Did you know that September is National Preparedness Month? Are you prepared in case of an emergency? Do you have a supply kit available to you that you can grab on the go? Do you have plans on where to meet family members in case of an evacuation? Do you have something in place to assist an elderly person in case of an emergency? What about your family pet? Do you have an emergency kit for them too?
Many people know all too well how life can change in a heartbeat. One day you can find yourself in an emergency situation. Will you and your family be prepared? Sometimes it takes an emergency to make people realize that you have to have plans and supplies in place. Just ask anyone that was affected by Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Irene.
Throughout the month of September there will be activities across the country to promote emergency preparedness. Over 3,000 organizations at the national, regional and local levels will be supporting and promoting efforts to encourage people and families to take action and be prepared.
Some steps you can take include creating a kit filled with emergency supplies (batteries, flashlights, non-perishable foods, water, diapers, pet foods, medications, first aid kit…), make plans (where will your family meet in case of an evacuation? What do to with elderly family members or pets?), be informed (stay on top of the news and know what is going on), and get involved (help others created an emergency plan, educated your community about the importance of emergency kits…).
Another thing you can do is sign up for Notify NYC, which is New York City’s official emergency notification system. When you subscribe you will receive text messages, e-mails, phone calls and/or Tweets about significant citywide events, as well as smaller events happening in your own neighborhood. These notifications cover topics such as severe weather, school closures, subway disruptions, and traffic advisories in all areas of the city.
I like the option of having important information sent to me via text and e-mails, especially when it comes to severe weather and school closings. My husband can appreciate the traffic advisories too since he has to travel across the river for work. Having a system like this is not only a time saver but it can also provide you with some peace of mind. It is FREE to join too.
Anyone can sign up for Notify NYC and customize the alerts they wish to receive by visiting NYC.Gov/NotifyNYC or by following @ Notify NYC on Twitter. You can also learn more by checking out their page on Facebook.
I know that not all my readers reside in the New York City area. That is why I want to encourage you to check out the Office of Emergency Management in your local area. You can often find their contact information in the Yellow Pages or you can Google it. The CDC has some great information and resources too.
To help you prepare for unexpected emergencies, Notify NYC would like to give a lucky reader a $50.00 gift card to a national home improvement store to help purchase home preparedness supplies. You do not need to be a NYC resident to enter (anyone can enter). Thank you Notify NYC!
This giveaway is open to US residents only and will end on September 15, 2012 at 12:01 AM (EST). The winner will be chosen at random using a random number generator from all eligible entries. The winner will be notified via e-mail and will have three days to reply or a new winner will be chosen.
To enter please leave a comment on this post and tell me what steps you have taken to be prepared in case of an emergency. Feel free to share any tips you might have too.
For extra entries you can use the Rafflecopter widget (below) but you must complete the initial entry requirement first or the additional entries won’t qualify.
Kimberly
*I was not compensated for this post. I posted this for the benefit of my site readers. Any opinions expressed are my own and are not influenced in any way. Notify NYC will be providing the prize.
Ellen B says
we have a generator and lots of flashlights
Kerrie Mayans says
We have duffle bags in the coat closet with water bottles, flashlights, canned food and other things we might need in a disaster.
kerrie@mayansfamily.com
Kimberly Schotz says
We have flashlights
Kims2312@verizon.net
Claire says
i have batteries and flashlights! lol
Danielle B says
Lots of batteries and flashlights!
Crystal Warren says
I have a bag I keep in the back of the closet with batteries, flashlights and candles etc…that I NEVER touch (even if the TV remote runs out of batteries..yikes)..It is just for REAL emergencies…that way you cant lose the flash lights, or use up all the batteries!
Katherine says
We have a generator bottled water and lots of extra batteries
Tabitha Pyle says
we need batteries.
Margaret Smith says
We have a emergency kit together that has flashlights, batteries, first aid kit and phone numbers in it.
