MONROE — September is Preparedness Month in Wisconsin and the theme for the campaign is “Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today.” The attention has been so focused on COVID-19 that Green County Emergency Management is providing reminders to be prepared for all types of emergencies.

An important step is to have a plan. Families should have contact information to reconnect if disaster strikes and they become separated. Green County is very prone to flooding and the climate is changing and bringing more severe storms and higher amounts of rainfall. GCEM has free planning templates to fill out and design a plan to work easily. Plans can be stored in a provided mylar envelope. 

The first step is to put a plan together by discussing the following questions with family, friends and household members: 1. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings? Sign up for NIXLE at nixle.com 2. What is my shelter plan? 3. What is my evacuation route? 4. What is my family/household communication plan? 5. Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit? 6. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and update my emergency plans due to Coronavirus.

Everyone over age 2 should have a mask. 

The next step is to consider household needs. Tailor plans and supplies to daily living needs and responsibilities. Discuss those needs and responsibilities and how people can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets or specific needs like operating medical equipment. Some factors should be prevalent when developing the plan: different ages of members within your household, responsibilities for assisting others, locations frequented, dietary needs, medical needs including prescriptions and equipment, disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment, languages spoken, cultural and religious considerations, pets or service animals and households with school-aged children.

For more information, call Green County Emergency Management at 608-328-9416 or visit greencountyem.com.