Resolve To Be Ready

As we start 2025, let’s make a resolution that truly makes a difference: being prepared. Taking simple steps now to get ready for emergencies can help keep your family safe and make your community stronger. By planning ahead, you’ll feel more confident and ready to handle whatever comes your way. Here’s how you can make preparedness a part of your new year’s goals.

Create a Family Emergency Plan

• Make a plan so everyone in your family knows what to do in an emergency.
• Practice it regularly—fire drills or a “what if” discussion can make it easy and fun to prepare.

Build and Maintain an Emergency Kit

• Gather supplies like water, food, medications, and flashlights that you might need in a crisis.
• Check your kit twice a year to keep it updated and ready to go.

Know the Risks in Your Area

• Learn about the types of emergencies that are most likely to happen where you live, like storms or flooding.
• Stay informed about local emergency plans and resources.

Practice Emergency Drills

• Try out fire drills or evacuation routes with your family so everyone feels confident.
• Make sure everyone knows where to meet and what to grab in case you need to leave quickly.

Stay Informed and Connected

• Sign up for local emergency alerts so you’re always in the know.
• Follow trusted news sources and community updates to stay prepared.

Make Your Home Safer

• Look for potential hazards in your home and fix them to create a safer environment.
• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly to ensure they’re working.

Learn Life-Saving Skills

• Take a first aid or CPR class so you’re ready to help in an emergency.
• Keep a first-aid guide in your emergency kit for quick reference.

Build Community Connections

• Get to know your neighbors and talk about ways to help each other in emergencies.
• Share tips and resources to make your neighborhood stronger.

Keep Your Plans Updated

• Review and update your family emergency plan regularly, especially if your family’s needs change.
• Make sure your contact information, medications, and important details are always current.

Being prepared doesn’t have to be hard—it just takes a little effort now to save a lot of stress later. Let’s make 2025 a year of readiness and resilience. Resolve to be ready and protect what matters most!