Tabathia B says
I have an extensive first aid kit prepared, flashlights, candles and a crank radio
Michelle H. says
We have candles, flashlights and batteries as well as bottled water and canned goods put away for an emergency
olivia rubin says
generator, BBQ, propane tanks, flashlights and bottled water
tamar says
We have a lot of bottled water and flashlights at home. No generators because I live in NYC and it’s an apt.
Shannon Baas says
We have a pack and flashlights.
Ann Fantom says
We have emergency supplies stored in our basement that includes food, water, batteries and some cash etc. We also have a generator with enough gas to run it for several days.
Solducky says
We have emergency lanterns and food stuffs. We still need to get a radio though!
Kathleen says
lots of extra bottled water, batteries and flashlights on hand
kport207 at gmail dot com
Kellie Rose Wilson says
stocked up on batteries, flashlights, and non perishable foods
Cheryl Free says
We keep non-perishables stocked and have a fire escape ladder among other things 🙂 *Thanks* for the giveaway!
Crystal says
I keep extra bottled water on hand.
Mary Beth Elderton says
We are well enough stocked to go a couple of days without electricity and have a place planned in case we need to find interior shelter against wind. I do have a water filter pitcher,but this reminds me to check our bottled water supply since we just moved.
BusyWorkingMama says
We have a stocked pantry, first aid kit and a water purifier.
debbie says
If are putting food away for emergencies, make sure it is food that your family will eat. Use it and rotate it so it stays fresh.
Cynthia C says
We are on a well so I keep extra water on hand for power failures as well as flashlights and batteries.
deb c says
We purchased a weather alert radio, have a emergency backpack ready at all times, and purchased a generator.
annette campbell says
I live at the beach so I always have a hurricane kit available.
Jackie says
We have batteries, flashlights and extra bottles of water in the house
Thank you!
Debbie Jackson says
we keep bottled water and flashlights handy. emailsub
debbie jackson,
djackson1958 at hotmail dot com
Amy L says
After a couple of lengthy power outages due to weather, we now have a generator so we can at least keep the lights, refrigerator, and a few basics going. We have flashlights and candles in most areas of the house.
Karen says
I have exta batteries for flashlights and lantern. I need to get bottled water.
Dawn H says
generator. stock supply of water batteries hurricane shutters!
Serge B says
I always stock up on batteries and water
Laura says
We have lots of food and water stocked up in our pantry
April V. says
We have water, flashlights a non electric can opener and a camp stove.
Kim Henrichs says
We stockpile quite a bit of water and batteries because we lose power a lot – i’m not prepared enough though for something major.
Carolyn N. says
We live in Oklahoma so we always are prepared in case of tornadoes with bottled water, flashlights and some nonperishable food staples, just in case.
cjnedrow at gmail dot com
Elena says
we have flashlights and extra water bottles for emergency
Sheila K. says
Each year we stock up on flashlights, batteries, bottled water, and canned food!
Angie Gatto says
We have a back-up battery generator, a fresh water tank, flash lights, candles, lighters and a battery operated radio. I’m sure there are more things we need, so look forward to any tips.
Jennifer Peaslee says
our biggest emergency situation tends to be a tornado. Whenever there is a watch or a warning I make sure I can locate flashlights, blankets, etc and I keep it on the news so I know when to go to the basement.
Carrie says
We have plenty of flashlights around the house!
Leann Lindeman says
We have flashlights, extra clothes and a weather radio downstairs..
Tiffany Hearn says
We live in Florida and always keep batteries, flashlights, candles, and matches on hand. Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
Melanie H. says
We keep a box that has bottled water .. canned food.. flash lights batteries..a little radio and some other items on hand
Jayne G says
I keep water, flashlights, batteries, and a few other supplies on hand.
Jessica To says
We usually get snow storms, so I try to have candles and flashlights and canned food.
christine jessamine says
we have stocked up on food and water and also have a car emergency kit
Kelly R. says
I have a first aid kit, bottled water, candles and stocked up on non-perishable food items.
Donna L says
We have a well stocked hurricane closet. It contains non-perishables food , water , cranked radios and flashlights, first aid kit, tarps and batteries.
