The Summer slowdown is officially behind us and right now, for many Kyle families, life is moving quickly. School drop-off lines, work deadlines, Friday night football, your third Costco trip of the week to get snacks for the team, doctor’s appointments, dentist appointments, Amazon returns, and don’t forget you signed up to bring chips and dip to the neighborhood block party.
You’re busy, we get it. But one thing no one has time for is an emergency. Disasters don’t wait at the bus stop or the check-out line, they don’t politely knock at your door, or reschedule. Instead, they show up unannounced, demanding your full attention, and instantly turn an ordinary day into chaos if you’re not prepared.
That’s why this September, in honor of National Preparedness Month, we’re asking everyone to set aside time to get prepared. National Preparedness Month is the perfect opportunity to take small steps that make a big difference. By preparing yourself, your family, and your home for everyday emergencies, like home fires, power outages, or local flooding, you’ll also be better equipped to face larger disasters such as wildfires, flash floods, hurricanes, and more.
A great place to start is by knowing the risks where you are. Ask yourself is my home in a flood plain, what kind of weather do I expect to encounter, what do I do if I lose power, or if my home catches fire, who else do I need to take care of? Then, make a plan and build an emergency supply kit to help keep yourself and those you love safe and comfortable during and after a disaster.
Sign up for real-time, localized emergency alerts at WarnCentralTexas.org. Staying informed is one of the most important steps in emergency preparedness because knowing what’s coming and when can save lives.
Preparing for an emergency may seem overwhelming, but there are so many resources to help you get started, including the Hays County 8th Annual Emergency Preparedness Fair happening this Saturday, September 13 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at La Verde Park, 3901 Burnham where experts will be on hand to guide you through how to make a family emergency plan, build an emergency kit, and how to stay informed during disasters.
“We are committed to ensuring every community member is prepared with the knowledge and resources necessary in the event of an emergency,” said James Johnson, Kyle Emergency Management Coordinator. “Disasters don’t schedule around your life, but preparation can give you control. Taking steps now ensures you and your loved ones are safe when every second counts.”
This event is not only practical, but fun and family friendly. There’s food, live music, activities for kids including touch-a-truck, a kid zone with inflatable games, face painting, and train rides. So whether you come for the fun, food, or peace of mind, the goal is for everyone to leave better equipped to protect their loved ones when it matters most.
We all have responsibilities for our families, pets, neighbors and communities. By taking steps now, you can be in control of both your safety and those you care about before, during and after a disaster.
Visit Ready.Gov for more emergency and disaster planning resources and information.
