September is National Preparedness Month
Residents encouraged to plan and prepare for emergencies
September is National Preparedness Month and the Forsyth County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) urges residents to take time during throughout the month to plan and prepare for disasters and emergency situations.
“It’s important for any family to take time to take proactive measures in becoming more prepared for emergency situations,” said EMA Director and Fire Chief Danny Bowman. “Having a plan in place along with the needed resources can be vital in any emergency or disaster, so we hope that Forsyth County residents will use this month to update their emergency procedures. All month we will be sharing preparedness tips and resources on social media, so we encourage residents to check the county’s Facebook page for more information.”
Throughout the month, residents are encouraged to take the following steps toward preparing for disasters and emergencies:
Develop a Plan
It is important to create a plan in case of an emergency, whether you are at home, at work or on the go. Planning ahead will ensure you know what to do and have the supplies you need to be safe wherever you are.
Sit down with family members before an emergency strikes and decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go and what you will do in a crisis situation. Keep a copy of this plan in your disaster supply kit or another safe place where you can access it when you need it.
Assemble a Kit
Every household is encouraged to assemble a disaster supply kit. Items recommended for inclusion:
• Water: one gallon per person per day, for at least 3 days
• Food: at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food
• Hand-operated can opener
• Radio: battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA weather radio with tone alert, and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit/Prescription medications
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Local maps
• Cash
Stay Informed: Weather Alert Notifications and Emergency Notification Calls
The Forsyth County EMA recommends that residents sign up for weather alert notifications, to be used in conjunction with the county’s outdoor severe weather sirens and a NOAA weather radio.
These time-sensitive weather alerts will warn Forsyth County residents about severe thunderstorms, flash floods and tornadoes. Citizens can elect to be notified when alerts are issued via telephone calls, emails or text messages. There is no cost for citizens to register and receive these weather alerts, but phone usage or text charges may apply.
To enroll, visit the Forsyth County website at forsythco.com and look for the ‘Sign up for Weather Alerts & Emergency Notifications’ icon on the home page. The information provided during the registration process determines the geographical region of the county for which you will receive weather alerts.