Collins Highlights National Preparedness Month

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Lakesia Collins, D-Chicago, is highlighting September as National Preparedness Month and encourages residents to have emergency preparedness plans. 

“As hurricanes and flooding are taking over the southern and northeastern parts of the United States, now is a good time to look at our own emergency preparedness plans and make sure we are ready if danger hits,” said Collins. “Preparing for any sort of emergency not only benefits the entire family, but could save lives.”

National Preparedness Month is recognized every September as a time to promote family and community disaster and emergency planning. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is encouraging Illinoisans to take the time to prepare for potential emergencies with the following tips:

• Make a Plan for When a Disaster Strikes: Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters (tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, etc.) could affect your area, and know how you will contact one another or reconnect if separated. Consider establishing a central meeting location and how you will connect if technology services are down.
• Build a Kit: Once a disaster strikes, you will not have time to shop or search for supplies, so it’s important to have supplies pre-assembled. A kit should contain basic survival items necessary during an emergency, such as food, water, weather radio, batteries, medication, and supplies for each member of your family, including pets. It is also recommended that you include face masks, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes in your emergency supply kit to address the current COVID-19 environment.
• Prepare for Disasters: Learn how to make your home stronger in the wake of a storm or other hazards by implementing low-cost home improvement projects.
• Teach Youth how to Prepare for Disasters: Get kids involved in building their own emergency kit. Make sure to include your child’s favorite stuffed animals, board games, books or music in their emergency kit to comfort them in a disaster.

“While being prepared will not stop a disaster from happening, it can make the oncoming challenges easier to handle,” continued Collins. “Together, we will be able to handle any disaster that comes our way.”