Back to school is a hectic time for everybody involved – kids, parents and teachers. In the midst of all the busyness, it seems impossible to find the time to squeeze in another list of “to-dos” when it comes to emergency preparedness. But what happens if your family experiences a disaster? Are you ready?
As a mother of two with a busy career at Imagine It!, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, preparing for a disaster is not a topic that’s typically top of mind. However, I don’t want to be caught in a circumstance where I’m unprepared to ensure the safety and well-being of my loved ones. Disasters can and do happen – remember the north Georgia floods about a year ago? By taking a couple of simple, inexpensive steps you can be on your way to preparedness. And believe it or not, now is a perfect time to get ready.
This is the time of year when families get into the routines that will carry them through the end of the school year. Kids are given a fresh set of classroom rules and procedures, and parents are working out drop-off and pick-up schedules. Everyone is shopping, checking off lists of supplies and clothes needed to start the year right. Incorporating emergency preparedness into each of these activities is easier than you might think.
- Build a Ready kit: No time? Pick up a few extra items each time you visit the grocery store or your local home building supplies store. Download Ready Georgia’s checklist and keep it with you so you’ll know exactly what to get. Or create a custom checklist, based on your family’s specific needs.
- Create a Plan: Your family needs a reconnection plan in case you’re not together when disaster strikes. When you’re setting the school year routine for your kids, take time to discuss and practice what you’d do in the event of a fire, severe weather or other unexpected event. Visit the plan page for more details including all the things you’ll want to consider or create a custom plan based on your family’s specific needs.
And don’t forget to educate and engage your kids. Ready Georgia tells kids, “Don’t be scared, be prepared.” Kids feel more secure and less threatened when there’s a plan in place. If you happen to have a fifth grader this year, be sure to check out Ready Georgia’s Art and Essay Contest going on throughout September – National Preparedness Month.
Fall is one of the busiest seasons for turbulent weather, so now is a good time make sure you’re prepared. This year, make back-to-school time “Get Ready” time, too.