Raeann Tucker
Director of Health Promotion
September 27, 2024
The Henry & Stark County Health Departments and Henry County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) note that this September we mark the 23rd year anniversary of 9/11. Since then, September has been designated as National Preparedness Month. This event was founded after 9/11 to increase preparedness in the U.S. RaeAnn Tucker, Director of Health Promotion, states, "The designation is a nationwide, month-long effort that encourages individuals, families, businesses, and communities to work together and take action to prepare and plan for emergencies."
The goal for National Emergency Preparedness Month 2024 is to encourage all Americans to take active steps toward getting involved and becoming prepared. Preparedness is a shared responsibility; it takes a whole community. This year's National Preparedness Month focuses on turning awareness into action by encouraging all individuals and all communities nationwide to make an emergency preparedness plan.
This year's theme for National Preparedness Month's is, “Start a Conversation.” Talking about bad things that could happen like a disaster or emergency isn’t always easy. We may think we’re protecting the people we love by avoiding these conversations, but it’s important to start taking steps to get ready and stay safe. Starting a conversation today can help you and your family to take more actions to prepare. By taking simple steps, you can build your preparedness at your own pace:
National Preparedness Month is a good reminder that emergencies will happen, but taking action now can help us minimize the impact they will have on our lives. That's why the Health Department and OEM staff are continually taking steps to become educated, trained, and better prepared, and we urge you to take time this month to do the same.
For more information on the Health Department's Emergency Preparedness visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or visit www.ready.gov. or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Department. Funding for this program was provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health.