Prepare now so your family is ready for emergencies later

We want you to be ready for anything life throws your way. That's why September is Emergency Preparedness Month.

The goal is to take time now, when things are calm, to make a plan and think about your own individual needs in a time of crisis.

I spoke with the Director of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), Patrick Sheehan about what we can all do to stay safe.

"Disasters are going to happen. They happen everywhere in the world, so you can't really escape from them anyplace, and in Tennessee, we're not immune to that," Sheehan told me. "Obviously we've had many storm disasters, flood disasters. So, just knowing what kind of risks you face is really important."

Starting September 17th, 300 emergency go-kits will be distributed to better prepare Tennesseans who have vision and hearing loss. Those will be given out at Vocational Rehabilitation locations across the state. The kits will include a Midland Weather Radio and Midland Strobe Light & Pillow Shaker Attachments.

TEMA is also part of an annual event on disaster readiness next week. The Upper Cumberland Emergency Preparedness Expo is on Saturday, September 14th from 10AM to 2PM at the Cane Creek Sports Complex in Cookeville.

For more information from TEMA, click here .

Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at carrie.sharp@newschannel5.com

Rebecca: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/a2/d9/fb69982545c59e9836fbe80fe431/rebecca-recommends.png

Carrie: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/2e/72/be0f23854c54a228c9d6138c9847/carrie-recommends-header.png

Ben: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/df/c4/19fa7c504480938f39a431e3b276/ben-recommends-header.png

Amy: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/b9/b6/1408516a4a91b97639b178fc1ba9/amy-recommends-header.png

Rhori: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/5b/25/a224d13d47739165c92b94e643db/rhori-recommends-header.png

Lelan: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/af/54/833bf879454097a398bd44f723de/lelan-recommends.png

It’s a sad reality that area animal shelters and non-profit rescue organizations face constant overcrowding -- with so many dogs, cats and other animals waiting for a forever home. Jason Lamb reports here that Metro leaders are working with those groups – including Critter Cavalry – to find solutions. I’ve fostered a dog from Critter Cavalry, so I understand the need is great. And I found my pup Domino through another local group, Proverbs Animal Rescue. Ultimately, it starts with all of us. Getting more dogs and cats spayed or neutered can help control the pet population – and ease the burden.

-Rhori Johnston