September is Emergency Preparedness Month: Start your conversation today
As we enter September, National Emergency Preparedness Month, it’s more important than ever to be prepared for unexpected emergencies. A changing climate means increased frequency and intensity of climate risks such as more severe flooding, extreme temperatures, wildfires, and landslides. Being prepared can help build community and neighborhood resilience and ensure that you and your loved ones are safe during times of crisis. Starting a conversation today can help you, your family and your community to take more actions to prepare. By taking simple steps to build connections with your neighbors, you can not only be better prepared when disaster strikes, but also strengthen neighborhood relationships and cohesion; together we thrive.
Know Your Strategies – Emergency Prep 101
- Stay informed: Stay updated on local weather alerts, emergency notifications, and community preparedness resources. Follow your local agencies on social media for up-to-date information and bookmark their websites on your digital devices. Sign up for AVL Alerts to receive important updates by text, phone or email.
- Understand your risks: Identify potential hazards in your neighborhood, such as flooding, landslides or wildfires. You can be aware of the potential threats where you live by using the Climate Justice Data Map. Different communities can experience different impacts based on physical, social and environmental factors.
- Develop a family plan: Create a family emergency plan that outlines where to meet, who to contact, and what to pack in case of an emergency to care for family members, pets and those with special needs. Know the places that are available to meet in your neighborhood such as community centers or churches.
- Post Your Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts in a clear, safe place in your home. This list should include the phone numbers of family members, friends, neighbors, and local emergency services.
- Build relationships: Get to know your neighbors and discuss ways to support each other during times of crisis. Are there neighbors near you that have disabilities or medical concerns? Are there ways that you can help them in times of emergencies?
- Participate in community preparedness activities: Attend workshops, drills, and other events to learn more about emergency preparedness. Upcoming events include the Festival of Neighborhoods on September 14 and AFD’s Fire Prevention Month Kick Off event at Asheville Tanger Outlets on September 28.
During the month of September, we will be sharing additional information on how you and your neighbors can better prepare for emergencies. By following these steps, you can help to strengthen your family’s and your neighborhood’s resilience and ensure that you and your loved ones are prepared for any emergency. Additional guidance can be found at ready.gov and on our social media platforms: