• By Leigha Cordell, WSFC Office of Emergency Mgmt
• Posted Thursday, August 30, 2018

Forsyth County Promotes September as Preparedness Month Urges Residents to Be Aware and Prepare

Press Release
Forsyth County Promotes September as Preparedness Month
Urges Residents to Be Aware and Prepare

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 31, 2018

Contact: Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Emergency Management
Leigha Cordell- Emergency Management Coordinator
Phone: 336-917-7070 or leighac@cityofws.org

FORSYTH COUNTY – With school back in session and the peak of hurricane season approaching, the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Office of Emergency Management is encouraging residents and businesses to review and discuss their emergency plans and update emergency supplies kits.

“You cannot predict when weather-related or man-made emergencies will occur, but residents can plan now how they will respond when disasters strike,” Leigha Cordell, WS/FC Emergency Management Coordinator said. “It’s simple steps that can save lives. Make a family emergency plan, practice that plan and put together an emergency supplies kit. Being prepared before a disaster makes recovering from one a little bit easier. Prepare for the worst but hope for the best.”

Governor Roy Cooper proclaimed September as North Carolina Preparedness Month which coincides with National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The designation is made each September to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies.

Emergency Management encourages residents, schools and business owners to make a 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.

“An emergency plan is only the first step in being prepared for when disasters strike,” said Cordell. “Having a plan in place is only good if you practice it. Talk to others in your home about the plan, and be sure to talk with your child’s school officials about the school’s emergency plans.”

The next step, Cordell said, is to put together an emergency supplies kit, which contains items needed for survival regardless of the emergency.

“Emergency supplies kit items can be found around the house,” said Cordell. “Having an emergency supplies kit will help you after an emergency because first responders may not be able to reach you quickly. Or, having important papers readily accessible will speed up the recovery process because you can more quickly process insurance claims. Regardless of the reason, an emergency kit is essential.”

Basic items that should be in an emergency kit are:

More information on tornadoes and overall emergency preparedness can be found online at http://www.readyforsyth.org/ or www.ReadyNC.org. Please take a moment to ‘LIKE’ ReadyForsyth on Facebook to receive the most recently updated information. Please check out ReadyForsyth’s Facebook page for daily posts throughout the month of September for tips on how to be prepared. Forsyth County emergency officials encourage residents to download the free ReadyNC mobile app.

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