September is National Preparedness Month

    Posted: 8/29/2016

    FCEM&HS Encourages Franklin County Residents to Participate in National PrepareAthon Day on September 30th

    (COLUMBUS, OHIO) – September is National Preparedness Month (NPM).  Franklin County Emergency Management & Homeland Security(FCEM&HS) encourages residents to take action to prepare, now and throughout the year, for all hazards and emergencies that could happen where we live, work, attend school and visit.  Emergencies can occur anytime and anywhere without advance notice.

    Last year’s theme, “Don’t Wait, Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today” continues this year to remind residents to take action now and develop an emergency plan to stay safe and communicate should a disaster strike Franklin County.  Develop and practice an emergency plan with your family including pets, workplace or school and your community. Know how you will communicate during a disaster.  Residents are encouraged to be informed about the top risks facing Franklin County, have an emergency supply kit and register for ALERT Franklin County at www.alertfranklincounty.org to receive important information and weather alerts.  

    Get involved in the community by joining the Franklin County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).  The program offers training in basic disaster and response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue and disaster medical operations.  The next class begins September 8, 2016. For more information and to register visit our website at www.fcemhs.org.

    Throughout National Preparedness Month, FCEM&HS will feature a different preparedness theme each week on Facebook and Twitter.  The weekly themes include:
    • Preparing with Family and Friends 
    • Preparing through Service
    • Individual Preparedness
    • Preparing for National PrepareAthon! Day

    FCEM&HS urges everyone to get involved in America’s PrepareAthon! And participate in National PrepareAthon Day on September 30, 2016.  America’s PrepareAthon! is a national community-based campaign designed to make individuals more aware of which disasters could happen in their community, know what to do to be safe and how to take action to increase their preparedness.  To participate, simply register at www.ready.gov/prepare. By joining America’s PrepareAthon, participants commit to taking one concrete step to prepare for a hazard Franklin County may face.

    National Preparedness Month was founded after 9/11 to increase preparedness across the United States.  The month is sponsored by FEMA’s Ready Campaign in partnership with the Citizen Corps, FEMA’s grassroots strategy to bring together government and community leaders to involve all citizens in emergency preparedness planning.