Southern 7 Health Department urges residents to prepare during National Preparedness Month

KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

MOUNDS, Ill., (KBSI) — September is National Preparedness Month, and the Southern 7 Health Department is reminding residents that readiness begins at home.

In recent years, devastating earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic have underscored the importance of disaster preparedness. Yet, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), half of Americans still do not have an emergency plan.

This year’s FEMA Ready Campaign, themed “Preparedness Starts at Home,” highlights simple but essential steps families can take to stay safe in an emergency. Southern 7 Health Department (S7HD) is sharing guidance from Ready.gov to help residents develop their own preparedness plans.

Preparedness Tips:

Know your risks. Learn about the disasters most likely to affect your community.

Create a plan. Outline what your family will do in various situations, including evacuation or shelter-in-place.

Build a supply kit. Stock up on food, water, medicine and essential items to last several days.

Get involved. Participate in preparedness training such as CPR and first aid, volunteer with groups like S7HD’s Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), or join local preparedness events.

Use resources. Visit Ready.gov for tips, graphics and printable forms to help build a family emergency plan.

“Preparedness is not about fear; it’s about being proactive,” said Shawnna Rhine, community outreach coordinator and public information officer for S7HD. “Taking steps now to plan, gather supplies and stay informed will make a difference when emergencies happen.”

For more information on preparing for disasters or to learn about joining the Medical Reserve Corps, contact Bobi Cavins, S7HD MRC coordinator, at 618-634-2297 ext. 971123. Residents can also download the Southern 7 app or visit www.southern7.org.