National Preparedness Month:  September

September is National Preparedness Month (NPM) and the perfect time to take action toward making your household more prepared as follows:

1. Your Kit:  Check your disaster kit for any expired food or medicine and replace those items with fresh ones.  Test the batteries in your radio and flashlights and replace those that don't work.  Replace any outdated records in the kit with new ones. 

2.  Your Plan:  Update any outdated contact information on your communication plan and make sure everyone in the family understands the plan.  Review and practice emergency plans with each member of the family.

3.  Your Community:  Promote emergency preparedness in your community by promoting the Ready America website, www.Ready.gov.  Send emails to family and friends.  Make announcement at faith community gatherings.  Spread the word to members of civic and social organizations you are involved with.

Spread the Word

By training to be a member of the Stearns-Benton Community Emergency Response Team, you can learn the basics in disaster preparedness not only for your family, but for your community as well.  The next CERT 8-week basic training will be held 6:30-9 p.m., on Tuesday nights in September and October in St. Cloud.  Spread the word!  Anyone who is interested should call Angie at 320-255-7265 or e-mail her at Angie.Trulson@ci.stcloud.mn.us.