September is National Preparedness Month, and in observance, Leon County Government encourages and reminds residents to be prepared for disasters and emergencies in their homes, businesses, and neighborhoods. This reminder is a part of the County’s ongoing commitment to building community preparedness and resilience in response to both man-made and natural disasters.
“Leon County remains committed to learning and building a resilient community,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Bill Proctor. “The preparation of our citizens, neighborhoods, and community partners is vital to the resilience of our community. Now is the time to prepare before disaster strikes.”
To help citizens prepare for disasters, Leon County has provided the following resources:
- LeonReady.com, a hub of disaster resilience resources
- Neighborhood Readiness Trainings, training by Emergency Management expert for unincorporated County neighborhoods
- 2022 Leon County Disaster Survival Guide, critical information to know before, during and after a disaster
- Leon Alerts, time-sensitive emergency messages to your email or phone related to incidents such as severe weather and evacuations
- Citizens Connect App, Leon County’s best source for emergency news and alerts
Leon County launched LeonReady.com, a hub of disaster resilience resources to help citizens, families, and neighborhoods prepare for disasters. This resource includes a full list of supplies needed to fill a disaster bucket and a sign-up page for the County’s Neighborhood Readiness Trainings, an education tool created to help unincorporated neighborhoods prepare for the hurricane season. To date, more than 600 residents have been trained on disaster resilience through the County’s Neighborhood Readiness Training program.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has designated September as National Preparedness Month to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. September is also the peak of hurricane activity. Leon County joins local, state, and federal emergency response partners in observing National Preparedness Month.
At the start of the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season, Leon County distributed its 2022 Disaster Survival Guide at the beginning of June. The Disaster Survival Guide provides critical information needed to be prepared before, during and after a disaster. Printed copies of the guide are available at County facilities. An online version can be found at HaveAHurricanePlan.com.
Leon County residents can stay prepared for disasters by signing up for Leon Alerts and downloading the Citizens Connect App. Through these mediums, the County provides critical emergency information related to incidents such as severe weather, evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods, and more. To sign up for Leon Alerts and download the Citizens Connect App, visit LeonReady.com.
“Leon County is dedicated to building community resilience through cutting-edge technology, in-person disaster trainings, and so much more,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “This commitment to ensuring that our community is prepared has led to Leon County being named the nation's first #HurricaneStrong community by FEMA and the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes.”
Following the start of the hurricane season, Leon County partnered with Elder Care Services to deliver 100 buckets filled with starter supplies to those in critical need. On July 28, 2022, the County also hosted the Disaster Resilience Edition of the Citizen Engagement Series with hands-on activities and demonstrations for a record number of attendees, placing critical disaster preparedness information front of mind.
“At Leon County Government, we work year-round with local, state and federal partners to prepare our community for disasters,” said Kevin Peters, Leon County Director of Emergency Management. “But it’s important for families to have a plan too. Individuals can get prepared by making a plan, building a disaster supply bucket and staying informed by signing up to receive Leon County Emergency Alerts.”
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