CONCORD, NH – During National Preparedness Month in September, Homeland Security and Emergency Management’s (HSEM) mascot, Ready, the Prepared Puppy, is asking everyone to prepare for emergencies by completing a Ready Challenge each week. Each challenge is a simple, inexpensive step to preparedness: 1) sign-up for NH Alerts, 2) complete a family emergency plan, 3) complete emergency contact cards, and 4) start an emergency kit.

Anyone who completes a challenge can tag NH Homeland Security and Emergency Management on Facebook to win a Ready Activity Kit featuring Ready, the Prepared Puppy. One participant will be randomly selected to tour the State Emergency Operations Center in Concord with Ready.

“Taking simple and inexpensive steps now, before a disaster strikes, can save the lives of those closest to each of us,” HSEM Director Perry Plummer said. “I think it’s the goal of all first responders to encourage and facilitate preparedness such that each person and organization has the means to support themselves, their families and their communities, if necessary, during that critical first 72 hours after a disaster when responders are stretched to their limits. Being prepared helps save the lives of those most important to each of us, our families and friends in our communities.”

The Ready Challenges for National Preparedness Month are:

• Week 1: Go to ReadyNH.gov and sign-up for NH Alerts to know when you need to take action to stay safe.
• Week 2: Go to ReadyNH.gov and complete a Family Emergency Plan so you and your family know what to do when an emergency occurs.
• Week 3: Go to ReadyNH.gov and complete Emergency Contact Cards for each person in your household so everyone will have important contact information with them at all times.
•  Week 4: Go to ReadyNH.gov, print an Emergency Kit Checklist and begin purchasing items on the list for your emergency kit so everyone will have what they need to stay safe. 

Ready, the Prepared Puppy, is a Chinook. The Chinook is the official state dog of New Hampshire and is the only breed to have originated in the state. The Chinook breed is known for its team spirit and hardiness in cold weather and has been used for search and rescue operations. Ready, the Prepared Puppy, is always ready for an emergency because he has his bright orange emergency kit on his back.

Residents can follow NH HSEM on Twitter at twitter.com/NH_HSEM and Facebook at www.facebook.com/NH.HSEM. Also, sign up for NH Alerts to receive emergency information via your mobile and landline phones, including severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service and emergency information from NH HSEM. To learn more about NH Alerts and other preparedness tools, visit: www.readynh.gov.