Prepare for emergencies with these three actions

Published on September 04, 2025

September is Emergency Preparedness Month, a great time to take small steps that will make a big difference in being prepared. 

Village officials encourage Oak Parkers to take three important steps towards better preparing yourself and your family in the event of a disaster:

1. Know your risks.  Understanding the potential hazards around you is an important first step in preparedness. For instance, if you live in a flood plain or near a railroad, consider the potential impacts of a flood or transportation accident in your preparations.
2. Make a plan. If your neighborhood is evacuated and communications are down, does your family have a meeting point? Do you have an agreed upon, alternate means of communications? And don't forget the needs of your pets and more vulnerable members of your family. What is your plan for pet food or important medications or medical equipment for family members?
3. Build a kit. A good rule of thumb is to have three to five days of food and water on hand for each member of your family. Think about what paperwork and documentation you may want on hand. Also remember power or internet could be down for days, so include things like paper maps and cash in your kit.

Taking these actions before a crisis can go far in protecting the well being of our community when disaster strikes. For more information and tools to help you prepare, visit www.ready.gov/september.

For more information about emergency preparedness in Oak Park, visit www.oak-park.us/emergencypreparedness or contact health@oak-park.us.