September is National Preparedness Month. This month we will be sending out regular posts about things you can do in your home to be prepared if an emergency or disaster occurs.
#17 Disaster Preparedness for First Responders
Naturally, as you are running out to do your job helping others, you don’t want to have to worry about your own family’s welfare.
Get Informed
- Know what disasters could affect your area, which could call for an evacuation, and when to shelter in place.
- Keep a NOAA Weather Radio tuned to your local emergency station and monitor TV, radio and follow mobile alert and mobile warnings about severe weather in your area.
- Download the FEMA app and get weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States.
First responders who are well-prepared will have the peace of mind to focus on the task at hand, rather than worrying about whether their family is taken care of.
- Build an emergency supply kit. Learn more
- Make a family emergency plan. Use this FEMA document to help
- Be informed about the types of emergencies that you may be called upon to respond to and teach your family about what they should do when a disaster strikes.
- Prepare for any special considerations like individuals with access or functional needs, older adults, children, and pets.
Make an Agency Plan
Take the time to outline how the program will operate and what the expectations are for your organization using the Ready Responder Toolkit (PDF). A successful organizational preparedness program needs:
- A clear vision
- Actionable objectives and goals
- Defined deliverables and timelines
- Regular reviews
- Identify potential obstacles and challenges
Associated Content
The "Ready Responder: Law Enforcement's and Firefighters Guide, Preparing Your Family for Emergencies," presentation provides agencies with a customizable template to promote emergency preparedness information to law enforcement or firefighters and their families.