September is National Preparedness Month, an opportunity for Dakota County residents to prepare for emergencies, severe weather and natural disasters in order to keep their families and communities safe.
Use the following resources to start your emergency preparedness planning:
Stay informed and get involved
- Have multiple ways to receive alerts, such as TV, radio, cellphone, a weather radio or outdoor warning sirens.
- Register for the Emergency Alert Program through the Dakota Communications Center, which calls you in an emergency. Visit Dakota 911 website.
- Visit the National Weather Service at weather.gov for weather conditions and safety information.
- Join the Dakota County Medical Reserve Corps, a volunteer group of medical and non-medical residents who donate their time and expertise to prepare for and respond to emergencies. Visit the Medical Reserve Corps page.
- Local organizations that provide services to people who might need emergency safety instructions can participate in the Community Agency Alert Network. Visit the Community Agency Alert Network page.
Get ready for the season
- Get your seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Find a vaccine clinic near you at vaccines.gov. Dakota County offers vaccine clinics for qualifying residents.
- Stay home if you are sick. Staying home can reduce the risk of developing more severe health issues and protect family, friends and coworkers.
- Prepare for winter weather with these steps:
- Create a winter emergency kit. Get tips at redcross.org.
- Understand winter warning and extreme weather terms. Learn more at ready.gov.
- Learn the signs of frostbite and hypothermia at weather.gov.
Make emergency plans
- Make an emergency plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important for all family members to understand the plan. Visit www.ready.gov for checklists and more information.
- Make an emergency kit. Having an emergency supply kit that includes water, food and other emergency supplies can help keep your family comfortable or save your life. Visit www.ready.gov for a detailed list of items to include.