Are you ready to be a hero? When disaster strikes you may need to take action to help protect your family, your friends and your community. That’s what September’s National Preparedness Month is all about.

Disasters can happen anytime and anywhere, from severe weather like the tornadoes,  to winter storms to chemical spills and other man-caused emergencies.  This September, please prepare in the event your family must go for a few days without electricity, water service, access to a supermarket, pharmacy, gas station or other local services. Just follow these three steps:

Get a kit

Keep enough emergency supplies on hand for you and your family – water, non-perishable food, first aid kit, prescriptions, flashlight, and a battery-powered radio. If you own pets, remember to include their food and supplies.

Make a plan

Discuss and develop an emergency plan with your family including meeting places if you are separated.

Be informed

Knowing the dangers and making good decisions can save your life.

Did you know that you can now receive life-saving alerts on your cell phone? Wireless Emergency Alerts let you know about tornado warnings and other important information.

For more on WEA and how to prepare for disasters, please visit the ReadyWisconsin website: readywisconsin.wi.gov