September 8, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998
Prepare Today to Protect Yourself and Your Family from Disaster
Central Shenandoah Health District Supports National Preparedness Month
STAUNTON, Va. – It is important to plan ahead so you are ready before a disaster happens. September is National Preparedness Month, which is all about getting ready for emergencies. The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) wants you to make a plan, put together an emergency kit or “go bag,” and use easy, low-cost ideas to get ready.
“Emergencies don’t happen on a schedule, they don’t happen when it’s convenient, and they don’t tell you when they’re coming,” says Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director for CSHD. “Preparedness month is a great time for you to create an emergency plan for you and your family, so that when an emergency does happen, you’re not caught off guard.”
Talking with your family and friends about being prepared is the first step. Even though it can be hard to talk about disasters, planning ahead will help you and your community be ready. Here are some tips to get started:
- Choose a time when everyone feels comfortable talking about emergency plans.
- You can have more than one conversation, so everyone feels good about the plan.
- Share what you have done to get ready and ask others what works for them.
All year the Central Shenandoah Health District partners with the community to help keep you safe. We plan, work together, teach, and act quickly to handle any health emergency, like disease outbreaks or other dangers.
Disasters can happen and have serious impacts, so talking about them now helps keep your community safe. For more information on how to get ready for different emergencies, visit www.ready.gov.