Photo of Buddy by Michelle Holshue.
www.aphagetready.org Cover photo of GoGo, Kim Krisberg. This page, from left, Oscar, by Christine Flinton. Flashlight Cat by Nicole Softness. About Get Ready Launched in 2006, APHA's Get Ready campaign helps Americans prepare themselves, their families and their communities for all disasters and hazards, including pandemic flu, infectious disease, natural disasters and other emergencies. In 2012, the campaign held a cat photo contest in conjunction with National Preparedness Month. The contest, which was featured on the I Can Has Cheezburger! website, used cats as a fun way to educate on preparedness. People from across the country submitted photos to the contest, which resulted in this calendar. The Get Ready campaign includes free resources, including fact sheets, a blog, a Twitter, podcasts, Q&As and a calendar of events. Browse our site for free materials you can use at your next health fair or community event, or find information to help you get more prepared! Photo of Cooper by Karen Late Hamilton.
January 2013 A battery-operated emergency radio will help you stay informed in the event of a power outage. Don t forget extra batteries in your stockpile! Photo of Hudson, above, by Sandra Senter.
February 2013 In the winter, your emergency bag should include warm clothes and extra blankets both at home and in your car! Photo of Sol by Kristi Yingling.
Photo of Zak, left, by Rosemary Calhoun. Photo of Huckleberry, right, by Katie Wheeler. March 2013 A go-bag is an emergency kit that you have packed and ready to go in case you need to leave in a hurry. Daylight saving time begins Set Your Clocks, Check Your Stocks!
April 2013 More tips to build your stockpile on the cheap: Pick up one or two items at a time, or wait for a sale and then stock up! National Public Health Week April 1 7 www.nphw.org Photo of Morgan and Spencer by Kayla Prince.
May 2013 Don t forget to include your pets in your preparedness plan! Have extra pet food on hand and carriers ready in case you need to evacuate. Photo of Saffron by Elizabeth Adams.
June 2013 For free preparedness tips for any kind of disaster, visit APHA s Get Ready website: www.aphagetready.org. Photo of Dexter by Meghan McPherson.
July 2013 Water is very important to stockpile before disaster strikes. Have at least three gallons of water for each family member, plus extra water for your pets! Photo of Fatboy, left, by Isabella Zutrau- Pell. Photo, right, of Lacey by Chelsea Kolander.
August 2013 In the event of a hurricane or tornado, move your family and pets! to a basement or an inside room without windows. Photo of NouVelle by Jan Klawitter.
September 2013 The best time to get your flu shot is now, before the flu season starts. Get Ready Day September is National Preparedness Month! Photo of Suggs by Liza King.
October 2013 Hold an emergency drill with your family so that they know what to do when the time comes. Photo of Susie, left, by Robin Straughan. Photo, right, of Sneaky and Penny by Tanya Weigel.
November 2013 Make a plan so that your loved ones know where to meet you in case of an emergency. Pick one place in your town and another location farther away. Photos, clockwise from top left: Valerie, by Colleen Hodges; Nevada, by Jill Ortman-Fouse; group photo of Roller Girl, Reggie, Rex, Archie, Baby Brother, Betty and Veronica by Jill Trescott; and Ernie, by Michele Late. Daylight saving time ends Set Your Clocks, Check Your Stocks!
December 2013 Once you have your emergency stockpile together, remember to regularly check food and batteries for expiration dates, and replace anything that has expired! Photo of Ernie by Scarlett Pack.