Even before the first settlers came to Kansas, the land faced numerous disasters -- tornadoes, blizzards, wildfires, floods, even an earthquake or two. Those threats and others still exist for Kansans today.
Governor Laura Kelly will sign a proclamation Aug. 24 at 10:30 a.m. designating September as Kansas Preparedness Month. The signing will be held in the Governor’s Proclamation Office, Rm 241-S.
“Preparing for a disaster is the wise thing to do,” Kelly said. “I urge every Kansan to make sure they have an emergency kit in their home, vehicle and their business, as well as an emergency plan. The money and the time spent on building an emergency kit will be well worth it if a disaster should strike.”
To remind Kansans to be prepared for natural and man-made emergencies, the Kansas Division of Emergency Management is partnering with numerous local, state, and federal agencies, and community emergency response organizations to present Kansas Preparedness Day on Monday, Sept. 12 at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson.
Information tables and displays of emergency vehicles will be set up from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. near the Administration Building inside the entrance of Gate E-1 to provide disaster preparedness and public safety information. The public may also register for prize drawings and kids can play Preparedness Bingo.
Agencies and organizations participating in the Kansas Preparedness Day event include the Adjutant General’s Department/Kansas Division of Emergency Management/Kansas National Guard, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Fire Marshal’s Office, Hutchinson Fire Department, Reno County Sheriff’s Office, Reno County Emergency Management, Reno County Health Department, National Weather Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Salvation Army.
Sept. 12 is Dillons’ Dollar Day at the Fair; admission is $1 or free with a Dillons’ card.
During Preparedness Month in September, the Kansas Division of Emergency Management is also reminding the public to take part in its monthly online “Preparedness Challenge,” as well as, virtual classes, chats and challenges at www.facebook/KansasEmergency. Additional information on disaster kits and family preparedness can be found at www.ready.gov.