When disasters such as flooding, record snowfalls, deadly tornadoes and wildfires strike, communities are often left without safety, security, food and shelter. The first 72 hours (three days) are critical during a serious crisis for individuals and their families to be self-sufficient because electricity, gas, water and telephones may not be working and public safety services may not be able to reach you immediately. In catastrophic circumstances, it might take longer for rescue or assistance to arrive so it is important that individuals should be prepared to be self-sufficient by being able to live without running water, electricity and/or gas for at least three days following a disaster. This includes having a well-stocked emergency preparedness kit for individuals, their family members and pets.

The nationwide effort of NPM is organized each year by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to encourage citizens to prepare and plan for emergencies in their homes, business and schools. This yearly observance was founded after 9/11 to increase preparedness awareness in the U.S., a fitting time to join the effort to help communities prepare for emergencies, such as natural disasters and potential terrorist threats, and to encourage individuals to take action.

The First 72 On You campaign and emergency preparedness will be the focus of a Facebook Live discussion with state public health officials on Sept. 5. The online event will start at 1 p.m. (Eastern). To access the livestream, visit the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services’ Facebook page at facebook.com/kychfs. Questions can be emailed in advance to chfs.communications@ky.gov or posted in the comments section during the event.

Additional information about the campaign will be posted on the CHFS Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/kychfs where Kentuckians are encouraged to like and share posts among their networks of friends.

For more information about preparing for and responding to emergencies visit http://ready.gov.​