{"id":134579,"date":"2020-08-31T06:24:21","date_gmt":"2020-08-31T11:24:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thevwindependent.com\/news\/?p=134579"},"modified":"2020-08-31T06:24:24","modified_gmt":"2020-08-31T11:24:24","slug":"state-ema-encourages-disaster-planning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thevwindependent.com\/news\/2020\/08\/31\/state-ema-encourages-disaster-planning\/","title":{"rendered":"State EMA encourages disaster planning"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Submitted information<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

COLUMBUS — National Preparedness Month (NPM) is recognized annually in September to encourage family and community disaster planning not only for a month, but throughout the year. As the state and nation continue to respond to COVID-19, National Preparedness Month is an ideal time for Ohioans to ensure they are prepared for any disaster, including a pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year\u2019s theme for NPM is: \u201cDisasters Don\u2019t Wait. Make Your Plan Today.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cEven while battling the coronavirus, Ohioans have dealt with other emergencies, including floods, tornadoes, and extreme heat,\u201d said Governor Mike DeWine. \u201cDisasters can happen at any time, and National Preparedness Month is a good time to ensure you\u2019re ready to handle the next emergency.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs the governor said, disasters don\u2019t pause because of the coronavirus,\u201d said Ohio Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Sima Merick. \u201cWe have to stay diligent. We have to stay prepared. We have to make plans to protect ourselves and loved ones from hazards and severe weather events that can impact our lives. Making and practicing your emergency plans, which includes having disaster supply kits for the home and car, are just a few things that we all can do to be safe and resilient.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In coordination with FEMA\u2019s Ready campaign, the Ohio EMA and ReadyOhio encourage households, county EMAs, businesses, schools, and places of worship to plan for emergencies by participating in the weekly themes for NPM 2020:<\/p>\n\n\n\n