• By Leigha Cordell
• Posted Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Forsyth County Promotes September as Preparedness Month

September is Preparedness Month in North Carolina and Forsyth County Emergency Management officials are encouraging residents and businesses to be prepared for any disaster by reviewing their emergency plans and updating their emergency supply kits.

“Regardless of whether it’s a manmade emergency or a weather event, everyone needs to be prepared.” said August Vernon, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Emergency Management Director. “You should begin by talking with your family to create an emergency plan and practice it. A plan will improve the chances of your family surviving a disaster. It’s important to include a place to go in your plan should you need to evacuate, such as staying with family, friends or at a hotel. The plan should also be flexible so you can respond quickly in an emergency.”

Forsyth County encourages residents, schools and business owners to make an emergency plan and practice it routinely with other household members, staff or employees. The plan should include details about where to meet, how to get in touch with one another, evacuation plans, what to do with pets and how to notify employees after an emergency.

“You should also have an up-to-date emergency supply to help you and your loved ones survive for three to seven days without assistance.” Vernon said. “Be sure to have weather appropriate clothing in your emergency supply kit, and that everything is up to date, such as fresh batteries. Check to be sure any food is still good and include items needed for survival regardless of the emergency.”

Basic items that should be in an emergency kit are:

• Water - 1 gallon per person per day for 3 to 7 days
• Food – non-perishable and canned food supply for 3 to 7 days
• Hand sanitizer
• Sanitizing wipes
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio with extra batteries
• Cell phone with charger
• First aid kit and first aid book
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Manual can opener for food
• Wrench or pliers to turn off water
• Blanket or sleeping bag – 1 per person
• Prescription medications, glasses and hearing aids
• Seasonal change of clothing, including sturdy shoes
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, feminine supplies
• Extra house and car keys
• Important documents – insurance policies, copy of driver’s license, Social Security card, bank account records
• Fire extinguisher
• Cash and change
• Books, games or cards

Forsyth County residents should stay informed during severe weather by using a battery-powered radio for weather and evacuation information and should know evacuation routes in their community. When asked to evacuate, residents should leave the area immediately.

Once your plan and kit are up to date, take the time to mitigate damage to your home or business by taking some commonsense measures such as trimming trees, covering windows, securing loose outdoor items and more.

“As part of your family emergency plan, include places you may be able to stay if you have to evacuate,” said Vernon. “If you’re asked to evacuate due to potential danger, do so. You’ll not only be protecting yourself but also emergency responders who may have to risk their lives to save you if you don’t evacuate.”

More information on overall emergency preparedness can be found online at www.ReadyForsyth.org or www.ReadyNC.org. Please take a moment to ‘LIKE’ and ‘SHARE’ ReadyForsyth on Facebook and Twitter to receive the most recently updated information. Check daily for updated information and tips about preparedness.