Governor Declares September as Preparedness Month

Throughout September, the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) is joining organizations nationwide to encourage households, businesses and communities to develop an emergency preparedness plan before a disaster strikes. In support of this nationwide effort, Governor Rick Snyder has declared September as Preparedness Month in Michigan.

“As we have already seen this year, Michigan is no stranger to natural disasters putting our residents and communities in harm’s way, such as the wildfires in the Upper Peninsula and severe flooding in Genesee County,” said Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP and State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “To help protect the safety of our citizens, I strongly encourage all Michigan residents to dedicate time this month to develop an emergency plan and create a supply kit with essential items.”

This year’s National Preparedness Month (NPM) focuses on the need for all households to be self-reliant for at least three days, including having a dedicated supply of food, water and medications. During a disaster, critical services may be impacted such as electricity, water service, access to grocery stores, as well as significantly delayed response times for police, fire and rescue personnel.

Being prepared starts with following four important steps:

• Find out what emergencies may impact your community.
• Develop a plan for what to do during an emergency.
• Create an emergency supply kit with essential items.
• Practice and maintain your plan so everyone knows what to do.

Throughout September, individuals can take a brief online survey at www.michigan.gov/emhsd to help assess their level of preparedness and identify ways to better protect themselves and their families. After completing the survey, participants can enter for a chance to win a free weather radio or an emergency preparedness kit sponsored by Target.

For more information on Preparedness Month initiatives and simple tips to prepare, visit the MSP/EMHSD website at www.michigan.gov/emhsd and follow MSP/EMHSD on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MichEMHS.

This year marks the ninth annual National Preparedness Month promoting the need to prepare nationwide. The MSP/EMHSD is a registered Coalition Member of NPM joining more than 13,000 organizations nationwide to spread the important message of emergency preparedness. During September, events are being hosted throughout Michigan to engage citizens in preparing their families. A calendar of events is available online at www.ready.gov.