Is Your Family Prepared For All Types Of Emergencies?

September is National Preparedness Month (NPM)--a great reminder for everyone to take time to prepare for emergencies that might happen. 

Week One: September 4-10

During this week take the time to make a family emergency communication plan and make sure all family members are prepared.

• Make sure all family members are able to receive alerts from local officials. Checks with officials in your area to see what kind of alerts are available. If an emergency might arise you need the right equipment to get alerts.
• Put together a household plan for disasters. This way everyone knows where to go in the house or what shelter to go to if a natural disaster may occur.
• Often times we don’t have everyone’s information on-hand, so put together a list of everyone’s phone numbers (cell, work, office), email, social media, school and medical information (doctors, facilities and service providers).
• Find a location where everyone can meet in case you are not with the whole family at the time of the emergency. Pick a place everyone knows and is able to get to. If you have pets, make sure that the place you decide on is one that allows animals.
• Everyone should have the emergency plan on hand in a location you are able to reach quickly.
• After you design your plan, make sure to practice it before an emergency happens in case you need to adjust the plan.

If you would like more in-depth information or an emergency plan template, click here.

Week Two: September 11-17

Ever wonder what you can do to prepare your community for an emergency? Week two of NPM is a great time to learn how to get involved. See below for some emergency response organizations you can get involved with.

• Learn basic disaster response skills and training through CERT.
• Get certified in CPR and first aid through your local American Red Cross Chapter.
• Support and volunteer with your local fire department through Fire Corps.

These are just a few organizations for which you can volunteer and get involved. If you would like to learn about other volunteer opportunities, click here for more information.

Week Three: September 18-24

During this week make sure to get yourself prepared for a disaster. There is a great mobile app called FEMA that alerts you about bad weather, gives you safety reminders and tips, helps you locate open shelters, and allows you to upload photos to help first responders.

Week Four: September 25-30

Get your preparedness event registered and counted for in time for National PrepareAthon Day. America’s PrepareAthon! is a grassroots campaign for action to increase community preparedness around the country.

How You Can Help

During the month of September as you are setting up your emergency plan, you might decide it’s time to get a better vehicle. If you are nervous about selling your old vehicle, this is a great opportunity for you. You can donate you vehicle to Wheels For Wishes. Our organization benefits local children charities in your area. Since we are a 501(c)(3) car donation program, your donation is fully tax deductible. You can use our chapter locator to see what children’s charities are in your area.

We take vehicles that run and ones that no longer run. We will pick it up from any location for free. Whether you live in Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia or anywhere in between, we will come and get your car. If this is something that you would like to do, you can call us at 1-855-278-9474 or fill out our online donation form.  Don’t let that vehicle sit any longer. Donate Today!