Cook County Department of Public Health Encourages Family Safety: September is Preparedness Month

September 2012 marks the ninth annual National Preparedness Month and Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) officials encourage residents to use this time to prepare for an emergency. Knowing what to do before, during and after an emergency is critical to keeping you and your family safe.

“The extreme weather our region has experienced in recent years has produced floods, excessive heat and even the blizzard of 2011,” said CCDPH interim chief operating officer, Sandra Martell, RN, DNP.

“While most residents know these types of situations may occur, not all are prepared if they lose power for more than a few hours or if their home floods. Taking a few minutes to prepare and follow a few basic steps can keep their family safe and healthy during an emergency.”

CCDPH staff developed two preparedness brochures to assist residents in preparing for an emergency, Be Aware. Get Prepared. Take Action! and the Pandemic Flu brochures.

Be Aware. Get Prepared. Take Action! contents include:

• Check list of things needed to build your family’s emergency supply kit
• Steps to create a family communications plan to help locate and identify each other during an emergency
• Information on how to volunteer with the Cook County Medical Reserve Corps

Pandemic Flu Brochure contents include:

• Description of the differences between pandemic flu and seasonal flu
• Steps to prevent and stop the spread of germs
• Form to record each family member’s medical history

Become familiar with the information contained in these documents and keep them in a place where they are easily accessible. Achieving a basic level of emergency preparedness is easy to do and can make the difference between getting hurt and staying safe.

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