Patricia Wojnar Crowley says
We’re working on building up our food and water storage!
Cathy says
Flashlight and batteries.
Kristie says
When bad weather is on its way, we always stock up on water.
Scott M says
We have a box of car supplies ready to go for trips.
Jeralyn Knight says
food stockpiled, batteries, candles, matches, lighters, water
Wendy Kroy says
Lots of bottled water, candles and batteries.
Debra L.Guillen says
I have a pantry specifically for emergencies with candles, kerosene lamps, food, bottled water, batteries, first aid kit, etc.
Karen says
we keep bottled water, batteries and flashlights in the closet.
Thanks, Karen
lemontart5kb at gmail dot com
Shannon Morris says
We make sure to have flashlights and bottled water around
Susan S. says
We have emergency supplies ready in one place for when and if we need them, including flashlights, batteries, bottled water, food etc.
Ashley H. says
We have a kit and an evacuation plan for our home.
Debra Hall says
we get some wild winds that often put out the power for days so lots of can goods and flash lights
Mary Happymommy says
I have batteries and flashlights ready.
Tara says
I have batteries in my flashlights and bottled water.
Kim says
we have a half-packed bin.. need to finish it out! at least there’s a first aid kit!
Kate Fuller says
We have a lot of food storage in our basement as well as emergency backpacks.
Leanne Johnson says
We aren’t especially mobile, but we’ve got 3-6 months of food stocked and supplies for about that long
tam childers says
lots of batteries and flashflight
Ellen C. says
We have lanterns and flashlights with plenty of batteries. We also keep bottled water in the house just in case.
Jimmy says
We have flashlights, extra batteries, and bottle water
Lisa Ellis says
i have new batteries in my drawer for my flashlights and about a case of bottled water.
amy marantino says
i have lots of batteries, bottled water and packaged foods on hand
Britany Bonhama says
I am prepared for emergencies by having a battery opertated hand radio and supply kit with all the necessaties
Alexa D. says
I keep extra canned food.
Susan Chester says
I have presto logs, gallons of water and a supply of food in preparation of an emergency.
Deborah Wallin says
We have a safe location set up in the basement for tornados.
ANN*H says
Flashlight with extra batteries. Important phone numbers handy. Bottled water and a radio too
naturegirl20 says
We have flashlights, battery operated candles and lanterns, plus plenty of batteries.
Christina says
We have a stock of non-perishables and water, batteries and flashlights. We have a weather radio (very important and we learned why when we lost power very early with the last hurricane we had). I do want to pick up this device that my friend has, it charges your cell via batteries. Our phones all died pretty quick too.
Tammy S says
We have set aside supplies like water, flashlights, batteries, radio, food, etc. we have also set up a designated spot where we are to all meet up in case we get separated during an emergency.
Debbie R says
Bottled water, generator and a grill ready to go.
Monique Rizzo says
We have prepared bags with food,water,money and snacks.
Thanks for the chance.
mogrill12@gmail.com
D Schmidt says
We have created a box of supplies in case of emergency
lestergg says
Stock up on all the non perishable foods, water, and supplies necessary for riding out the storm. Make my day, Please.
Jessica Carnaggio says
For emergencies, I have bottled water, canned food and flashlights in my basement.
Christine says
have batteries and flashlights
kjasus says
we have water, batteries, flashlights and food ready just in case
Debbie C says
I have our emergency supplies all together in one cabinet where everyone knows its location. I also have small LED flashlights set out in several places, handy for power outages, so we can get to the bigger lanterns.
Adrienne gordon says
we have a first aid kit.
Cody Anderson says
We have batteries, flashlights, jugs of water, and spare clothes.
Jamie says
I have totes with enough food and water for 3 days for my family of 4 and our dog. I also have a first aid kit, a change of clothes, for each of us, and various other supplies. I’m working my way through the FEMA checklist. My goal is to have everything together before the new year.
