Gov. Snyder Declares September Preparedness Month

Governor Snyder has declared September as Preparedness Month in Michigan, and to support the effort, the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division is joining other agencies and organizations nationwide to encourage households, businesses and communities to develop an emergency preparedness plan.

National Preparedness Month seeks to raise awareness of the need for all households to be self-reliant for at least three days which includes having a dedicated supply of food, water and medications. During a disaster, critical services may be impacted - such as electricity, water service and access to grocery stores - and response times for police, fire and rescue personnel could be significantly delayed.

Am emergency preparedness fair is taking place in Detroit on Thursday. The MSP is partnering with Quicken Loans, Do1Thing, the City of Detroit Homeland Security and Emergency Management  and Opportunity Detroit to host the free "Prepare Fair." It's being held at Campus Martius Park from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Captain Chris Kelenske, commander of the MSP/EMHSD, says "the prepare fair is a great opportunity to meet local first responders and learn about the importance of being ready for all types of emergencies and disasters. The recent flooding that impacted Metro Detroit communities is a reminder that disasters can happen at any time, to anyone."

Individuals attending the fair will learn simple ways to prepare before an emergency or disaster, including how to develop a family emergency plan and how to create an emergency supply kit. Free preparedness items will also be available while supplies last. There will also be information on business, pet and financial preparedness, as well as volunteer opportunities.

For more information on the Prepare Fair and National Preparedness Month, click here.