September is National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month (NPM). Wahkiakum County Emergency Management has committed to participate in National Preparedness to increase preparedness throughout the U.S.

The event, now in its ninth year, is a nationwide, month-long effort hosted by the Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps, encouraging households, businesses and communities to prepare and plan for emergencies.

Wahkiakum County Emergency Management is participating this year by spreading the important message of being prepared and self sufficient for at least three days.

One of NPM’s key messages is: Be prepared in the event of an emergency, to be self-reliant for three days without utilities and electricity, water service, access to a supermarket or local services, or maybe even without response from police, fire or rescue. Preparing can start with the following four important steps:

1. Be informed about emergencies that could happen in your community, and identify sources of information in your community that will be helpful before, during and after an emergency.

2. Make a plan for what to do in an emergency.

3. Build an emergency supply kit.

4. Get involved.

Preparedness is a shared responsibility; it takes a whole community. This year’s National Preparedness Month focuses on turning awareness into action by encouraging all individuals and all communities nationwide to make an emergency preparedness plan. Preparedness information can be found at: http://www.co.wahkiakum.wa.us/dem.html .

“This year I am focusing on getting the preparedness message out to our county. It is my goal to inform each resident about the steps they can take to be better prepared for emergencies and thus make a quicker recovery after an emergency. Preparing really means having some comfort during an emergency. I encourage each resident to contact me at 795-3242, 465-2202 or visit my website at http://www.co.wahkiakum.wa.us/dem.html,” said Emergency Management Coordinator Beau Renfro.

If you have any questions contact Renfro at 795-3242, 465-2202, or renfrob@co.wahkiakum.wa.us.