September is National Preparedness Month, a nationwide effort encouraging community members and businesses to think about disaster planning. 

This year’s theme is “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for Disasters is Protecting Everyone You Love.” Pullman Police Cmdr. Jake Opgenorth said it is an opportunity to prepare so when a disaster strikes, people are able to safely take care of themselves and their family. 

This includes disasters small and large, like making sure one has an alternate source for charging a cell phone if there is an electrical problem. Opgenorth said PPD also encourages individuals to learn CPR and first aid. 

Checking insurance policies for potential hazards, such as flood and earthquakes, is also important, according to a PPD press release. 

Opgenorth said although the Palouse does not have a lot of major disasters, there are still damaging wind storms and weather concerns. 

“Throughout the year we have cold weather … that can cause a lot of issues,” he said. “Earlier this year we had concerns about the extreme heat and we had to open a cooling shelter.”

Various resources are listed on PPD’s website under Safety Resources and Emergency Preparedness. 

Community members can also sign up to receive emergency notifications from the Whitman County and City of Pullman Emergency Alert System, according to the press release. More information is provided on the PPD website under Resident & Visitor Information.