Summary
Name a better month to prepare for disasters than September. You can't beat #Preptember!
This 10-post toolkit was promoted in recognition of National Preparedness Month in September 2024. This campaign aimed to highlight basic preparedness action items and equip Oklahomans to be #ReadyOK under general messages of "It's not if, but when," and "Don't be scared, be prepared!" Topics included emergency kit preparation, family communication planning, and prepping for power outages.
1. National Preparedness Month
It’s National Preparedness Month! 🥳 AKA #PREPTEMBER! ✅💚
Start getting your household ready today: https://oklahoma.gov/oem/readyok.html
or
Follow along as we post about it all month! ✨
#NationalPreparednessMonth #ReadyOK
2. Not If, But When
It’s not if a disaster will affect your family, but WHEN ⏰ #Preptember is a great time to take ownership of your household’s preparedness. #YouCan get to know what disasters are likely in your area and #MakeAPlan of how you’ll respond to each.
Get started at https://oklahoma.gov/oem/readyok/be-aware.html
#NationalPreparednessMonth #ReadyOK
3. Don't Be Scared, Be Prepared
There’s no reason to fear when you know what to do when strikes 🤠👍 This #Preptember, don’t be scared, be prepared.
Get started at https://oklahoma.gov/oem/readyok/be-prepared.html
#NationalPreparednessMonth #ReadyOK
4. Sign Up for Alerts and Warnings
BEFORE a disaster 🕰️ make sure you will receive:
🔔 Wireless Emergency Alerts
🔔 Emergency Alert System
🔔 NOAA Weather Radio Broadcasts
🔔 Local alerts from local entities (news, gov, school, work, etc.)
Learn more at https://oklahoma.gov/oem/readyok/be-prepared/twelveways/alertsandwarnings.html
#NationalPreparednessMonth #Preptember #ReadyOK
5. Gather Emergency Supplies
If you can’t leave home in an emergency, what supplies do you have? 🤔 If you were stranded in your car, would you have what you need? What if you needed to evacuate on foot?
This #Preptember, gather emergency supplies into (1️⃣) an emergency kit that stays in the safest place of your home, (2️⃣) a go kit in case you need to go, and (3️⃣) a car kit if you’re on wheels.
Start here for a list of the basics: https://oklahoma.gov/oem/readyok/be-prepared/twelveways/assemble-or-update-supplies.html
#NationalPreparednessMonth #ReadyOK
6. Have a Family Communication Plan
How will your family communicate if the regular means are down during a disaster?
🧩 If cell towers are overwhelmed during a disaster, text, don’t talk, OR try calling a point of contact long-distance - pick an out-of-state family member or friend that everyone knows to check in with when disaster strikes
🧩 Keep your phone charged and have a spare battery pack, car charger and charger
🧩 #Pick2 meeting places your family can reunite if separated - 1 near your home and 1 outside your neighborhood
🧩 Memorize important phone numbers and write them down in a safe place in your emergency kit
#NationalPreparednessMonth #Preptember #ReadyOK
7. Prepare for Power Outages
It may be #Preptember now, but winter is on the way. Prepare now for power outages so you won’t be caught in the dark! 🔦
⚡️ Take inventory of necessary electronics and plan alternative power sources
⚡️ Have extra batteries & a portable charger or power bank for devices
⚡️ Have a flashlight for every household member (waterproof headlamps are versatile)
⚡️ Talk with your doctor about a plan for medical devices and refrigerated medicine
#NationalPreparednessMonth #ReadyOK
8. Practice Emergency Drills
Was the last time you practiced a fire drill in elementary school? Stay up-to-date on best practices by rehearsing emergency drills every six months with your family. When seconds count, muscle memory overcomes stress 🧠💪
Get started at https://oklahoma.gov/oem/readyok/be-prepared/twelveways/practice-emergency-drills.html
#NationalPreparednessMonth #Preptember #ReadyOK
9. Save for Emergencies
No matter your income level, rebuilding your life after a disaster is challenging. Start planning now to make survival and recovery easier 👍
🪙 Pick a budgeting method that works for your family and stick to it. Save 3-6 months of living expenses in a high-yield savings account that can be accessed in any crisis
🪙 Keep emergency cash in small bills in a safe place at home, such as a fireproof and waterproof safe. ATMs & credit cards may not work in a disaster.
🪙 Obtain property, health and life insurance, and make sure your home’s policy includes coverage for floods & earthquakes.
🪙 Fill out FEMA’s Emergency Financial First Aid Kit to have everything you need to get assistance at your fingertips after disaster strikes:
https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/ready_emergency-financial-first-aid-toolkit.pdf
#NationalPreparednessMonth #Preptember #ReadyOK
10. It's Fall, Y'all
Happy first day of fall, y’all! #Preptember 🍂🍁☕️
Visit https://oklahoma.gov/oem/readyok/be-prepared/twelveways.html to get your household #ReadyOK for whatever may come its way 👍
#NationalPreparednessMonth #ReadyOK
