Peoria – Peoria County’s Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is helping to raise awareness of National Preparedness Month, celebrated annually in September. This year marks the ninth year the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security have recognized September as National Preparedness Month.

Peoria County’s Director of Emergency Management Vicky Turner explains the importance of preparing for disaster: “We never know when or what may happen and if we’re not prepared to handle different types of disasters, then it’ll be too late when something does happen. Families should know where to go when they hear a tornado siren. They should know how to get out of the house if there’s a fire. They should know who to call if their car breaks down in the middle of the night. Even little disasters need some advance planning to ensure your own and other people’s safety.”

Peoria County EMA encourages citizens to recognize the importance of being prepared. Disasters come in all shapes and sizes and no matter the type, you and your family should be prepared by knowing what to expect, building an emergency supply kit, identifying local resources to assist during and after, and developing a plan in advance. Once a plan is in place, it is also important to practice the plan to help children better understand and to work out any kinks that may arise.

This September, take steps to become better prepared. Preparing for disaster saves lives during disaster. For more information on National Preparedness Month, please call Peoria County’s Emergency Management Agency at (309) 691-3111 or visit www.ready.gov.