New Hampshire Officials Highlight Importance of Emergency Preparedness

New Hampshire’s homeland security chief is urging residents to plan for emergencies this month during National Preparedness Month.

Chris Pope, Homeland security and emergency management director, says the state has weathered 13 presidentially-declared natural disasters over the past six years. He says those disasters have affected every region of the state.

Pope urges New Hampshire residents to stock up on emergency supplies and make emergency plans to prevent injury and property damage. He said the goal of an emergency plan would be to ensure all family members could survive on their own for three days.

According to the state’s disaster planning website — www.nh.gov/readynh — a disaster kit should contain a gallon of water per person per day, flashlights and batteries, first aid supplies and a whistle.