The American Red Cross is urging people to have a plan during the month of September.

Because September is National Preparedness Month, American Red Cross Midland Empire Chapter Executive Director Angie Springs is urging the community to think about what they would do in the event of a disaster.

“it is just a month when the American Red Cross to urges families and individuals to review and practice their preparedness plans,” said Springs. “For example if you have your fire safety evacuation plan in place in your home, take time to practice that you know practice makes perfect.”

She says there are many different types of disasters to take into consideration here in the Midwest.

“We’re very prone to tornadoes, we obviously can have flooding at any time, we have the 102, we have the Platte river, lots of bodies of water that are around us in this area that they could flood at any time, winter weather is also a factor and you know we’re not very far from that,” she said.

At the very least, she said you should have a plan in place, and emergency kits on hand both in your home and vehicles.

“we just got done preparing our children to start school in August so lets prepare our families during the month of September,” said Springs. “The reason why it’s so important is because practice makes perfect. If you practice your plan now, if you go over your plan now then in the event of a real emergency you own’t be scrambling at the last minute to make sure your family is safe.”

if you haven’t prepared yet she said even though the month is almost over it’s still not too late. For more information on National Preparedness Month and what to do to make your plan contact the Midland Empire Chapter of the Red Cross at (816) 232-8439 or Click Here.