Aimee Fontenot says
I always have canned foods, batteries, flashlights, and water stocked up just in case of an emergency.
Carolyn G says
We have supplies that include batteries, non perishable food and water always on the ready
paige chandler says
I have fresh batteries for the flashlight and candles on hand.
Theresa Jenkins says
a generator and lots of flashlights with camp lanterns ready to go
kyl neusch says
bought some extra food
Nancy says
We stock up on water in our re-used 2 liter soda bottles, have lots of food that doesn’t require heating, and we stock up on batteries and flashlights and lanterns.
Sarah S says
I stocked up on matches, candles and flashlights.
corrie says
I AM STOCKED UP ON CANDLES AND BOTTLED WATER AND I HAVE FLASHLIGHTS ALL OVER HOUSE ALSO.
JoAnn F. says
We have lanterns & flashlights
jofo120 at yaoo dot com
mell says
We have a generator and flashlights. Also, since we live in the gulf coast area, we create hurricane preparedness kits at the beginning of each hurricane season.
Richard Morris says
i always keep an emergency kit in my car
Richard Morris says
i subscribe via email at this address: unevenfist84@Live.com
Richard Morris says
https://plus.google.com/107433887285605013245/posts/aqn4qCKPVE6
Steve Stone says
we keep water and first aid kit
Janna Johnson says
no real prep except extra batteries and battery run lights
Awesome giveaway! Janna Johnson jannajanna@hotmail.com janna@feedyourpig on GFC
Kayla @ TheEclecticElement says
My family are ‘doomsday preppers’ or self sufficiency nuts, so we have pretty much everything it takes for emergencies! Generators, canning preparations, food rations, first aid kids, etc etc etc.
Thank you for this giveaway! 🙂
lestergg says
I’m ready to go to work!! Make My Day, Please.
moonsword says
We have a plan in place and rehearse it twice a year.
Patricia Treskovich says
keep extra food and water
Misses Giveaways says
I have my candles and flashlights in a convenient spot should my electricity go out.
Cynthia R says
i’ve got a panty full of food and cat supplies and have extra batteries and water
julie cutshaw says
well, after 20 years of lots of naval moves to mostly states that got lots huricanes, we learn the drill well to prepare then flee. Now being back home to our home state of eastern TN we never really had magor disasters here besides flooding, but last year when a killer tornado took out 100 homes and took 7 lives in our little community we soon learn to be more prepared. So I now store up waer in 2 liter soda bottles that I keep frozen in the freezer and when the power is off for days I can use those to place inside the fridge to keep my food from spoiling for up too 6 extra hours and then the water in them can be used for any needs. We have a generator that is filled with gas never used unless it’s a true emergency, very long exstention cords and lots of batteries and a regular telephone that uses the phone jack so if the power is off we can still dial out for help. My tip would be to keep lots of duct tape handy…it can serve as a window strengh barrier for high winds by placing it on a windows center forming an X pattern, temporarely repair broken pipes if they burst. And as silly as this my sound…if I lived near a continous flood area..I would indeed keep a canoe or small boat on my walls home exterior or your my roof filled with life jackets in it, to be able to exscape from rizing waters if need be..
sewitupjulie@gmail.com
carol gentry says
Living in FLorida during hurricane season, we have bottled water and three day supply of food on hand.
Kristie says
When we know a big storm is coming we make sure to stock up on water.
chris z says
i have a lot of flashlights
Anja says
we keep a bag in the basement with batteries, flashlights and candles, bottled water and canned goods
Katie Rose says
We have an emergency kit in the garage with some easy meal replacements and I never let the gas in the car go below 1/2 tank. We have a change of clothes for everyone in the car (mostly that is because my kids are messy and we might need a quick change when we are out somewhere, but it also doubles as a spare set of clothes if we ever had to leave in a hurry and not grab anything).
McKim says
I keep a list of emergency phone numbers by the phone, and programmed into my cell phone. We keep a first aid kit in our home, as well as all our vehicles.
