Kansas Preparedness Month

The following is a column by Governor Kathleen Sebelius:

Living in Kansas, we’re very familiar with disasters and emergency situations tied to natural events.

Kansas was hit by three major disasters this year that left record-breaking destruction. Western Kansas welcomed the new year with ice and snow storms, in what proved to be the most costly natural disaster in Kansas history. On May 4th, the City of Greensburg was destroyed by an F5 tornado. And this summer, flooding affected portions of Southeast Kansas as water levels rose to a 50-year high.

These storms remind us that we need to be ready for any disaster and have emergency supplies on hand. Making plans now – ahead of time – better prepares us to deal with whatever comes our way.

September is “Kansas Preparedness Month,” when we re-enforce the importance of preparing for potential emergencies. It provides an opportunity for every Kansan to learn more about ways to prepare for all types of emergencies from natural disasters to potential terrorist acts.

As a state we do a great deal of planning in preparation for disasters. The Kansas Division of Emergency Management coordinates state efforts with both local and federal officials and the private sector to protect Kansas citizens and deter, prevent, and respond to all types of emergencies.

Emergency preparedness is not just important at the state and community level, but in your home and workplace as well. It is the responsibility of every Kansan, and all Kansans can take a few simple steps - getting a kit, making a plan, and being informed - in order to make citizen preparedness a priority in every community.

I urge you to take steps to develop a plan to protect you and your family during a disaster. You can review the Kansas preparedness web sites at www.accesskansas.org/kdem and www.ksready.gov.

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