Asheville Reporter

As we enter September, National Emergency Preparedness Month, it is crucial to be prepared for unexpected emergencies. A changing climate has led to increased frequency and intensity of climate risks such as severe flooding, extreme temperatures, wildfires, and landslides. Preparedness can enhance community resilience and ensure safety during crises. Initiating a conversation today can help you, your family, and your community take necessary actions to prepare. By taking simple steps to build connections with neighbors, communities can better withstand disasters and strengthen relationships.

Key strategies for emergency preparedness include:

- **Stay informed**: Keep updated on local weather alerts, emergency notifications, and community resources by following local agencies on social media and bookmarking their websites. Sign up for AVL Alerts to receive updates via text, phone or email.

- **Understand your risks**: Identify potential hazards in your neighborhood using tools like the Climate Justice Data Map. Awareness of physical, social, and environmental factors can highlight different impacts on various communities.

- **Develop a family plan**: Create an emergency plan outlining meeting points, contacts, and essential items for family members, pets, and those with special needs. Identify available community centers or churches as meeting spots.

- **Post Your Emergency Contacts**: Maintain a list of emergency contacts in a clear location at home. This should include phone numbers of family members, friends, neighbors, and local emergency services.

- **Build relationships**: Get acquainted with neighbors to discuss mutual support during crises. Identify neighbors with disabilities or medical concerns who may need assistance during emergencies.

- **Participate in community preparedness activities**: Engage in workshops, drills, and events such as the Festival of Neighborhoods on September 14 and AFD’s Fire Prevention Month Kick Off event at Asheville Tanger Outlets on September 28.

Throughout September additional information will be shared on how communities can better prepare for emergencies. Following these steps will strengthen both family and neighborhood resilience against emergencies.

Further guidance is available at ready.gov and through the following social media platforms:

AFD Facebook

AFD Twitter

AFD Instagram

City of Asheville Facebook

City of Asheville Twitter

City of Asheville Instagram