Retiring Alpena County 911/Emergency Services Coordinator Michael Szor wants to make sure residents of northeast Michigan and communities across the state are prepared for disasters.

Governor Rick Snyder has proclaimed September Preparedness Month.

It is an effort to encourage households, businesses and communities to develop an emergency preparedness plan before a disaster strikes.

Szor wants all homeowners to understand they play a role in a local preparedness plan and have a responsibility to make a home survival kit.  A reunification plan is also important in the event family members are separated during a disaster.

“Alpena County and the surrounding area is very fortunate in the fact that we have a lot of emergency response capabilities located right here in our community,” said Szor.  “The local population is a strong resilient group that I am confident will survive any emergency situation and come together to weather any storm.”

This year’s National Preparedness Month (NPM) focuses on the need for all households to be self-reliant for at least three days, including having a dedicated supply of food, water and medications.