Sept. 9 is Kansas Preparedness Day at the Kansas State Fair

Anyone who has lived in Kansas for any length of time knows Kansas weather can be quite variable and sometimes severe with tornadoes, flooding, extremes of heat and cold, ice storms, and blizzards.

To remind Kansans to be prepared for severe weather and other emergencies, Governor Laura Kelly will sign a proclamation Aug. 30 at 10:30 a.m. designating September as Kansas Preparedness Month. The signing will be held in the Governor's Proclamation Office, Rm 241-S.

"Although our state and local emergency responders do a wonderful job of helping people affected by a disaster, they can't be everywhere at once," said Governor Kelly. "In the aftermath of a widespread, large-scale disaster, it may take hours or even days for help to arrive. This is why we urge Kansans to be prepared, make a plan, and stock emergency kits for their home and vehicles."

Visitors to the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson on Monday, Sept. 9, will have the opportunity to learn how to better prepare and protect themselves from natural and man-made disasters during Kansas Preparedness Day.

Information tables and displays of emergency vehicles will be set up from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. near the Administration Building inside the entrance of Gate E-1 to provide disaster preparedness and public safety information. The public may also register for prize drawings and kids can play Preparedness Bingo.

Agencies and organizations participating in the Kansas Preparedness Day event include the Adjutant General's Department/Kansas Division of Emergency Management/Kansas National Guard, Kansas Highway Patrol, Office of the State Fire Marshal, Reno County Sheriff's Office, Reno County Emergency Management Office, Reno County Community Emergency Response Team, Reno County Health Department/Health Education, Hutchinson Fire Department, National Weather Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Kansas State Animal Response Team, Kansas Search and Rescue Dog Association, American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints disaster group.

Sept. 9 is Dillons' Dollar Day at the Fair; admission is $1 or free with a Dillons' card.

Additional information on disaster kits and family preparedness can be found at www.ready.gov.