Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead. You Can

The DeKalb County Health Department (DCHD) has launched a month-long initiative designed to raise public awareness for emergency preparedness in September. This year’s theme for National Preparedness Month is “Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead. You Can.” Throughout the month, the DCHD Emergency Preparedness Team encourages the community to prepare for emergency events, especially related to severe weather.

DCHD’s public awareness campaign will focus on three key points, as recommended by the
Department of Homeland Security:
1. Build a kit of emergency supplies
2. Make a plan to know what you will do in an emergency
3. Be informed so you’ll be prepared to react

DCHD will be providing starter preparedness kits to community members throughout the county during scheduled event presentations to include various food pantries. Thanks to funds received from the Federal Cities Readiness Initiatives Grant, DCHD assembled starter preparedness kits which include a weather alert radio with flashlight and cell phone charging capabilities, first aid kit, and masks.

In addition to distributing starter kits, DCHD will be providing communication messaging on social media for additional community members to receive a chance to win an emergency preparedness kit on a weekly basis in September. Follow DCHD on Facebook for an opportunity to start your kit!

We can all take action to help better prepare for emergencies. “During times of emergency, it is suggested that all families have a three-day supply of emergency items,” says Melissa Edwards, DCHD Emergency Preparedness Coordinator. “We want to give our community a jump-start on preparedness by providing these starter kits and radios. It’s our hope that they will continue to build emergency supplies that will protect every member of their family.”

Be sure to visit the DeKalb County Health Department’s social media for additional tips to keep your family safe during an emergency. You can also visit Ready.gov for additional tools to help you and your family prepare!