Salina Post
Governor Kelly has proclaimed the month of September as "Kansas Preparedness Month" to help make Kansans aware of natural disaster preparedness and protection.
On Wednesday, August 27, the Governor signed a proclamation designating September as "Kansas Preparedness Month."
“Although the usual tornado season is behind us, I want to remind Kansans that severe storms and other disasters can happen in any season,” Governor Kelly said. “It is important that Kansans remain vigilant and prepared to face whatever situations come our way, starting with making a home emergency kit and an emergency plan.”
During the Kansas State Fair that starts Friday, September 5 - Sunday, September 14 in Hutchinson, fair-goers will have the opportunity to learn how to better prepare and protect themselves in the event of a natural and man-made disasters.
This learning opportunity will be available on Monday, September 8th at the state fair.
Information tables and displays of emergency vehicles will be set up from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm near the Administration Building inside the entrance of Gate E-1 to provide disaster preparedness and public safety information.
The public may also register for prize drawings and kids can play Preparedness Bingo.
Agencies and organizations participating in the Kansas Preparedness Day event include:
Kansas Division of Emergency Management/Kansas National Guard
22nd Air Refueling Wing Emergency Management
Kansas Highway Patrol
Office of the State Fire Marshal
Kansas Forest Service
Kansas State 911 Board with their Emergency Mobile Dispatch Training Center
Reno County Sheriff’s Office
Reno County Community Emergency Response Team
Reno County Health Department/Health Education
Hutchinson Fire Department
National Weather Service
Kansas State Animal Response Team
Kansas Search and Rescue Dog Association
American Red Cross
Salvation Army
Monday, September 8 is also Dillons’ Dollar Day at the Fair; admission is $1 or free with a Dillons’ card.
"Kansas Preparedness Month" is the state's designation as "National Preparedness Month" orchestrated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to encourage residents to prepare for disasters and emergencies, such as floods, tornadoes or severe winter weather.
According to the National Centers for Environmental Information , from 1980-2024, there were 102 confirmed weather/climate disaster events with losses exceeding $1 billion each to affect Kansas. With Kansas being in the heart of "Tornado Alley," Kansas ranks second nationally in average number of tornadoes per year (60) and third in tornadoes per 1,000 square miles (44) according to the Storms Prediction Center (SPC) in Norman, Oklahoma.
Click here to view statistical information regarding the "Top 10 KS Tornadoes compiled by the National Weather Service.
Additional information on disaster kits and family preparedness can be found at www.ready.gov or www.fema.gov.