The National Weather Service has issued 27 severe thunderstorm warnings, two flash flood warnings, two flash flood watches, two tornado watches, and a winter weather advisory so far this year.
What this shows is that Polk County residents should be prepared (you know, like the Boy Scout motto) for natural and man-made disasters, as well as disease outbreaks.
To do this, residents can take several steps, such as making a family disaster plan, creating an emergency supply kit, and staying informed, to help make preparedness and personal responsibility a priority.
Recently, the Polk County Board of Commissioners proclaimed that September is Polk County Preparedness Month. The Commissioners encourage all county residents to plan and prepare weather-related and man-made disasters by assembling their emergency supply kits and updating their emergency plans.
To help with that, an Emergency Preparedness Fair is scheduled for 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23 at the Tryon International Equestrian Center (25 International Blvd. in Mill Spring).