September is known as National Preparedness Month and the Dallas County Emergency Management Agency gives steps on ways to take action.

Emergency Management Agency Specialist Alicia Scott tells Raccoon Valley Radio that families should put an evacuation plan together. She elaborates on setting up alternative routes to escape homes and to also build an emergency kit with a supply of food, water, a first aid kit, a cell phone, and backup battery. 

Scott adds that people should be ready for natural disasters, especially floods, derechos, tornados, and severe thunderstorms that are common in Dallas County. However, she mentions that man-made emergencies including fire, power outages, or hazardous material spills raise concern as well. 

Scott describes that people can register for phone notifications on the Dallas County Emergency Alert Platform, and also RAVE Alert or Smart 911. She explains that information can be downloaded on the Smart 911 app or text DALLASIA to 672-83. Additional tips can be found at ready.gov/kit.