Emergency Preparedness Month encourages disaster readiness

September marks Emergency Preparedness Month, a period dedicated to encouraging households and communities to develop disaster readiness plans. FEMA promotes assessing local risks, building emergency kits, and establishing communication strategies for families.

In Barnstable County, local authorities are launching a public awareness campaign specifically for Cape Cod residents. The initiative focuses on practical steps to mitigate risks associated with the region's geography, such as hurricanes, tropical storms, storm surges, and flooding. Because hurricane season continues through November 30, officials are urging residents to identify evacuation zones, understand flood risks, and ensure they have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts.