September is National Preparedness Month

Each year September is designated “National Preparedness Month” as a reminder for the citizens of the United States to take the time to prepare, review, practice and restock. But the number of Americans who are actually prepared is less then 33%. This yearly event is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Ready Campaign and will include 1800 coalition members who hold activities geared toward public awareness.

This year as a coalition member, Survival Kits Online will be increasing its ability to help inform the public by increasing the staffing their online live chat. They will also be holding impromptu gathering in their retail store in West Hills, CA. For the month of September if want to know more about disaster preparedness and survival supplies you can log on to www.SurvivalKitsOnline.com and chat with an expert.

Such topics as how to make a family plan, what supplies you should have, how to store supplies so they are organized, as well as how to mitigate the damage beforehand are just some of the topics covered during the online chats.

“Our customers are very interested in making informed decisions about their families well being when it comes to disaster preparedness” says Scott Kastner Owner/Partner. “We are attempting to have a hands on approach with our customers and have a firm commitment to saving lives as our number one goal”.

In the wake of 9/11, hurricane Katrina and other unforeseen disasters of the 20th and early 21st century disaster preparedness has become a hot topic. This election year some people are considering their vote based on decisions made in the past. Citizens are questioning if the government is prepared well enough.

Regardless, individual preparation is compulsory. Having survival kits and survival supplies are not just the latest fad. Families throughout the country will, hopefully, be making plans, reviewing phone contacts and genuinely getting prepared. It is no longer good enough to say “I have some water and canned goods” or “it will never happen here”. History has proven those scenarios just aren’t good enough.

Survival Kits Online has spent the past three years involved in community education through its website and through public appearances. “We have participated in several fairs the past few years and have met with hundreds of people who are involved neighborhood watch, CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) and other groups, who have gathered with disaster preparedness as their objective” said Chad Allen, Owner/Partner. “This is the reason we joined the coalition and have set aside this month to increase our staffing of our online chat service. We know that people are thirsty for information and hopefully, we will be able to provide what people need”.

Making a plan is the just the start of the disaster preparedness process. Disaster mitigation is an essential but daunting element of the plan and varies depending on the disaster potential.

• First you must identify your risks: If you live in a hurricane prone area your disaster mitigation preparations differ from someone living in an earthquake susceptible area.

• Create a disaster plan: Designate two different meeting places your family will meet after a disaster. Choose a contact person to be called who lives out side of your area as often times, long distance calls can go through but local calls can not.

• Purchase survival kits for each member of the family. Each kit should contain enough food and water for 72 hours. A complete list of items to have in your survival kit can be found at: http://www.SurvivalKitsOnline.com

Practice your disaster plan at least every 6 months to make sure that all family members understand their roll in the plan. Make changes as necessary and fine tune your plan. It is very important to involve your children in the plan. Don’t forget to make arrangements for anyone who has special needs and of course do not forget to make plans for your pets. Most shelters do not allow pets, so have alternate arrangements for your pet.

It is important to learn basic first aid and CPR. Simple things like knowing how to dress a wound can save someone’s life in the long run.

Take this time during Disaster Preparedness month to ensure your and your family’s future. Preparation today will help decrease the fear of the unknown tomorrow.