September 1, 2026
Caren A. Lederer
- September 1 is Battery Check Day! Replace smoke detectors, check flashlights, rotate portable chargers. Small actions = BIG preparedness.
- Preparedness Starts at Home – Does your family know what to do when a disaster strikes? Create an emergency plan today:
- Establish meeting points
- Assign responsibilities
- Practice evacuation routes
- Create a communication plan
- Save important financial and legal documents in a secure link you can access from offsite
- When the lights go out, will you be ready? Readiness starts with these power outage essentials:
- Battery-powered (or hand-crank) radio
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Portable charges for phones
- Non-perishable foods, drinking water
- Well-stocked first aid kit
- Blanket, towel or Mylar wrap
- Swiss army knife
- Keep emergency contact cards in everyone’s wallet and backpack. Include out of state contacts – often easier to reach during local emergencies.
- What’s in your car kit? Readiness starts with you but extends everywhere you go!
- Your furry family members need their own emergency kits. Include:
- 7-day food and water supply
- Medications and medical records, veterinarian contact
- First aid supplies
- Collar with a tag harness and leash
- Blanket or towel
- If you STAY ready, you don’t have to GET ready. Find your local National Weather Service office https://www.weather.gov/ to receive the latest updates before, during, and after hazardous weather.