September is National Preparedness Month.
Iowa and Nebraska emergency management officials say Preparedness Month is a good opportunity to plan for disasters and emergencies.
Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management spokeswoman Lucinda Robertson says there are three steps to preparedness. First, you should create a plan with your family. Robertson says you should also put together an emergency kit.
"So we’re urging people to pack a bag with items like water and food, medication, a first aid kit, a flashlight, and copies of important documents like their insurance policies or even their drivers licenses."
Robertson says the kit should also contain items for your pets.
The third step is to be aware of the particular hazards in your area. Robertson says since 2007, 18 presidential disaster declarations have been issued in Iowa following tornadoes, flooding, or severe winter weather.
Preparedness information can be found at www.beready.iowa.gov and at www.nema.ne.gov.