Are You Prepared?

No one wants—or expects—to be involved in an emergency or disaster; unfortunately, they do happen. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has designated September as National Preparedness Month, and government agencies are offering helpful information in conjunction with the month.

The purpose of National Preparedness Month is to raise Americans’ awareness of the importance of preparing for possible emergencies—in homes, schools and businesses.

Activities held in conjunction with National Preparedness Month include educating Americans in how to prepare themselves, their families and their communities for emergencies, including natural disasters, according to a DHS press release. Individuals are encouraged to get an emergency-supply kit and implement an emergency-action plan for both home and business.

For owners of small businesses such as massage clinics, massage schools and day spas, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has created informational documents on how to safeguard a small business if disaster should strike.

Topics of files available for download include how to obtain disaster assistance and how to prepare a small business for disaster.

For more information, visit: the SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov; and the National Preparedness Month Web site at www.ready.gov.