CharMeck Emergency Management Promotes September as Preparedness Month
Published on September 12, 2024
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – September is National Preparedness Month, and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management Office encourages Mecklenburg County residents and businesses to be prepared for any disaster by reviewing their emergency plans, updating their emergency supply kits, and signing up for CharMeck Alerts.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management Office (CMEMO) is dedicated to protecting our community by preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters. We work closely with local partners to build a strong, resilient community.
Preparing for emergencies involves taking simple steps to increase your safety and peace of mind. By creating a personalized plan, assembling an emergency kit, and staying informed, you can empower yourself and your family to handle unexpected challenges.
During Preparedness Month, CMEMO encourages residents to:
- Make a Plan
- Build a Kit
- Stay Informed
Make a Plan
Residents are encouraged to talk with their family and household about their emergency plan. This plan should include a family meeting location, such as a neighbor’s house, nearby park, or local landmark. The plan should detail where to meet, how to get in touch with one another, and what to do with pets.
Build a Kit
Basic items that should be in an emergency kit are:
- Water – 1 gallon per person per day for 3 to 7 days
- Food – non-perishable and canned food supply for 3 to 7 days
- Hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and with extra batteries
- Cell phone with charger
- First aid kit and first aid book
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Manual can opener for food
- Wrench or pliers to turn off water
- Blanket or sleeping bag – 1 per person
- Prescription medications, glasses and hearing aids
- Seasonal change of clothing, including sturdy shoes
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, feminine supplies
- Extra house and car keys
- Important documents – insurance policies, copy of driver’s license, Social Security card, bank account records
- Fire extinguisher
Stay Informed
The CharMeck Alerts Notification system provides accurate and timely notifications of the information you need. CharMeck Alerts allows you to choose the types of alerts you want to receive and how you want to receive them. Alerts can be received by phone calls, text messages, emails, and push notifications to your phone.
This month and every month is the time to prepare your family for the unexpected.