Kansans Mark National Preparedness Month 

Release Date: August 29, 2008
Release Number: 1776-004

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TOPEKA, Kan. -- September is National Preparedness Month, and state and federal emergency management officials are urging Kansans to "Get a Kit. Make a Plan. Be Informed. Get Involved."

That's the message the Kansas Division of Emergency Management (KDEM) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will take to the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson, Sept. 5-14.

KDEM is sponsoring "Kansas Preparedness Day" on Sept. 8 with exhibits in a large tent in the parking lot of the fair's administration building. FEMA will have a booth under the grandstand throughout the fair's nine-day run.

"Kansans know all too well that disaster can take many forms," said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, director and adjutant general of KDEM. "We encourage all citizens to be prepared. And it's not too early to begin planning for winter as well."

"Knowing how to prepare for a disaster can save lives, property, and possessions." said Thomas C. Hall, FEMA's federal coordinating officer for disaster operations in Topeka.

The National Preparedness Month campaign is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and a huge coalition of public and private sector organizations. The campaign encourages citizens to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and communities.

The campaign's preparedness steps include important details to help all Americans:

FEMA offers a comprehensive selection of free publications that provide simple and effective steps which individuals, homeowners, and businesses can take to follow National Preparedness Month recommendations.

Many of the publications will be available at the State Fair.

Several websites are dedicated to preparedness. KDEM maintains www.ksready.gov, which is geared specifically to Kansans; FEMA offers www.fema.gov/plan/index.shtm; and www.ready.gov is another comprehensive guide to planning ahead for emergencies.

Information on becoming a member of the National Preparedness Month coalition is also available at the www.ready.gov site.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for preventing, mitigating the effects of responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Thursday, 04-Sep-2008 13:52:25