National Preparedness Month is a time to remind our community that natural and man-made disasters can occur at any time. (file photo)

CHENANGO COUNTY – National Preparedness Month is a time to remind our community that natural and man-made disasters can occur at any time. It's important to have a planned response when you're at home, at work, or on the road. It is essential that you are prepared.

What disasters should you prepare for?

Chenango County residents are most likely to experience disasters related to severe storms, flooding, winter storms, and blackouts.

Knowing what natural disasters can occur within your area can better assist you in making a disaster plan. One way to prepare is to ensure you will readily receive emergency disaster alerts and warnings affecting your area. Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) on your phone to receive short emergency messages from authorities alerting you to weather-related emergencies in your area.

These alerts come in messages with distinct vibrations and sounds to capture a user’s attention and warn them of a definite or potential emergency. To sign up for statewide alerts, go to www.alert.ny.gov.

How to Plan for an Emergency

While allowing for Wireless Emergency Alerts is a great way to stay informed, having a sheltering plan, identifying an evacuation route, and having a reliable means of communication will ensure safety for you, your family, and your pets. Consider your family’s dietary, medical, and mobility needs when developing your emergency plan.

Ensure that young children and older adults have emergency contact information on them should they become separated from you. Go to www.ready.gov for tools to help you create an emergency plan.

Create your disaster preparedness kit

An emergency plan can also include assembling an emergency preparedness kit. These kits should be prepared with enough shelf-stable food, water, and other necessary supplies to sustain you through several days following a disaster. The kit should have items stored in airtight plastic bags and in easy-to-carry bins or bags. To get a list of supplies and read more about preparing for disasters, go to https://www.ready.gov/plan.

Some of the recommended items for emergency supply kits include: water (safe drinking water, preferably one gallon per person for one week); food (non-perishable, several day supply); battery-powered or hand crank radio; flashlight; first aid kit; medications and medical supplies/devices extra batteries; whistle/flares (signaling help) masks; plastic sheeting, scissors, and duct tape (for creating shelter); sanitary items; wrench, pliers, or other needed tools; can opener; local maps;cell phone, charger, portable chargers (charge devices in advance); list of emergency contacts; pet supplies.

Steps to take today

It takes planning to be prepared. Take some time this month to make your family’s plan. To sign up for weather and disaster alerts in Chenango County, go to: signup.hyper-reach.com/hyper_reach/sign_up_page_2/?id=48281

To sign up for statewide alerts, go to www.alert.ny.gov.

More resources: www.ready.gov/be-informed, www.ready.gov/plan, www.ready.gov/kit.

Persons with questions or requiring additional information may contact the Chenango County Health Department at (607) 337-1660.

- Information from the Chenango County Nursing Division