September is National Preparedness Month and it is important to acknowledge that a natural disaster can happen at any moment, but other than panicking it is important to prepare for what might happen.

Whether a natural disaster is predicted or not, it is important to prepare for each, because they can both cause damage. 

The theme for the 2019 National Preparedness Month is “Prepared, Not Scared.”

On the National Preparedness Month website, users can access information on how to prepare for certain types of natural disasters and how to help children and youth prepare. 

The American Red Cross is another organization that gives out tips, and helps before, during, and after a natural disaster.

“The three steps the Red Cross encourages folks to take is get a kit, make a plan and be informed,” wrote Nicole Maul, the Regional Communications Manager of the American Red Cross, in a press release.

Whether a natural disaster is purely constructed by nature or human-made the American Red Cross suggests being prepared for both. Supplies that should be in an emergency kit are: non-perishable food items, one gallon of water per person per day, flashlights, cash, a radio, first aid kits, and medications, according to the American Red Cross.

This past July, the population of Kern County experienced two major earthquakes that served as a reminder to prepare for the next major earthquake.

If one is inside during an earthquake the Red Cross suggests to protect your head and torso and to stay indoors until the shaking stops. If one is outside during an earthquake stay away from bridges, power lines and drop to the floor.

Another natural disaster that is prominent in California are wildfires. The American Red Cross suggests preparing an emergency kit for wildfires as well.

To help prepare in the event of a natural disaster, the American Red Cross developed an app which allows the users to access advice for emergencies, including steps on how to prepare an emergency kit.