Preparedness Kit and Plan Urged for Every Iowa Household
In conjunction with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s National Preparedness Month, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) encourages all Iowans to prepare for disasters that could strike in the future. Severe weather, terrorist attacks and disease outbreaks are all possible and each Iowan should be prepared for the unexpected.
“Every household in Iowa needs to be prepared for public health disasters,” said IDPH Director Tom Newton. “The severe weather events Iowa experienced this summer should serve as a reminder to all Iowans to take responsibility and be a part of the preparedness efforts.”
Launched in 2005, the Protect Iowa Health emergency preparedness campaign encourages Iowans to make a kit, make a plan and just simply be prepared for any kind of emergency.
Make a Kit
- During or after an emergency, you won’t have time to search for supplies. An emergency supply kit contains the basic items needed during a public health emergency. This should be prepared in advance!
- Keep the kit where you can reach it quickly in case of an emergency. Place the kit in an easy-to-carry container like a trash container, backpack or duffel bag.
- Review the contents of your kit periodically to make sure food and water are fresh and prescription medicines are up-to-date. Store the kit in a place known to all household members.
Make a Plan
- In an emergency, communications may be difficult, if not impossible. When a disaster strikes, some family members may be at work, others at school, church or home. To keep in touch with your loved ones, designate a primary meeting place in your immediate area and a secondary place outside your neighborhood or town.
- Designate an emergency contact, preferably someone out of town or state – it may be easier to make a long distance call across the country than to call across town. Make sure each family member knows the contact number.
- If you have loved ones or neighbors that are elderly or disabled and may need assistance, offer to include them in your emergency plans.
For more information on what to put in your preparedness kit, how to make a communications plan or to order a free guidebook, visit www.protectiowahealth.org.