*InFocus this Month:* NOAA Weather Radio Awareness Month 72-Hour Comfort Kit The Great Washington ShakeOut Additional Preparedness Resources

September is a busy month in the preparedness realm. And, as you probably know, the focus of the month is usually the earthquake Drop, Cover and Hold Drill. This year, however, we are switching some activities to better align with our new Washington ShakeOut Campaign scheduled for October 2012.

For September's National Disaster Preparedness Month we will focus on NOAA Weather Radio Awareness Month and putting together your 72-Hour Comfort Kit. Governor's Proclamation of NOAA Weather Radio Awareness Month.

NOTE: Our Drop, Cover, and Hold Drill will move from September to October as part of the The Great Washington ShakeOut. Please join us during these two important months by taking personal preparedness action and encouraging others to take action - it can save a life.

Tips and information about NOAA Weather Radios:

Weather Radio Awareness Month Public Service Announcement (.mp3)
Weather Radio Information
Weather Radio Features
Weather Radio in Washington
Weather Radio Warning Alarm and EAS (SAME) Activation
What is a Watch and a Warning?
Where to Get Weather Radios?
How to Program a Weather Radio:
- Reecom R-1630 and 1650
- Midland WR 100
- Midland WR 300
- First Alert WX-150
- First Alert WX-200
- Oregon Scientific:
  - WR601/WR113
  - WR608
  - WR201
  - WR202
  - WR203

What? A NOAA Weather Radio is a 24/7 "all-hazards" warning system. It is not only used for immediate flood and weather-related events, but also for hazards like tsunamis, volcanic activity, hazardous releases, and AMBER alerts.

Why? It protects lives! Weather radio receivers behave like smoke detectors, silently monitoring and then alerting you to the warning message - providing more time to respond to the event.

Where? Weather radios can be purchased from most hardware and retail stores and also online. Be sure to install batteries so it will work during a power outage and don't forget to program the radio for your local area.

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Tips and information about personal and neighborhood preparedness:

Items for your Comfort Kit:
- English: PDF File
- Spanish: PDF File
- Russian: PDF File
- Korean: PDF File
- Vietnamese: PDF File
- Chinese: PDF File
- Cambodian: PDF File
Prepare in a Year (PIY)
Getting Ready - Home Preparedness
Map Your Neighborhood

What? A 72-Hour Comfort Kit provides you and your loved ones with a minimum supply of water, food and other essentials for three days.

Why? Chances are you will have to rely upon supplies you have available in your home for at least the first three days following any major disaster. The Kit ensures you have essential items for survival, safety, and added comfort.

How? It's simple. As you shop for food and other essentials, pick up some extras for your Comfort Kit. If you don't know what to include take a look at the suggested items in our pdf files. These are only suggestions and you may need to add other items to meet your specific needs.

Remember - the minimum time to prepare for is three days. Once you have completed your 72-Hour Comfort Kit, continue adding items to prepare for extended events.

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Tips and information about The Great Washington ShakeOut:

What? At 10:18 a.m. on October 18, 2012 thousands of Washingtonians will “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” in The Great Washington ShakeOut, our largest earthquake preparedness drill ever!

Why? Major earthquakes may happen anywhere you work, live, or travel in Washington. The ShakeOut is our chance to practice how to protect ourselves, and for everyone to become prepared. The goal is to prevent a major earthquake from becoming a catastrophe for you, your family, and your community.

When? Start planning now - go to our ShakeOut site to register and for more information. Then join us for the Drop, Cover and Hold On Drill on October 18, 2012 at 10:18 a.m.

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Coming in October 2012:

The Great Washington ShakeOut

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Don't forget...Choose one hour each month to complete the designated activity and write it on your planning calendar.
Month #1 Activity: Develop an Action Plan	Month #2 Activity: Out of Area Contact
Month #3 Activity: Storing Water	Month #4 Activity: 72-hour Comfort Kit
Month #5 Activity: Important Documents	Month #6 Activity: Extended Events
Month #7 Activity: Under the Bed Items	Month #8 Activity: Utility Safety
Month #9 Activity: Drop, Cover, Hold On

Additional Preparedness Resources: Prepare your family, your home and your neighborhood View "How To" preparedness video clips