MOUNT VERNON — September is National Preparedness Month, and the Knox County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is encouraging residents to take simple steps now to make sure they and their families are prepared when an emergency happens.

Emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time. Severe storms, extended power outages, flooding, fires, hazardous material incidents, and other emergencies can quickly disrupt our normal routines. While first responders and community agencies prepare year-round, individual and family preparedness remains an important part of building a more resilient Knox County.

Preparedness does not have to be complicated or expensive. Start with a few basic steps: Know your risks. Make a plan. Build a kit. Stay informed.

Know your risks

Understanding the hazards that could affect you is an important first step. In Knox County, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding, winter weather, extreme temperatures, and extended power outages are among the emergencies residents should be prepared for.

Think about how these emergencies could affect your household. Do you rely on electricity for medical equipment? Do you have pets or livestock? Would you know where to go if you needed to evacuate? What would you do if cell phone service was temporarily unavailable?/

Make a plan

Talk with everyone in your household about what you would do during an emergency. Identify where you would go, how you would communicate, and who you would contact if family members were separated.

Include children in the conversation and make sure they know important phone numbers and who they can trust during an emergency. Plans should also consider older adults, individuals with disabilities or access and functional needs, pets, and anyone who may need additional assistance.

Build a kit

Every household should have basic emergency supplies available. Your kit can include water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, a weather radio, medications, first-aid supplies, phone chargers, copies of important documents, pet supplies, and other items your household may need.

You do not have to purchase everything at once. Adding one or two items during regular shopping trips is an easy way to gradually build your emergency supplies.

Stay informed

During an emergency, accurate information matters. Residents should have more than one way to receive emergency information and weather warnings. Do not rely on outdoor warning sirens as your only source of information.

Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone, have a weather radio available, follow trusted local sources, and sign up for Knox County emergency alerts.

National Preparedness Month is a reminder that preparedness is a shared responsibility. First responders, schools, businesses, local governments, community organizations, families, and individuals all have a role.

This September, Knox County EMA encourages everyone to take at least one preparedness action. Have a family conversation. Check your emergency supplies. Sign up for alerts. Learn about the hazards in your community. Check on a neighbor.

A few minutes spent preparing today can make a significant difference when an
emergency happens.

For additional preparedness information, reach out to the Knox County Emergency
Management Agency at aseward@knoxcountyema-oh.gov, visit Ready.gov, or the
American Red Cross at redcross.org.