Disasters and frightening scenarios can be difficult, even unpleasant, to discuss with your kids, and many of us put it off or avoid it altogether. But leaving kids unprepared can ultimately lead to a more difficult and unpleasant situation. Make this month the month. Just as you ensure that they have the right supplies to tackle the school year ahead, ensure that your kids are ready for any emergency that might come their way.

September is National Preparedness Month, and the best way to start preparing is to communicate with your family about what you should do before, during and after an emergency, especially how you will stay in touch if you are separated. Below are some questions to help get the conversation started:

• How will you get to a safe place?
• How will you contact one another?
• How will you get back together?
• How will you handle different types of emergency situations?

Once you have started your family’s preparedness plan, ask around your community at schools, town hall meetings, and popular public places to see if they have a preparedness plan – and volunteer to help create one if they don’t.

For more information about preparing your family and getting involved in National Preparedness Month, visit http://www.ready.gov/september.