The Tuscarawas County Health Department is using National Preparedness Month to remind residents to be ready before an emergency happens.
Public Health Educator Emma Triplett says the department will promote preparedness throughout September, with tips for preparing families and pets for emergencies including extreme heat, flooding, severe storms and power outages.
Triplett says residents should put together an emergency kit with enough supplies to last several days. That can include non-perishable food, water, a first-aid kit, flashlights, a radio and extra batteries.
She also recommends tailoring emergency plans to the needs of individual family members — including children, older adults and pets. She says families should talk with children about what to do during an emergency, while older adults should keep important medical and insurance information readily available.
And for pets, she recommends having food, medications, identification and a leash or collar included in an emergency kit.
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