National Preparedness Month

I could not believe that it is September already, school has already started for many school aged children and college and professional students. With many of us on the go, going to sport games, various running and walking events, Federal Management Agency (FEMA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) draws our attention to September as National Preparedness Month. Remember, “Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead. You Can.”

We should all take action to prepare! We are all able to help first responders in our community by training how to respond during an emergency and what to do when disaster strikes, including where we live, work, and visit. It takes time and effort to help as many individuals, families, and communities around us engage in preparedness actions at home, work, business, school, and place of worship.

Disasters Don't Plan Ahead. You CAN!

Make a plan today. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area, and create a family emergency plan as needed. Know what disasters could affect your area, how to get emergency alerts, and where you would go if you and your family need to evacuate. Some of the disasters included but not limited to natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes and fires but also active shooter and chemical emergencies. Not sure how to get started? Start with making emergency plan and create a family communication plan with your children, parents and other members. (National Preparedness Month: Ready.gov)

Remember not to text and drive at the same time when you are trying to contact your family members!

Starting on September 1st, Texas becomes one of the states that adopted no texting and driving ban. Texting would be punishable by a fine of up to $99 for first-time offenders and $200 for repeat offenses. (Texting & Driving / Hands-Free Laws in Texas)

Practice and Building Out Your Plans

During the event of a disaster, can be usually stressful circumstances, and having access to personal financial, insurance, medical, and other records is crucial for starting the process of recovery quickly and efficiently. Taking the time before the disaster hits to collect and secure these critical records will give you peace of mind and, in the event of an emergency. Here are a few of the steps worthy of taking before disaster hits:

1. Gather financial, critical personal, household, and medical information.
2. Consider saving money in an emergency savings account that could be used in any crisis. Keep a small amount of cash at home in a safe place. It is important to have small bills on hand because ATM’s and credit cards may not work during a disaster when you need to purchase necessary supplies, fuel or food.
3. Obtain property (homeowners or renters), health, and life insurance if you don't have them. Homeowners insurance does not typically cover flooding, so you may need to purchase flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program)

There are many other resources on taking action to prepare and plan for disasters before they even begin. Department of Homeland Security has provided a great amount of wonderful resources to help get you and your family started.

• What important docs should you have in your emergency kit? (Financial Preparedness)
• Plan ahead: Flood insurance policies have a 30-day waiting period before they go into effect. (FEMA)
• Get Oriented with First Aid, CPR and Other Topics Before Disasters (Safety Skills)

What Would You Do When Disaster Happens in Your Home and Community?

National Immunization Awareness Month

What does August remind you of? For me is back to school month, as we all wind down from the summer vacation, traveling with family and friends before heading back to school. Before getting ready for school, it is also important to be vaccinated before returning to school. National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) is an annual observance held in August to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. During this month, use this as an opportunity to get yourself and your family vaccinated before the fall.  

Make Sure Vaccine Records Up to Date

It is important to keep your vaccine records up to date, so that when you do need to request it, you would not need to spend more time getting your missed or updated vaccines. If you need proof of immunization, the best place to start is by contacting the clinic, doctor, or healthcare provider administered the vaccination. If your provider has the record on file, this will be the fastest way of obtaining your records. (Texas Department of State Health and Human Services)

If you need proof of immunization for your child, contact the last school that was attended. Schools are required to keep records for a minimum number of years. 

Adult Need Vaccines Too!

Vaccination is important for everyone because it protects the person receiving the vaccine and helps prevent the spread of disease, especially to those who are most vulnerable to serious complications (such as infants and young children, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions and weakened immune systems). All adults, including pregnant women, should get the influenza (flu) vaccine each year to protect against seasonal flu. (National Immunization Awareness Month)

At times, there may be other vaccines that are needed for adults, such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and HPV) depending on their age, occupation, travel, medical conditions, vaccinations they have already received, or other consideration. Not sure what vaccines you need? Check out this link with the quiz: CDC: What Vaccines Do You and Your Family Need?

There are many other resources on immunization, check out some of these resources to help get you and your family started.

• Recognizing National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) (CDC)
• National Immunization Awareness Month (National Public Health Information Coalition)
• National Immunization Awareness Month (Vaccines.gov)

How are You Encouraging Your Family and Friends Get Vaccinated?