(NECN: Katelyn Tivnan) - New Englanders are no strangers to extreme weather. That's why the month of September comes with a strong message.
“Everyone including the Red Cross wants to get the message out there be prepared, be ready,” says Suzanne Billings with Red Cross of central Mass.
Organizations like the Red Cross are reaching out during national preparedness month, reminding people to take a few minutes to ensure they have what they need in case of emergency.
“Have a family first aid kit and a family plan, where will you meet? Who will be the person you contact outside of the disaster area to let them know you are ok?”
Billings says every family should have a kit that is easily accessible. It should include things like flashlights, batteries and glow sticks to use in place of candles.
“Individuals need to look at themselves and family and determine what they need if they were without power for a certain amount of time or if we went to a state of emergency,” says Derek Brindisi with the Worcester DPH.
The city of Worcester is holding a presentation September 30 at the Worcester senior center.
Experts will be on hand to help people understand what they need and need to know during an emergency.
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“It’s nice out now but its hurricane season and that will fold quickly into winter weather,” says Dave Clemons with Worcester emergency management.
The city is also taking steps to be prepared.
Departments are reviewing their emergency response plans, cross training employees, and updating alert Worcester, the city's emergency notification system. It’s something they advise all residents to register for.
“Not only use it for emergencies,” Clemons says, “but also things like utility disruptions like the water main break we had recently.”
