September is National Preparedness Month (NPM), and Franklin County Emergency Management & Homeland Security (FCEM&HS) encourages all residents to plan and prepare for all hazards before they happen. The month serves as a timely reminder that emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere without advance notice.

Older adults are often more vulnerable after a disaster and may have specific needs. Oftentimes they suffer from chronic conditions and need daily medications. They frequently rely on caregivers as well as devices such as wheelchairs or walkers. Many older adults live alone and don’t know how to prepare or what to do should disaster strike.

“Preparing for a disaster knows no age limit,” said Jeffrey J. Young, Director of Franklin County Emergency Management & Homeland Security. “By being prepared, older adults can empower themselves to weather the storm and ensure their safety and peace of mind in any disaster.”

Residents can be more prepared by following the steps below:

• Be Informed
  • Learn about the top risks facing Franklin County at fcemhs.org
  • Register for automatic weather alerts and other alerts through New Albany’s CodeRed system.
  • Have a NOAA weather radio, tune to local tv/radio for emergency information.
  • Sign up for emergency management alerts by texting FCReady to 888777.
• Have a Plan
  • Know what to do to shelter in place, how to communicate, if asked to evacuation, how will you be transported with your specific needs and devices. and include a plan for your pets.
• Build an Emergency Supply Kit
  • Include food, water, medications and supplies, essentials for your individual needs and your pets, batteries, and chargers, etc.

As part of National Preparedness Month, FCEM&HS encourages all residents to know how they will receive emergency information, review and practice their emergency plans, and to update their emergency supply kits.