September is National Preparedness Month (NPM) and Franklin County Emergency Management & Homeland Security (FCEM&HS) encourages residents to plan and prepare for all hazards before they happen. The month serves as a timely reminder that emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere without advance notice.
This year’s theme is “A Lasting Legacy: The life you’ve built is worth protecting. Prepare for disasters to create a lasting legacy for you and your family.” The campaign emphasizes the importance of preparing for disasters before they strike to protect your family, property, and the life you’ve worked so hard to build.
Citizens can learn about the top risks facing Franklin County and how to prepare for them at fcemhs.org. Automatic weather alerts can be received by registering for ALERT Franklin County at www.alertfranklincounty.org. Residents and visitors can also receive countywide Emergency Management Alerts by texting FCReady to 888777 on their mobile device.
“Making a plan and having an emergency supply kit is the best way to protect your family should disaster strike,” said Jeffrey J. Young, Director of Franklin County Emergency Management & Homeland Security. “Residents should remember to consider the unique needs of all family members in their plan and include supplies that might be needed by pets, older adults, and those with disabilities in their emergency supply kits.”
Throughout National Preparedness Month, FCEM&HS feature ways residents can prepare, stay safe, and protect their legacy on Facebook and Twitter. Themes will include:
- Make a Plan
- Build a Kit
- Protect Family & Property
- Teach Youth About Preparedness
As part of National Preparedness Month, FCEM&HS encourages parents to include the whole family in the planning process. Young children and teens can learn how to become better prepared, build an emergency supply kit and become a “Disaster Master” by playing online games.
