The Polk County Board of Commissioners have proclaimed that September be Preparedness Month in the county and encourages all county residents to plan and prepare for weather-related and man-made disasters by assembling their emergency supply kits and updating their emergency plans.

Why is being prepared a big deal?

North Carolina is traditionally an active state for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms, with
tornado touchdowns and straight-line winds causing severe damage in parts of the state this year.

Last year, the state experienced 24 tornado touchdowns, 139 flood incidents and 844 severe
thunderstorms with damaging wind and hail. The National Weather Service in North Carolina last year issued 51 tornado warnings, 751 severe thunderstorm warnings, and 106 flash flood warnings.

Communities across the state have borne the impacts from wildfires, severe weather, damaging hail, high winds and flooding. Every community, business, family and individual in Polk County must be ready for natural and man-made disasters including tornadoes, flooding, hurricanes and public disturbances that might disrupt normal daily activities.

Polk County residents can take a few simple steps — like making a family disaster plan, creating an emergency supply kit and staying informed — to help make preparedness and personal responsibility a priority.

Polk County residents should also know the risks for their area and plan accordingly, should help the elderly and those who cannot help themselves, and should include the safety of their pets and/or livestock in their emergency plans.