Stacey B says
We live in FL, so I keep plenty of canned veggies and bottled water in case of a hurricane
Becky M says
We have lots of batteries and flashlights!
Jacob LaFountaine says
Solar powered lighting. Battery radios
Michele P. says
living in Maine, we have ice storms. That being said, I stock up on candles, flashlights with fresh batteries and extras, comfort foods (no refrigeration, just snacks for the kids and us), charcoal (in case we need to cook out to get rid of meats in the freezer due to loss of power, water and other drinks and drink mixes, and I have a lantern with lamp oil just in case…
Dwayne Berry says
I have done very little if anything to prepare for emergencies.
Cindy says
Flashlights and batteries.
lestergg says
Hurricane preparation items include battery radio, flashlights, bottled water, canned and other non-perisable food items, can opener, land line telephone, and tentative evacuation plans should that be necessary. Make my day, Please.
Linda Stewart says
We practice! They say practice makes perfect so we do just that.
Catie says
We have food and water storage, bug-out bags, radios, first aid supplies, and tons of other stuff stored!
elven johnson says
I have a complete set up for 3 people & 3 animals.
From water & food to cooking & cleaning.
Daniel M says
just flashlights & candles and water
Pauline M says
Since we’re in earthquake country, my family has a backpack with a 72 hour kit and we all have a 72 second kit (with clothing and quick home exit supplies) readily available.
Anthony says
Have batteries and water stocked up
Roxann says
We have food, water, batteries and flashlights in the basement.
lestergg says
In cases like this, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Make my day, please
Jodi says
I keep extra water on hand
Brandi Nguyen says
We’ve stocked up on essentials! We live near the Gulf of Mexico so we are a little too familiar with hurricanes.
Cori Westphal says
I’m actually not really prepared for emergencies. We have an escape plan in case of a fire, but otherwise we are completely unprepared. This has really opened my eyes!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
Rachel Miller says
We have extra water, flashlights & batteries stored…I am working on stocking more canned goods!
Kelly H. says
Buy in bulk and stockpile my pantry.
Trasina McGahey says
Unfortunately I haven’t done very much to prepare which I admit isn’t very smart given I live on the San Andreas fault line in SoCal! I need to start stocking up on water and supplies!
Carly B. says
I test my fire alarms every month and change the batteries every six months faithfully
clarissa says
keep flashlights in every room
Ashley Hatten says
we have just about everything on hand for an emergency specifically for that purpose
Lisa Garner says
We have an emergency radio and keep water bottles and non perishable food ready.
stony says
we have an emergency pack, with food, batteries water, flashlights
Melissa JN says
We have flashlights beside everyone’s bed.
lestergg says
We’ve planned for a hurricane and have supplies and stocks on hand to go through a week without electric power, too
Susan Smith says
We get tornadoes here so we keep bottled water, batteries, a radio and flashlights in the basement
Jaclyn Reynolds says
We have candles and flashlights!
Belinda Shaw says
I have lots of flashlights and a generator.
Jennifer M says
We put all our important paperwork in a portable safe.
Jammie says
We have go extra batteries, blankets, and water for those just in case.
Lindsey M says
I make sure I know where flashlights are and have plenty of food and water
Karen says
We have extra water on hand, batteries, flashlights, etc.
Denise Donaldson says
I always make sure there are lots of candles in the house, if the power goes out.
Debbie Ritenour says
One thing I have done…. I have been doing alot, is I switched to solar power flash lights….I even bought food that is dehydrated and can be store for 30 years!!!
Auri Lae says
We have a “tornado kit” ready to go – radio and batteries, water, snacks, flashlight, etc – and we also keep some of our most important documents in a portable box so we can take it to our safe spot and not worry about birth certificates flying around in the storm!
Leslie L. Stanziani says
We keep stocked up on canned goods during storm season.When we get notice that a storm is coming then we fill water jugs an bathtubs with water.I also keep flashlights ad batteries on hand.I live in Fl so gotta be prepared.
