September is National Preparedness Month

Preparedness has a bit of an image problem. It can sound like you need to predict every possible emergency, buy a mountain of supplies, or turn your garage into a survival warehouse.

The good news is that preparedness can be much simpler.

It starts with knowing where to go, how to receive reliable information, who should be contacted, and what you may need if you have to leave quickly. September is National Preparedness Month, and the Department of Public Safety is offering tips on small actions that can make a meaningful difference.

Four weeks, four practical steps

Throughout September different preparedness topics will be explored each week:

• Know two ways out: Find another safe exit from the buildings you use regularly.
• Build a go bag: Gather essential items you may need if you have to leave on short notice.
• Update your emergency contacts: Make sure the right people are listed and their information is current.
• Stay connected: Check your BroncoAlert information and explore the Rave Guardian safety app.

You do not need to complete everything at once. Take one action each week, and by the end of the month, you will be better prepared than when you started.

Preparedness is a shared effort

Individual preparation is one part of a much larger campus effort. Across Boise State, departments plan, train, communicate and work together to prepare for emergencies and keep campus operating safely.

The Department of Public Safety includes five closely connected areas:

• Security, Police and Event Security Operations provides campus patrols, safety escorts, emergency communications, and support for university events.
• Parking and Transportation manages campus parking, Bronco Shuttle operations, and active transportation programs.
• Threat Assessment and Public Safety Systems helps identify and address potential risks while managing security technology throughout campus.
• Emergency Management coordinates preparedness, emergency planning, training, and incident response.
• DPS Finance and Administration provides the financial, administrative, records, and communications support that keeps the department running.

Some of this work is easy to see. Much of it happens quietly through planning, training, technology, maintenance and coordination long before an emergency occurs.

Start with one thing

Look around the next building you enter and find another exit. Check the emergency contact saved in your Boise State account. Put a flashlight in a bag. Confirm that your phone number is current for BroncoAlert.

It does not matter which action you take first. What matters is that you start.

Preparedness is not about being ready for absolutely everything. It is about having a plan, knowing your resources and being a little more ready than you were yesterday.

Explore Boise State's safety and preparedness resources at boisestate.edu/publicsafety.

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