Ready, Set, Prepared: Building Emergency Readiness in Our Community

Be Ready Before an Emergency Happens
National Preparedness Month is a reminder to build an emergency kit, create a family communication plan and stay informed before disaster strikes.

When disaster strikes, the time to prepare has already passed. National Preparedness Month in September serves as an important reminder that the actions taken today, from building an emergency kit to creating a family communication plan, can make all the difference during a hurricane, winter freeze, extended power outage or other emergencies.

According to Captain Redmond, who leads the UT Police Emergency Management team, preparedness is rooted in resilience.

"Resiliency is important to maintain important operations, and some things are predictable," Redmond said. "We know living on the Gulf Coast we will have hurricanes, and with El Niño conditions we may also experience freezes. We might as well get in gear and prepare for those challenges."

Redmond emphasized that readiness begins at the individual and household level. While emergency responders and government agencies play critical roles during disasters, communities are strongest when residents are prepared to care for themselves and their families in the early stages of an emergency.

Preparation starts with building an emergency kit. Redmond recommends having an ample supply of water, maintaining at least a 14-day supply of necessary medications, and planning for the needs of vulnerable family members, including older adults, grandparents and young children.

Households should also keep essential safety supplies on hand, including a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, flashlights, and working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide detectors are especially important for households that may use generators or space heaters during an emergency.

Preparedness goes beyond supplies. Families should also create and practice a communication plan that everyone understands.

"You may have a plan in your head, but if you have not reviewed it with your family, it's not a plan," Redmond said.

He encourages parents to discuss emergency procedures with their children and ensure they know how to contact trusted adults if family members become separated. Important phone numbers should be accessible both electronically and on paper in the event phones or internet service become unavailable.

Preparedness Is a Year-Round Effort

For those looking to strengthen their readiness, resources are available through ReadyHarris.org and other local emergency preparedness organizations. Residents are also encouraged to sign up for emergency alert systems to receive timely and accurate information during disasters.

"Register for your local emergency alerts," Redmond said.

At UT Police, preparedness is a continuous effort. The division's Emergency Management team oversees emergency management and business continuity planning throughout the year. Their work includes equipment inspections, emergency supply readiness, tabletop exercises, testing emergency notification systems and coordination with institutional preparedness partners.

These efforts help ensure UT Police remains prepared to support UTHealth Houston and UT MD Anderson while maintaining critical operations during emergencies.

When asked about the single most important preparedness action people can take today, Redmond's answer was straightforward.

"Create a plan, put it on your calendar and review the plan quarterly," he said. "Practice the plan with your household."

By taking simple preparedness steps today, families can be better equipped to navigate emergencies tomorrow and help build a safer, more resilient community for everyone.

"Everybody has a Plan A. It's what we do every day," Redmond said. "Everyone needs to develop a Plan B and Plan C."

Emergency Kit Essentials

Before an emergency happens, make sure your household has:

• Drinking water (at least several days' supply)
• A 14-day supply of prescription medications
• First aid kit
• Flashlights
• Extra batteries
• Fire extinguisher
• Working smoke detectors
• Working carbon monoxide detectors
• Copies of important documents
• Cell phone chargers and backup power banks
• Supplies for infants, older adults, pets and family members with special needs

 Resources

For more information about emergency preparedness and planning, visit:

• gov: https://www.ready.gov
• FEMA Preparedness Resources: https://www.fema.gov
• National Weather Service Houston/Galveston: https://www.weather.gov/hgx
• Ready Harris: https://www.readyharris.org
• Houston Office of Emergency Management: https://houstonoem.org/
• United Way 211 Helpline: https://unitedwayhouston.org/what-we-do/211-texas-united-way-helpline/