COLUMBUS – September marks National Preparedness Month, an annual campaign to remind everyone that being prepared for emergencies and disasters can help keep themselves, their families, and their communities be safe.
This year’s theme is “Start a Conversation." The campaign focuses on preparing our diverse communities including Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander groups to ensure all of our friends and neighbors have the tools they need to prepare for disasters and build resilience before disaster strikes.
“Preparedness is not about predicting the future; it's about creating a plan to protect the ones we love," said Jeffrey J. Young, Director of Franklin County Emergency Management & Homeland Security. "By initiating a conversation now, our diverse communities can empower themselves to take proactive steps, develop a plan, and access the information needed to stay prepared and safe in the event of any disaster."
Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security (FCEM&HS) encourages all residents to be prepared by following the steps below:
Be Informed
- Learn about the top risks facing Franklin County at fcemhs.org.
- Register for automatic weather alerts through ALERT Franklin County at https://www.alertfranklincounty.com
- Have a NOAA weather radio, tune to local tv/radio for emergency information.
- Sign up for emergency management alerts by texting FCReady to 888777.
Have a Plan
- Know what to do to shelter in place, how to communicate, if asked to evacuation, how will you be transported with your specific needs and devices. and include a plan for your pets.
Build an Emergency Supply Kit
- Include food, water, medications and supplies, essentials for your individual needs and your pets, batteries, and chargers, etc.
As part of National Preparedness Month, FCEM&HS encourages all residents to know how they will receive emergency information, review and practice their emergency plans, and to update their emergency supply kits.
###