Are you ready for an emergency?

September is National Preparedness Month, and it’s a great opportunity to be reminded that emergencies — by definition — never occur when we expect them.

Preparedness is particularly important for Long Island residents. We know that severe weather can bring flooding, dangerous winds and extended power outages. A house fire or medical emergency can happen without warning. And while we can’t always be ready for anything, having a plan, and the right supplies, can make a significant difference.

Families should discuss what they will do if they must leave their homes, where they will go and how they will reconnect if separated. Choose a meeting place near home and another outside the neighborhood in case roads are blocked or the immediate area is unsafe.

Make sure everyone knows whom to contact. Designate an out-of-area family member or friend who can serve as a central point of communication. During a local emergency, it may be easier to reach someone outside the affected area. Write down important phone numbers rather than relying solely on cellphones, which may lose power or service.

Families should also consider the needs of children, older adults, those with disabilities and anyone who requires regular medication or medical equipment. Make arrangements for pets, too. Emergency shelters may have rules about animals, so knowing in advance where pets can go is essential.

Assemble an emergency kit. Don’t wait until a storm is approaching or the power has gone out to begin searching for necessities. A basic kit should include:

Bottled water and nonperishable food for several days.

Prescription medications and a list of important medical information.

Flashlights, extra batteries and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.

A first-aid kit and personal hygiene supplies.

Cellphone chargers, backup power banks and car chargers.

Blankets, extra clothing and sturdy shoes.

Cash in small denominations.

Copies of identification, insurance information, medical records and other important documents, stored in a waterproof container.

Supplies for infants, older adults, people with disabilities and pets, as needed.

Keep the kit in a place you will remember and that’s easy to reach. It should be portable enough to take with you if an evacuation becomes necessary. A smaller version can be kept in a vehicle, workplace or another location where family members spend time.

It’s also worth preparing a separate “go bag” for every member of the household. These bags should contain essential medications, identification and a change of clothes, basic toiletries, snacks and water. Keep them packed and ready to go with you. If an emergency requires a quick departure, there may not be time to gather belongings room by room.

Preparedness also means knowing where to find reliable information. Residents should identify local emergency-management officials, sign up for community alerts and monitor trusted weather and public safety updates. Know the locations of nearby hospitals, shelters and evacuation routes. Don’t assume that every emergency will follow the same pattern.

Finally, review the plan regularly. Replace expired food, update medications and check batteries. Run through evacuation and communication plans with children so that everyone understands what to do.

Preparedness isn’t about expecting the worst or living in fear. It’s about giving our loved ones and us a better chance of responding calmly and effectively when something goes wrong.

A few minutes spent making a plan, gathering supplies and identifying whom to contact could prove invaluable when every minute counts. National Preparedness Month is a good reminder, but readiness should be a year-round responsibility.