September is National Disaster Preparedness Month: Act Today to Safeguard Tomorrow
Every September, National Disaster Preparedness Month (NPM) reminds us of the crucial importance of being ready for the unexpected. Whether it is a hurricane, earthquake, wildfire, or any other disaster, emergencies can strike at any time, often with little warning. The goal of NPM is to raise awareness and encourage individuals, families, and communities to take proactive steps to prepare for these unforeseen events.
Why Prepare Now?
Natural disasters do not wait for a convenient time. They can disrupt lives, damage property, and even put lives at risk in the blink of an eye. Yet, too often, we delay preparing for them, thinking we have more time or that they will not happen to us. But the truth is, emergencies are unpredictable, and the best way to protect yourself and others is to be prepared before disaster strikes.
Gryphon House Resources for Educators:
Preschool Preparedness for After a Disaster, the third book in the Preparing for the Unexpected Series, will help your center get up and running after the worst has happened. In very approachable, bite-sized pieces, emergency-preparedness expert Andrew Roszak, JD, MPA, EMT-P, shares advice from his more than 20 years of experience in disaster recovery to help you prepare, respond, and get back on your feet quickly.
Learn how to:
- Choose and work with a restoration company and other contractors while avoiding scams and rip-off schemes.
- Mitigate trauma experienced by staff and children.
- Connect with community support services and relief agencies.
- Navigate insurance claims.
You can learn more here: https://bit.ly/3WUGeIM
Preparing for Disaster
Based on Cathy Grace and Elizabeth Shores’ experiences working in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina, Preparing for Disaster explains the steps directors can take to ensure the safety of their program and the children they care for.
With forms, worksheets, staff-training workshops, and task lists, as well as helpful guidelines and insights, this groundbreaking guide is filled with practical advice for every program director:
· Create a Disaster Readiness Master Plan—and implement it.
· Train teachers and administrators on how to react to a catastrophic event.
· Educate parents about your disaster plan to reduce panic.
· Learn to create planned evacuation routes and how to notify local emergency management agencies of your plans.
· Complete insurance, inventory, records backup, and rental agreement forms.
Preparing for Disaster provides practical advice and information to prepare for and respond to universal disasters like fires and epidemics and regional disasters such as tornadoes and earthquakes. Protect your program before disaster strikes.
Preparing for Disaster is the companion book to After the Crisis: Using Storybooks to Help Children Cope.
Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3Mmyb2v
Start Today, Stay Prepared! National Disaster Preparedness Month is the perfect time to start—or to revisit and update—your preparedness efforts. The best way to begin is by collaborating with your leadership now. Kick off a September book study with one of these books to ensure you're better prepared.
Author Rebecca Berlin
Rebecca Berlin PhD.
Dr. Berlin is the President of Gryphon House Publishing and Senior Vice President, Intellectual Property for Kaplan Early Learning Company.
