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If disaster strikes, will you be ready?

Here are tips to plan and prepare for emergencies

A woman places a red backpack-shaped emergency kit inside a closet
A household emergency supply kit should include water, nonperishable food, medicines and other necessities.

To help mark National Preparedness Month in September, the Postal Service is encouraging employees to take time to prepare for the known and unknown.

“Disasters do not wait until you are ready, so take time to plan and prepare today. You and your loved ones are worth the investment,” said USPS Director of National Preparedness Rae Ann Haight, who oversees the organization’s national preparedness team.

Here are some tips for planning and preparing for a disaster:

Know the threats in your area. Are hurricanes or wildfires a possibility? Are you in a place that could get hit by a tornado or that is prone to floods?

Be in the know. Sign up to receive local emergency alerts and warnings by email and text.

Have supplies. Create an emergency supply kit for you and your family. The kit should include water, nonperishable food, medicines and other necessities.

Have a family communication plan. Make sure your family knows who to contact.

Have an evacuation plan. Conduct an evacuation drill with your family.

Have a plan for sheltering in place. Practice staying put with your family.

The Personal Preparedness Blue page has more information.