September is National Preparedness Month and the Marion County Emergency Management Office is supporting the campaign to make sure all area residents are ready in case of an emergency. Coordinator Jeff Anderson says this is a good time to see make sure your homes are ready. Anderson says these emergencies include a wide variety of disasters and could interrupt things we typically take for granted. Anderson says each household should include an emergency kit with all the necessary supplies to sustain a family for at least three days. Items that should be in the kit include the following:

• Water: 1 gallon per person per day
• Food: Ready-to-eat, just-add-water, canned and dried foods that are easy to store and prepare
• Manual can opener
• First Aid kit
• Essential medications
• Flashlight (with extra batteries)
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Whistle
• Tools
• Portable Television or Radio (battery-operated or manual)
• Batteries
• Cash in small denominations
• A copy of important documents & phone numbers
• Unscented liquid household bleach for water purification
• Personal hygiene items including toilet paper, feminine supplies, and soap
• Sturdy shoes
• Heavy gloves
• Warm clothes, a hat and rain gear
• A local map
• Prescription medicines
• Extra prescription eye glasses, hearing aid or other vital personal items
• Plastic sheeting, duct tape and utility knife for covering broken windows
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Extra keys to your house and vehicle
• Large plastic bags for waste and sanitation
• Special-need items for children and seniors or people with special needs
• Don’t forget water and supplies for your pets