Learning from the Past
September Is National Preparedness Month
Submitted by Valerie Gonzalez and Pete Leonard, EDFUND

The month of September brings to mind some unpleasant anniversary dates – specifically, the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina one year ago and the horrific events of September 11, 2001.

Both tragedies caught Americans off guard, and the ensuing chaos made very clear that disaster preparedness needs to be higher on everyone’s priority list. While reflecting on the losses our country suffered, citizens can empower themselves by making preparations for another potential disaster.

In the world of financial aid, as with all aspects of our lives, being prepared can help to lessen anxiety about events over which we have no control. There are a number of resources out there that can help—both at school and in your personal life—to prepare a plan and have necessary items available. To get started, check out these government Web sites:

• www.ed.gov – Choose the “Administrators” tab and then click “Lead & Manage My School,” then “Safe & Drug-Free Schools.” From there, you can choose from topics such as “Emergency Planning” or “Practical Information on Crisis Planning: A Guide for Schools and Communities.” There are even a few examples of school emergency response plans from different states.
  
  
• www.ready.gov – This site focuses on disaster preparedness for families as well as businesses, and by clicking on “Ready Business,” you can access several downloadable posters, brochures and a supply checklist. The publications offer helpful tips for what you can do with regard to employee well-being, business systems, shelter and evacuation plans. The Web site also addresses the needs of families with seniors, disabled individuals or pets, and has a special section designed for kids.
  
  
• www.fema.gov – The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Web site has information specific to many different types of disasters. It also includes checklists and guidelines for protecting persons and property; information on disaster assistance for those already victimized; and a guide called “Building A Disaster-Resistant University.”

© EDFUND 2006. www.edfund.org
EDFUND, a nonprofit public benefit corporation, is the nation’s second largest provider of student loan guarantee services under the Federal Family Education Loan Program. EDFUND offers students a wide range of financial aid and debt management information while supporting schools with advanced loan processing solutions and default prevention techniques. For more information about EDFUND products and services, contact Valerie Gonzalez, Senior Client Relations Manager – toll free 866.353.4950, vgonzale@edfund.org, or Pete Leonard, Client Relations Manager – toll free 866.614.6105, pleonard@edfund.org.