City of Norwalk reminds residents: September is National Preparedness Month

Taking Action to Be Ready

(Norwalk. September 10, 2017) September is National Preparedness Month (NPM)—the perfect time to take action and get your family ready. Readiness comes in many forms and preparedness is everyone’s responsibility. We have to work together,, to ensure that our families, neighborhoods, and communities are ready. As  we continue to closely monitor the path of Irma and Jose, as well as the massive recovery efforts underway in Texas, there is no stronger reminder for the need to be prepared.

The Norwalk Fire Dept- Office of Emergency Management reminds residents there are 4 simple steps you can take to be better prepared as we approach the peak of the 2017 Hurricane season.

• Get an emergency supply kit.
• Make a family emergency plan.
• Be informed about the risks in your area and how you’ll be notified of an emergency.
• Work with your family members and neighbors to know who might need extra help.

Visit www.ready.gov or www.flash.org for videos, planning tools and resources, such as coloring books. There are also great apps for mobile devices to help you prepare, such as the American Red Cross Emergency App. Residents should also make sure they’re registered for City of Norwalk notifications through CodeRed. To sign up to receive updates on mobile phones, text or email, visit www.norwalkct.org and scroll to the bottom of the site.

You are your family’s first responder, and in many ways you are your neighbor’s first responder. All of us as participants in our communities and members of our families can take concrete steps to proactively prepare for emergencies and disasters. Local, state, and national authorities are going to help, but they may not be able to get to everyone right away. We all need to be prepared for those first 72 hours before help can reach us.