September is National Preparedness Month, and it’s a great time to think about how ready we are for emergencies—whether it’s natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, wild fires or extreme heat, or even man-made crises. That’s why the Southern Nevada Health District is encouraging everyone to take a moment to check their preparedness.

Whether you’re putting together an emergency kit or reviewing your family’s evacuation plan, being prepared can make all the difference. The Health District has a handy Disaster Supplies & Preparedness Calendar that breaks down what you need, when you need it, and how to customize your plan for your family’s needs—whether you’ve got young kids, older family members or pets. You can find the information on the Supply Calendar page of the Health District website.

So, what are the main things to do? Here’s a quick rundown:

• Make a disaster plan: Develop a detailed plan for individuals and families. Think through evacuation routes, emergency contacts and what essential supplies you’ll need.
• Assemble a disaster kit: Have at least 72 hours’ worth of food, water and supplies ready to go. Don’t forget a first aid kit, flashlight, radio and extra clothes. Check and update your kit twice a year—maybe around the beginning and end of Daylight Savings Time.
• Stay informed: Sign up for local weather alerts and make sure you’re following official government channels for the latest information during an emergency.

If you or someone in your family has special needs, make sure your plan covers extra details like transportation and medical supplies, since help may not always be able to arrive quickly during a disaster. Similarly, don’t forget about your pets! Your furry friends will need their own kit with food, water, medications and ID tags. It’s also a good idea to get them microchipped for added security (and required for all dogs and cats over 4 months old in the City of Las Vegas).

And there’s more—the Southern Nevada Community Preparedness App is available and can help make planning even easier. You can share your status with loved ones, get emergency alerts, locate shelters, evacuation routes, and more, all from your phone. To download the app, visit Office of Public Health Preparedness – Southern Nevada Health District.

For more information on National Preparedness Month, visit National Preparedness Month | Ready.gov.

For more planning tips, visit Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones | CDC Emergency Preparedness & Response.

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