09/25/2026
🚨 September is National Preparedness Month
The Clarke County Department of Fire-EMS & Emergency Management encourages residents, businesses, and organizations to take time this month to prepare for emergencies before they happen.
This year’s theme, “Americans Stand Ready,” emphasizes giving individuals and communities the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to prepare for and respond to emergencies.
Clarke County can experience a variety of hazards, including 🌧️ flooding, ⛈️ severe thunderstorms, 🌬️ high winds, 🌪️ tornadoes, ❄️ winter storms, 🌡️ extreme temperatures, and 🔌 power outages. September also falls during Atlantic hurricane season. While Clarke County is inland, tropical systems can still bring heavy rainfall, flooding, high winds, and extended power outages.
🧭 Emergency Preparedness: Be in the Know
1️⃣ Know Your Risk
Know the hazards that could affect your home, family, business, or community. Monitor local weather forecasts and warnings from the National Weather Service and make sure you have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts.
2️⃣ Make a Plan
Talk with your household about:
• 📱 How you will receive emergency information
• 🏠 Where you will go if you need to evacuate or shelter in place
• 📞 How you will communicate if cell service or the internet is unavailable
• 📍 Where you will meet if you become separated
• 👨👩👧👦 How you will care for children, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and pets
• 🚗 How you will safely evacuate your home, workplace, or business
Keep emergency plans and important contact information somewhere everyone can access them.
3️⃣ Build an Emergency Supply Kit
Be prepared to remain self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. Your kit should be tailored to your household and may include:
• 💧 Water and non-perishable food
• 🔦 Flashlights, batteries, and a weather radio
• 🩹 First aid supplies and medications
• 🔋 Cell phone chargers and backup power
• 🧼 Personal hygiene and sanitation supplies
• 📣 A whistle, local maps, and a manual can opener
• 🔧 Basic tools and supplies for utility shutoffs and emergency repairs
🐾 Don’t forget your pets. Include food, water, medications, a leash or carrier, identification, and other necessary supplies. Keep a current photo of your pet with your emergency information in case you become separated.
For a complete list, visit https://www.ready.gov/ and search “Build a Kit.”
4️⃣ Get Involved
Preparedness is a team effort. Learning basic first aid, CPR, and other emergency skills can help you assist family members, neighbors, and others until professional help arrives.
You can also support emergency preparedness in Clarke County by volunteering with one of our local volunteer fire and rescue organizations:
🚒 John H. Enders Fire Company and Rescue Squad
🚒 Boyce Volunteer Fire Company
🚒 Blue Ridge Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Company 8
Contact these organizations through their websites or social media pages to learn more about volunteering.
🛡️ Prepared Today. Ready Tomorrow.
Taking a few simple steps today can make a significant difference when an emergency occurs. When you prepare, you are protecting yourself and your loved ones, helping your neighbors, and strengthening the resilience of our community.
