HEALTH DEPARTMENT RECOGNIZES NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
JACKSON, Tenn. – The Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department joins the Federal Emergency Management Agency in recognizing September as National Preparedness Month. We encourage people to prepare for emergencies now and throughout the year.
Be prepared for power outages. Stock up on batteries, sign up for local alerts and warning systems, and have non-perishable food and water on hand. Have a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity. Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.
“Immediate help may not be available during disasters,” Emergency Response Director Lynn Mooney said. “It’s important to prepare now so you’re not caught off guard later.”
Talk to your friends and family about how you will communicate before, during, and after a disaster. Talk to your kids about emergencies and what to do in case you get separated.
Be prepared to relocate. Have an emergency kit stocked with enough supplies to last for at least 72 hours. Recommended items include:
Water (one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days)
Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio
Flashlight and batteries
First aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Three days’ worth of prescriptions
Cash
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof container
Due to COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends packing masks, soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes in your emergency kit.
Download the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency’s ReadyTN app on your mobile device. The app provides information for Tennesseans about road conditions, weather updates, open shelters, contacts for county emergency agencies and more. Find more information about TEMA’s ReadyTN app at https://www.tn.gov/tema/ready-tn.html.
Make sure all vaccinations are up to date. CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older receive a yearly flu vaccine. Adults need a tetanus and diphtheria (Td) booster shot every 10 years. Find more information about recommended vaccinations at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/.
Call the health department at 731-423-3020 to schedule an appointment to get vaccinated.
