NAPERVILLE, Ill. – For National Preparedness Month this September, state Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, D-Naperville, is highlighting the importance of being prepared for natural disasters and emergencies that could occur at any time.
“Natural disasters and many other emergency situations are unavoidable. That’s why it is extremely important to be prepared for common and uncommon emergencies and learn the best practices for when they do occur,” said Yang Rohr. “Having resources and a plan in advance of an emergency can save the lives of yourself and your loved ones.”
Yang Rohr is highlighting this year’s theme “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love” and recommends following the Ready Campaign’s suggestions on disaster preparedness. These recommendations include making a plan of how to communicate with loved ones and where to evacuate, building supply kits for each individual in your household including any pets, and using low-to-no cost preparedness techniques, such as signing up for alerts or safeguarding important documents. Information on disaster preparedness can be found at https://www.ready.gov/september
Yang Rohr is also encouraging residents to start an emergency fund in case a disaster or other emergency situation strikes. According to Bankrate’s July 2021 Emergency Savings Survey, more than half of Americans have less than three months’ worth of expenses covered in an emergency fund, including 1 in 4 Americans who indicate having no emergency fund at all.
“Safety and preparedness go hand and hand. It is never clear when disaster may strike but having a plan can make a world of difference for anyone who may be impacted,” said Yang Rohr. “I encourage everyone to take the time to educate themselves on what to do in case of an emergency and how to be best prepared for natural and man-made disasters.”