National Preparedness Month: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

September has been National Preparedness Month, a time to pause and think about how ready we are for life’s unexpected emergencies. Over the past four weeks, Ready Rex has walked us through simple steps every family in Clinton County can take:

• Week 1 – Identify Your Risks: Know the hazards most likely to affect your household.

• Week 2 – Plan Ahead: Write down your emergency contacts and choose meeting places.

• Week 3 – Mitigation: Take small steps, like cleaning gutters and trimming trees, to reduce damage before it happens.

• Week 4 – Preparedness: Build or update your emergency kit with the essentials your family needs.

Now, it’s time to put all of those lessons together.

Why Act Now?

isasters don’t wait until it’s convenient. Whether it’s a tornado, winter storm, power outage, or hazardous materials spill, emergencies can happen suddenly—and they often leave us with little or no time to prepare.

Taking action now, while skies are clear and life feels normal, ensures your family is safer, calmer, and more resilient when the unexpected strikes.

Ready Rex reminds us: “Preparedness isn’t scary—it’s smart!” 🦖

Your Preparedness Checklist

By the end of this month, you should be able to say:

✅ My family knows the hazards that affect us.

✅ We have a written emergency plan and meeting places.

✅ We’ve taken steps to protect our home and reduce risks.

✅ We have an emergency kit stocked with essentials.

If you can’t check all these boxes yet, that’s okay—but don’t stop here. Use this momentum to finish your plan and keep it updated throughout the year.

Moving Beyond September

Preparedness doesn’t end when September does. Clinton County EMA will continue to provide tools, training, and information year-round to help families stay ready. Signing up for Clinton County Emergency Alerts (CCEA) is one of the easiest ways to stay informed.

Preparedness is a journey, not a destination—but every step makes you stronger and safer.

Take Action Today

Don’t wait until a storm is on the horizon or the power goes out. Use what you’ve learned this month to get your family ready now.

Preparedness is peace of mind—and it starts with you.

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September is National Preparedness Month—a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about the importance of being ready for disasters and emergencies. It’s the perfect opportunity to take simple steps that strengthen your household’s safety, security, and resilience all year long.