September is National Preparedness Month, and EEI and our member companies encourage customers to be prepared for extreme weather events and other emergencies. With hurricane and wildfire seasons in full swing, now is the perfect time to assess your emergency plans and to make sure your emergency outage kit is stocked and readily available. 

Ready, a national public service campaign by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, is designed to educate and empower all Americans to prepare for emergencies, and it leads National Preparedness Month. This year's theme is “Start a Conversation,” which encourages families to set aside time when everyone is calm and relaxed to discuss preparedness actions and and ensure a plan is in place. Learn more on the Ready website. 

Here are tips and resources to help you prepare your emergency plan and emergency outage kit:

• Stock your emergency outage kit with non-perishable food, water, medications, and other necessities.
• Keep your cell phones and other electronic devices charged and available. Make sure you have extra batteries for flashlights and other devices. 
• Have a hard copy of emergency contact information available. 
• Register your cell phone number with your local electric company, and make sure your contact information is current so you can receive any status or safety updates the company might put out during an emergency. 
• Know all evacuation routes. If you or anyone you know has special needs that may complicate an evacuation, contact your local emergency management office for guidance. Find the phone number at www.FEMA.gov.
• Be sure to follow your electric company on social media for real-time updates during a storm. 
• Read EEI’s flash flood, hurricane, tornado, and wildfire safety tips and learn how to prepare for power outages. 
• Visit the Electrical Safety Foundation International website for more information on how to stay safe during and after disasters.