Michelle S. says
We are not very organized with our supplies, so we need to do better with that part. We do have a lot of things that come in handy for emergencies, generator, chain saw, kerosene heater.
Erica C. says
We have emergency supplies stored, have discussed a plan on where/how to meet, and we are signed up for alerts in our area.
Will M says
We have emergency routes planned from our house to safe points on foot, and we have emergency backpacks with supplies ready to grab and go if needed.
Amanda K. says
We stock up on bottled water, non-perishables, flashlights, batteries, candles, etc.
melina r says
we have flashlights, candles, stock of water and food supplies
Robin says
We keep food, water, flashlights, batteries and a weather radio stored in the basement in case of emergencies.
lestergg says
It’s all here…..the bottled water, non perishable foods, flashlights, battery radio, window coverings, etc.
So far the hurricanes have gone in different directions, and we’re glad about that. Can you make our day for us??
Karen Gonyea says
We keep emergency kits in both vehicles that have an extra outfit for each person and 3 bottles of water per person AND animal in the family 🙂
Ciara B. says
we always keep bottled water, stock up on non perishable food, and keep lots of candles and matches/lighters
Terry Cross says
We have a generator and keep bottled water and canned goods on hand
Michelle S says
A full tank of gas to drive out of Cali in the event of an earthquake. I can go without food and water, and would. Have stuff for my child packed ready to go.
Vicki D. says
I always have a flashlight sitting on the counter.
s riches says
We have a generator with lots of gas. Plenty of bottled water and batteries
Heather S says
We have bottled water and canned foods for an emergency and also have a fire route on how to get out of the house
Beth S. says
I used to keep an earthquake kit, but haven’t updated it in ages – really need to do that! Canned food, water, flashlights with good batteries, etc.
Gianna says
i have emergency supplies on hand.
Melanie Montgomery says
We keep a stockpile of emergency hurricane supplies.
Amy DeLong says
generator,bottled water,blankets,canned foods
ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com
Kathy Pease says
we have lots of candles,bottled water and canned foods
clynsg says
In this area, the major natural disaster is a tornado, and unfortunately there is little one can do to protect a home if it is directly hit. The main safety measure is a safe room, and then making certain you have enough emergency supplies (water, food, etc) to last a couple of days until services are restored if you are lucky enough not to be hit directly.
jules mcnubbin says
i always keep batteries, a radio, bottled water, and flashlights on hand. we live in the hurricane zone
Chrystal J. says
I keep bottled water and flashlights on hand.
angie lilly says
We have an emergencies backpack full of all sorts of stuff including rations and water and batteries etc that we can grab instantly.
angie lilly says
please note that I subscribe to your rss via my 14earth gmail account NOT the email associated with my Facebook acct! No where to put this info in the rafflecopter form!
Kenny F says
We have flashlights
Beth Palacios says
We have flash lights, batteries, a first aide kit and extra water on hand at all times.
Annemarie Z. says
We always have extra bottled water, flashlights and batteries!
Jessica says
We just had a storm roll through here. We purchased bottled water and flashlights.
susan smoaks says
to be prepared we have flashlights and batteries and water and a emergency kit
kelly says
I have an emergency binder.
Trisha McKee says
I make sure the candles, flashlights, and first aid kit can be easily reached.
Re Morgan says
we keep 3 cases of bottled water on hand at all times. We also keep a stocked pantry
bryan e. says
Thanks for the giveaway…we have a plan for our family i.e. designated meet-up location, phone #’s of friends & family, extra supply of non-perishable food & water, sleeping bags, etc. in case of an emergency.
Heather G says
Well, I know where some flashlights are but that’s about it. I need to get more prepared.
Angela W says
We bought a generator and have plenty of food and water handy
Breanne says
I have a bunch of supplies
Robert Pyszk says
We have fire extinguishers in key locations of our house. We also stock up with batteries and flashlights and water.
Gaines Simmons says
Hello, how are you? Thank you for this opportunity. We stock emergency food supplies.
DanV says
We have emergency kits and first aid kits