Start a Conversation about Preparedness

Emily Fay

September 16, 2024

September is National Preparedness Month. Is your household prepared in case of an emergency? Disasters can occur at any time, anywhere, and without warning. In Lexington, the most common disasters are floods, tornadoes, severe storms, and winter storms, but other natural disasters can happen as well. There are many ways to prepare your family in case of a disaster.

1. Build a Kit
   • Having an emergency kit ready to go in the case of an emergency or disaster can help protect you and your family.
   • Kits need to be simple and portable.
   • Include shelf-stable food, medications, cash, and essential records.
2. Make a Plan
   • Know what the most common disasters occur in Lexington is the starting point of a plan.
   • A plan should be made as a household so that each person knows what to do and where to go in an emergency.
   • Make sure that an emergency kit is made and that all the necessary records are available in case of a severe emergency.
   • Necessary records include prescription lists, identification records (birth certificates, social security cards, marriage certificates), and tax documents (lease, car registration, tax returns).
3. Be Aware
   • LEXALERTS
     • Provides residents the ability to sign up for alerts and warnings that can be a significant threat to themselves and their community.
     • Alerts can be sent as a text, email, or voice message to a mobile phone.
     • Residential and business phone numbers can also be signed up for alerts.
   • Be Ready Lexington App
     • Provides emergency news and severe weather information.
     • Provides websites, phone numbers, and addresses that are important to know in emergencies.
   • Social Media
     • Information about disasters and emergencies will be posted on the various Lexington Emergency Management Pages.
     • Facebook: @LexingtonKYEM
     • X (Twitter): @LexKYEM
     • Instagram: @LexKYEM

The theme for National Preparedness Month in 2024 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is to start a conversation. Talking about a disaster or an emergency is challenging but could save your family. When starting a conversation, the first step is to talk about what your family already has in place for an emergency. The next step is to discuss the different types of disasters in your area. The final step is to support talks about questions, worries, or fears that could occur. A disaster or emergency can happen at any time, so it is important to make sure your family is prepared.

Article by: Zoe Hunt