Being proactive, getting prepared National Preparedness Month

Preparing for a disaster or hazardous weather is something that should be top of mind throughout the year. For the month of September, in recognition of National Preparedness Month, the Texas County Emergency Management Coordinator is helping raise awareness throughout Texas County.

"With it being National Preparedness Month we are trying to raise awareness and let people know it's a good time to get prepared for all hazards that could arise," Levi Bickford, Texas County Emergency Management Director said.

According to Ready.gov - a resource site that offers safety tips, preparedness for all areas of hazard, and guidance in building a home safety kit - each week will have a different focus. The first week of September is meant to focus on Making a Plan; week two is to Build a Kit; week three is a focus on Low Cost,

No-Cost Preparedness; and week four is meant to Teach Youth About Preparedness.

Winter weather preparedness is one of the main focuses as the month begins. One of the first informational sheets to be shared is a checklist to get prepared for winter weather. In addition to having a kit prepared, watching the forecast - phone apps, local radio, social media - is another way to be proactive.

"Our past winter weather has shown us to normally fall right on the edge of the winter storms that blow through which means we never know when the blizzards roll through if we will remain dry or drop two or two and a half more feet all of a sudden. When that happens roadways may become impassable and you may be without what you need," he said. "Our goal is to get people to start planning now and get what they need before a situation like that arises and be ahead of the game."

The new guidance when it comes to preparedness is to have a kit that could sustain for several days; according to Bickford families should at least prepare with items to last 72 hours. One of the recommendations is to have a gallon of water per person, in the household, per day. In addition to preparing your household to survive a winter storm, it is suggested to also prepare your vehicles.

"We get complacent. We are so used to going to the sink and turning the handle, going by the light switch and turning it on. During September, we are trying to break that complacency and help families get prepared before dire situations occur," Bickford said. "While winter weather is one of the main focuses as we discuss preparedness, it is important to remember proper planning for all types of weather or circumstances can make a difference in getting through the unexpected event."

As the nation continues to deal with repercussions from the pandemic, the