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September marks National Preparedness Month — a reminder to everyone to prepare for disasters and emergencies to keep each other, our families and communities safe. Extreme weather events can be devastating, but with a plan, maybe less so. Here are tips from the National Consumer Unit to ensure that, in the event of an emergency, you’re well-prepared. Know your riskIn the case of an emergency, it’s important to know the risks to your home. Is your neighborhood prone to heavy rainfall and flooding, power outages or earthquakes? Know how and when to take action before, during and after different emergencies.Create an emergency planAn emergency plan is essential to being prepared. Make sure that everyone in your household knows key contact information, evacuation routes and meeting places. Address individual family needs such as elderly people, children and pets. It’s also important to have a plan of action in case of separation. Consider how you’ll contact family and friends. If possible, identify a meeting place in your neighborhood and one outside of the neighborhood, if you aren’t able to return home. Make an emergency kitStock up on essential supplies and have at least three days of supplies per person. This should include non-perishable food, first aid kits and one gallon of water for each individual per day. You should also have at least 14 days of prescription medications, a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio, flashlights with extra batteries, and a battery pack and cellphone charging cable, among other things.Secure important documentsLegal documents, financial records, birth certificates, social security cards, insurance and passports are just some of the important documents that you must secure. Proactively check your insurance and address any gaps in coverage. Most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flooding, earthquakes and other natural disasters such as landslides or sinkholes. The worst time to find that out is after the disaster occurs. Stay informedLastly, practice safety. Planning ahead is key, and you can prepare for disasters and emergencies by practicing drills and regularly having conversations about safety preparedness with those around you. Also, sign up for weather alerts to stay on top of local threats. For more information, go to ready.gov.