September Is National Preparedness Month—Are You Ready?

Let’s face it, New Jersey weather doesn’t mess around. One minute it’s sunny and calm, the next minute we’re watching the radar like it’s a thriller movie. Hurricanes, floods, nor’easters… we’ve seen it all. And while we can’t control Mother Nature, we can control how ready we are when she decides to stir things up.

That’s why September is National Preparedness Month, and it’s the perfect time to ask: Are you prepared?

If you’re over 50, you might have a few extra things to think about, like medications, mobility, or making sure your pets are safe too. AARP and the state of NJ have some fantastic resources to help older adults get ready for anything from power outages to full-blown evacuations. And no, it’s not just about flashlights and canned beans (though those help!).

So What Does “Prepared” Look Like in Jersey?
It starts with a plan. AARP Foundation suggests thinking through questions like: Can I stay safely at home without power? Do I need electricity for medical equipment? If I have to leave, where will I go and how will I get there? FEMA offers a Disaster Preparedness Guide for Older Adults to help assess their needs, create a plan and engage their network to create a personalized plan in the event of an emergency

Then there’s the kit or your 'go bag'. You’ll want enough food, water, and medicine to last at least a few days. And don’t forget the extras like backup batteries, copies of important documents, and yes, snacks for your pets. You get started by downloading the AARP Create The Good Operation Emergency Prepare Guide for Individuals and AARP Foundation Disaster Preparedness checklists for these important essentials and more. Ready.gov even recommends keeping a NOAA weather radio handy so you can stay informed when the Wi-Fi goes out. Don't forget extra batteries or better yet solar powered or hand-crank radios so you don't have to rely on batteries.

And speaking of staying informed, New Jersey’s Office of Emergency Management has great local resources to help you track storms, find evacuation routes, and locate shelters if you need them. You can sign up for alerts and check out their guides at nj.gov/njoem.

Let’s Make Preparedness a Jersey Thing
This month, take a few minutes to talk with your family, your neighbors, or your volunteer group about what you’d do in an emergency. It doesn’t have to be scary. It can be empowering. Think of it as a little peace of mind in your back pocket.

And if you’re the kind of person who likes to check things off a list (we see you, planners!), AARP’s emergency prep guides are a great place to start. You’ll find tips for caregivers, older adults, and even DIY projects to help you get ready for hurricane season on our Operation Emergency Prepare website

So go ahead—stock up on batteries, update your emergency contacts, and maybe even practice your evacuation route. Because in New Jersey, being prepared isn’t just smart, it’s what makes us Garden State Strong.

AARP Washington will be hosting a free webinar series, Disaster Preparedness for Older Adults to empower you to take control and protect what matters most.

Wednesday, Sep 10 2:00 p.m. EDT - Part 1: Recovery Ready: Protecting Yourself Before Disaster Strikes

Wednesday, Sep 17 2:00 .pm. EDT  -  Part 2: Think Safe, Stay Safe: Household Tips for Disaster Readiness

Source:

• FEMA Says Older Adults Need a Disaster Plan - AARP
• The New Go Bag: What You Need in Your Emergency Escape
• Prepare for an Emergency or Disaster With Your Pet in Mind
• How Older Adults Can Prepare for Floods, Hurricanes, Emergencies
• HELP A NEIGHBORHOOD AVOID DISASTER
• AARP Disaster Preparedness Checklist