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Are you prepared for emergencies? Have a plan, just in case

2010-09-02 04:52:35

Wed Sep 1, 8:39 am ET

The Starting Point is a preview of the stories we expect to cover today and a snapshot of the news that occurred overnight.

Featured story

Hurricane Earl weakened to a Category 3 storm overnight even as thousands of residents and tourists prepared to evacuate from the Outer Banks of North Carolina, The Associated Press reported. More evacuations along the Eastern Seaboard could follow, depending on the path taken by the storm. It's still too early to tell where Earl will land, but even if the hurricane stays well offshore, rough surf and dangerous rip currents can be expected.

September is historically the worst month of the Atlantic hurricane season, USA Today reported. From 1851 to 2006, September was the top storm-producing month, with 459 storms, followed by August with 344 and October with 280. Last month, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted eight to 12 storms could become named hurricanes this season, with four to six reaching major hurricane status (111 mph or more).

September is also National Preparedness Month, an annual campaign to encourage individuals, businesses and communities to prepare for emergencies. Ready.gov, a Website produced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, offers tips on how to handle disasters such as fires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes.

All Americans are encouraged to prepare for emergency situations by creating a basic emergency supply kit. Recommended items include:

water
non-perishable food
a first aid kit
a can opener
a cell phone
a flashlight with extra batteries
a battery-powered radio
a list of emergency contacts

Depending on your situation, the site also suggests keeping the following items on hand:

prescription medications
baby food and diapers
pet food and extra water
important papers (insurance, wills, passports, etc.)
matches
a fire extinguisher
a complete change of clothing
cash

"National Preparedness Month is a great way to get Americans and our communities and businesses to come together in planning and preparing for a disaster," FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate said. "Disasters can hit any place, any time, so it's essential that we take concrete steps together, now, to ensure a better response later."