Gov Justice Announces 2020 Preparedness Month in WV

8/28/2020

August 28, 2020

Gov. Jim Justice proclaims September 2020 as National Preparedness Month in West Virginia

All West Virginians encouraged to participate in Preparedness Month

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gov. Jim Justice and the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security’s Emergency Management Division invite all West Virginians to participate in National Preparedness Month throughout September.

Today, Gov. Justice issued a proclamation, officially declaring September 2020 as National Preparedness Month in West Virginia.

“Every day, it’s my top priority to do all I can to keep West Virginians safe,” Gov. Justice said. “Each September, we have a special opportunity to reach West Virginians through National Preparedness Month and remind them how important it is to always have a plan of action. I truly believe this effort is helping us save lives.”

FEMA organizes this annual preparedness outreach event each September through their "Ready" campaign. This year’s theme for National Preparedness Month is “Disasters Don’t Wait, Make Your Plan Today.” It asks citizens to act now, by taking time to:

Build a kit
Make a plan
Check insurance policies and coverage for such potential hazards as floods and storm damage
Educate and involve youth in preparedness
Consider the costs associated with disasters and save for an emergency
Know how to take practical safety steps like shutting off water and gas

As West Virginia continues to respond to COVID-19, there is no better time to be involved than this year’s National Preparedness Month.

Each week in September, the WVEMD will provide tips and information on Facebook and Twitter to highlight key aspects of preparedness:

Week 1, Sept. 1-5: Make a plan
Week 2, Sept. 6-12: Build a kit
Week 3, Sept. 13-19: Prepare for disasters
Week 4, Sept. 20-26: Teach youth about preparedness

In addition to these themes, the WVEMD will highlight other aspects of preparedness, including pet and livestock care, receiving emergency alerts, and evacuation and sheltering during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Throughout the entire month, the WVEMD will focus on helping West Virginia become more resilient and ready. You can follow all the information on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/WVEMD) and Twitter (@WVEMD). Hashtags for the month are #WVPrepared and #WVPlan.

“Preparedness is a responsibility that we all share and I know it’s a responsibility that’s very important to Governor Justice,” WVEMD Acting Director Thom Kirk said. “National Preparedness Month gives us the perfect opportunity to ensure our families, homes, businesses, and communities are prepared for all types of emergencies.”

For more information about FEMA’s “Ready” campaign and National Preparedness Month, visit www.Ready.gov/September.

# # #

Contact Information

Lora Lipscomb, WVEMD Public Information Officer