September is National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month (NPM). The event, now in its 16th year, is a nationwide, month-long effort encouraging households, businesses, and communities to prepare and plan for emergencies.

Take time to learn lifesaving skills, such as CPR and first aid. Check insurance policies and coverage for the hazards you may face, such as flood, earthquakes and weather events. Make sure to consider the costs associated with disasters and save for an emergency. Also, know how to take practical safety steps like shutting off water and gas.

The recent hurricanes and wildfires reminded the nation of the importance of preparing for disasters. Often, residents will be the first ones in communities to take action after a disaster strikes and before first responders arrive, so it is important to prepare in advance to help yourself and your community.

The Pullman Police Department provides emergency preparedness tools and resources on their website (http://www.pullman-wa.gov/departments/police). From the menu, select “Information for Citizens”, then “Emergency Preparedness.” Information is also available in the Police Department lobby. Citizens are urged to sign up to receive emergency notifications from the Whitman County and City of Pullman Emergency Alert System. Sign up by clicking on the “Emergency Notification System” menu item on the Police Department website. The Pullman Police Department provides citizens with emergency information, updates, reminders, road closure information and more via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and their mobile app. Follow them on social media: facebook.com/PullmanPD, twitter.com/PullmanPolice, and Instagram @pullmanpolice; download the MyPD mobile app and look on NextDoor.com.

The Pullman Police and Fire Departments encourage the community to be better prepared and invite community members to join in this effort. For more information about the Ready Campaign and National Preparedness Month, visit http://www.ready.gov.