskans should take time to assess their emergency plans due to the state’s dependence on out-of-state supplies.
Dan Nelson with the Office of Emergency Management says Kenai Peninsula residents should start with two things.
Nelson: “This is making sure that you can communicate with the family, consider establishing a meeting place in case you’re separated and teaching younger children where to go and giving them cards with that information. Folks can stay informed with these types of disruptions by registering their phones for our Rapid Notify system so they get emergency messaging.”
Families and individuals should also be prepared with at least one week worth of food and water in case of a major emergency.
Nelson: “And that can affect us in case of inclement weather, labor strikes, or a natural disaster that affects transportation. Dividend checks will be coming out soon so it may be a good time to use a little portion of those to fund those supplies and make sure that all families have what they need or consider some of those larger ticket items like generators in case of emergency.”
Nelson said the Office of Emergency Management offers preparedness training in their regular Community Emergency Response Training courses.
Read suggestions for beginning your preparedness plans by visiting the Office of Emergency Management’s website.
