Governor Scott Proclaims September as Disaster Prepardness Month in Vermont

MONTPELIER, Vermont, Sept. 7 -- Gov. Phil Scott, R-Vermont, issued the following news release:

Governor Phil Scott has proclaimed September as "Preparedness Month" in Vermont in conjunction with National Preparedness Month.

Dangerous and destructive weather events like floods, windstorms, extreme heat and cold and others, have and will continue to occur in Vermont. While we cannot entirely avoid disasters, we can take actions to diminish their effects by planning and preparing.

"All Vermonters can take a few simple steps to mitigate the effects of a disaster by being well-prepared," said Governor Scott. "Taking preventative actions and being well-informed is crucial to minimizing the impact of an unexpected disaster."

Preparedness Month is an opportunity to remind the public of the advantages of preparing for disasters and offer advice on how to protect life and property during and after a storm or other destructive event. Most steps are simple and inexpensive, like picking up an extra bottle of water at the grocery store or signing up for emergency alerts from VT-ALERT (www.vtalert.gov). Others are more involved, like ensuring your homeowners insurance covers flooding or other weather damage.

Vermont Emergency Management (VEM) and other State agencies will take to social media throughout September to share information and resources to help families and businesses prepare for disasters. A video of the children and pets of VEM employees offering advice to other kids is available on the VEM YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDQCI8PG3qo&feature=youtu.be

Weekly themes for Preparedness Month reflect a wide range of strategies for preparing for a disaster:

Week 1: Make and Practice Your Plan

Week 2: Learn Life Saving Skills

Week 3: Check Your Coverage

Week 4: Save For An emergency

Vermonters can learn more about details of these topics and a number of preparedness strategies at www.ready.gov and www.vem.vermont.gov.