Communities must be ready in the event of a public health emergency – both those they expect and those that come without warning. These may include weather related emergencies such as floods or tornadoes and infectious disease outbreaks such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. The terrorist attacks of 2001 also clearly demonstrated the need for expertise and resources in place before disaster strikes.

Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated.

• Make a plan: https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan

In the event of a disaster could you make it on your own for several days? It is important to plan for your daily needs and know what you would do if they become limited or unavailable.

• Get a Kit, Be Ready
• Individuals with disabilities
• Senior Preparedness: https://www.ready.gov/seniors

Your pets are an important member of your family, so they need to be included in your family’s emergency plan.

• Pet Preparedness

Businesses and their staff also face these same disasters and hazardous situations. Learn what businesses can do to prepare for the most likely hazards.

• Ready Your Business

Consider signing up for Hyper-Reach for emergency alerts from Morgan County EMA