Sept. is National Preparedness month

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and with support from the Northeast Texas Public Health District, is sponsoring September as National Preparedness Month.

Henderson County: Are you ready for a tornado? A hurricane? What about a Pandemic Flu outbreak?

* 45 percent of the East Texas Population surveyed does not have an individual or family emergency plan in place.

* 62 percent of the East Texas population surveyed feels they do not know enough about Pandemic Flu to protect their family.

September is National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security. The Northeast Texas Public Health District, Department of Public Health Preparedness invites you and your family to be better prepared for any local emergency situation.

Don't get stuck without the necessities during an emergency.

Get an Emergency Kit!

Your basic kit should include: water, food, batterypowered radio, extra batteries, flashlight, first aid kit, whistle, filter mask, moist towelettes, wrench or pliers, manual can opener, plastic sheeting and duct tape, garbage bags and ties, as well as unique family needs (medication, diapers, family documents, etc.)

Get an Emergency Plan!

Your plan should include: family communications plan, shelter-in-place plan, plan to get away, your important contact numbers, and your school and work plans.

Get an Emergency Clue!

Be informed about the current threats and what might happen, and help with the emergency planning in your local community. Your Northeast Texas Public Health District, Department of Public Health Preparedness sponsors the Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps, which utilizes medical and non-medical volunteers in the event of an emergency, and also provides continuous emergency training.

For more information on preparing yourself and your family, or volunteering opportunities with your local Medical Reserve Corps, please visit us at healthpreparedness.org or call us at 903-675-2092..