Weather forecasters can track winter storms for several days. The same with hurricanes. Summer storms can spring up quickly. Water leaks, gas leaks, home fires, automobile accidents, and medical emergencies can occur with no warning. Individual and family preparedness is essential. Writing an emergency plan and building a supply kit protects your loved ones, reduces stress during a crisis, and lessens the immediate burden on local emergency responders.
Why Preparedness Matters
When the unexpected happens, the first few hours are critical. During these moments, you may not be together as a family, and emergency services can become overwhelmed. By taking proactive steps, you ensure that everyone in your household knows exactly how to communicate, where to meet, and how to access essential resources.
The 3 Baby Steps to Readiness
To build a resilient and self-reliant household, start with these three basic actions:
- Make an Emergency Plan
Emergencies do not always happen when everyone is at home. Sit down with your family and identify a primary meeting place right outside your home, as well as a secondary location outside of your neighborhood. Designate an out-of-town contact. Long-distance calls sometimes get through during a local crisis. Texting is better than calling. Consider alternate methods of communication like two-way radio. You can easily organize your family’s details using this form from Ready.gov.( https://www.ready.gov/plan-form ) - Build a Supply Kit
Every household should have an emergency supply kit or “go-bag” equipped to sustain you and your family for at least 72 hours. Your kit should be customized to your specific household needs, including medications, infants, and pets.
- Water & Food: At least one gallon of water per person, per day, and a 3-day supply of non-perishable food.
- Safety Gear: A flashlight, extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and a first aid kit.
- Documentation: Copies of vital personal documents, insurance policies, and some cash. Download a comprehensive checklist directly from the American Red Cross at this link. (https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies.html)
- Stay Informed
Know the types of emergencies that are common in your specific area and how your local community issues alerts. Sign up for local emergency notifications and familiarize yourself with the hazard-specific safety guides provided by the Ready.gov at this link. (https://www.ready.gov/publications)
Take Action Today
Preparedness is not about panic—it is about peace of mind. Start small this month by gathering essential supplies, talking to your children about what to do in a disaster, and writing down your emergency contacts. By doing the groundwork today, you ensure your family can confidently weather any storm tomorrow.
Stanton Walters, Coordinator
South Central York Count EMA
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The Shrewsbury Area Centennial Lions Club is hosting a Preparedness Month Talk on September 19, 2026, at 10am.
The event will take place at the Shrewsbury Township building, 12341 Susquehanna Trail S., Glen Rock, PA 17327. The township campus is located south of the Markets at Shrewsbury behind Hametown Park.
The featured speaker will be South Central York County Emergency Management Agency Coordinator Stanton Walters. Mr. Walters will speak about our most frequent area threats. He will also address individual and family preparedness, and practical things people can do to prepare for and respond to these and other events and emergency situations.
There will be handouts of helpful information and some promotional items for people to take with them at the conclusion of the event.
Seating is limited. Please use the QR code or link below to sign up.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090C49ADAD23A4FE3-64215496-preparedness#/