MONROE — What would you do if you had a tornado hit your home? Would you have supplies to help yourself, family or friends?

September is National Preparedness month, and Green County Emergency Management would like to give its citizens some tools they may need to avoid getting caught unprepared.

The first step is to make a kit of emergency supplies. The kit should be lightweight, such as a backpack or a duffel bag. Make sure to have your name and identification on the bag. Some recommended supplies would be; first aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, medications, name of your doctor, pharmacy, extra glasses, and hearing aids. Keep the kit in a convenient location to grab in the event of an emergency.

Next, make sure to have a copy of important documents. These items could include a driver’s license, passport, social security card, Veteran information (DD-214), and credit cards. Make sure to have some cash on hand in case the banks and ATMs are not working.

After preparing supplies,the next step would be to make a plan. Make a contact list of family, friends, and neighbors who would be able to help you during and after an emergency. In the plan, have information on how you would evacuate your home, and where to meet up after the disaster to make sure everyone is accounted for.

Consider your pets: A service animal can go with you to a public shelter. Try to plan ahead for your family or friends to take your pet. Other options would be a pet friendly shelter or your veterinarian may be willing to keep your pet in an emergency. Have a recent photo with you and your pet in case they go missing. Make sure to have your contact information on the pets ID tags.

Be informed, know what type of emergencies are most likely to happen in Green County.

Be ready to change with any type of emergency. Stay calm, be patient and think ahead. With these simple steps you can be ready for the unexpected.