National Preparedness Month is coming to a close, but it's not too late to take steps to increase your preparedness level. Make a basic emergency kit with a flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies, and a supply of non-perishable food and water.
See http://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit for more information. Purchase a weather radio. Talk with your family members about how you would communicate during an emergency and where you might go if an evacuation was necessary.
Visit http://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan for additional information. Remember – winging it is not a plan.
Those of you who have smartphones may be interested in some Android and iPhone apps that are available for FREE!
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has an app that contains disaster safety tips, an interactive emergency kit list, emergency meeting location information, a map with open shelters, and a Disaster Reporter feature. The Disaster Reporter lets you take and submit GPS photo reports so they can be displayed on a public map for others to view. http://www.fema.gov/smartphone-app
The American Red Cross has several apps, including a tornado app and a first aid app. The tornado app lets you set up your phone to receive warnings and alerts. The first aid app provides instructions for various scenarios. http://www.redcross.org/prepare/mobile-apps