McMillan & Company Professional Organizing, a West Los Angeles-based firm, encourages all Los Angeles residents to prepare for emergencies during National Preparedness Month (NPM) in September. The Department of Homeland Security’s Ready Campaign sponsors NPM to motivate people across the country to take action and prepare for emergencies.

“Fires, floods, earthquakes, thefts and loss of life are devastating - emotionally, physically and financially,” says owner, Donna D. McMillan. “These major life-changing events make us even more aware that we must be prepared - at all times - for any type of loss or disaster. The best plan is do it now, while there is time and it's foremost in your mind. Later could be too late!!”

McMillan & Company Professional Organizing helps clients to create an emergency plan. They recommend that clients designate a “Ready Zone” in their homes and/or offices. This can be a closet, cupboard or a corner of the garage that can accommodate items in their emergency kit. In addition to basic items such as water, canned foods, a first aid kit, blankets, flashlights, battery-powered radio and extra batteries, they advise clients to include:

A reminder list of items to snatch up if evacuation is required. Items such as cash and traveler’s checks, a laptop, charger and surge protector may be forgotten in a panic situation.

• Copies of documents such as insurance policies, bank account information, personal identification and an address book stored in a waterproof box or plastic bag.
• A small tool kit
• Change of clothes and towels
• Prescription glasses and medicines
• Cell phone charger
• Computer backup media

Part of emergency preparedness includes having an evacuation plan. “Family members should designate a place to meet, agree to call an out-of-town contact during an emergency and know their children’s school procedures as part of their evacuation plan,” says Karen L. Simon of Island Organizers. “Knowing who to call and where to go when an emergency happens helps people to remain calm during a crisis.”

McMillan & Company Professional Organizing and Island Organizers join the National Association of Professional Organizers to educate and motivate their clients, local businesses and the community to take action to prepare for emergencies during National Preparedness Month. As a premier professional organizing service, these professionals offer hands-on organizing, training and technology consulting services, to efficiently manage time, space and information.

For details about National Preparedness month, visit www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY.

About Donna D. McMillan
Since 1984, McMillan & Company Professional Organizing has helped businesses and individuals in workplaces and homes. As a Consultant, Hands-on Organizer and Organizing Trainer/Coach, Donna and her associates work side-by-side with clients, physically help them, teach techniques to become and STAY organized, plus create personalized-customized systems for each client's specific needs.
Call: 310-391-7392, website: www.organizer4me.com
Island Organizers is a collaboration with Karen L. Simon of PC Tech Associates in Hawaii.
Call: 877-247-5674, website: www.islandorganizers.com