National Preparedness Month | September 2009

Are you ready, or Are You Ready?

Dear Fellow Ohioans,

Welcome to Ready.Ohio.gov, a one-stop resource with the information Ohioans need to prepare for all types of emergencies.

At a moment's notice, you and your family need to know what to do when a critical incident, severe weather or natural disaster strikes. Planning now for how you would respond will help you remain calm, think clearly and react appropriately to any safety scenario.

September marks the observance of National Preparedness Month, a nationwide coordinated effort encouraging Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools. During National Preparedness Month, the Ohio Department of Public Safety will join the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and a diverse group of national, state and local partners in highlighting the importance of emergency preparedness and promoting community involvement through a wide variety of events and activities.

Ensuring that your family or business is prepared is critical in responding to and rebuilding from any major incident, whether it is natural or man-made. Finding out what can happen is the first step. Once you have determined the events possible and their potential in your community, it is important that you discuss them with your family or household and develop a disaster plan together.

I encourage all Ohioans to utilize these resources and share this information with your families, coworkers and neighbors in your communities. Ohioans, do your part by developing a successful game plan for you and your family: Be prepared, have an emergency kit and an evacuation plan.


Ted Strickland
Governor of Ohio

First Lady Frances Strickland
Public Service Announcements:

Develop a Family Plan

Help Children Understand What to
Do in an Emergency