Columbus, Ohio- (AVC News) – September has been designated as Ohio Preparedness Month by the State of Ohio and coordinated by the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA).
Ohio Preparedness Month (OPM) is a month long campaign aimed at enhancing public awareness and providing education for effectively preparing for emergencies, disasters, or unforeseen circumstances that may arise.
Ohio’s 2026 Preparedness Month theme is “Prepare Your Family,” broken down into weekly topcics, which aims to encourage Ohioans to take steps now to help their family and households be prepared in the event of an emergency or disaster.
Week 1: Preparedness Kits for the Family
Week 2: Plan for your Family
Week 3: Family Communication
Week 4: Youth Preparedness
Week 5: Livestock/Pet Preparedness
Each week, AVC News reporter, Mike McKay will break down each topic into a separate article.
This week’s topic; building a disaster preparedness kit for the family
FAMILY PREPAREDNESS KITS
Every household should build an emergency supply kit with enough food, water, and basic supplies to last at least 72 hours (three days).
Essential Items should include;
- Water: One gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation.
- Food: A multi-day supply of non-perishable food items and a manual can opener.
- Electronics: A battery-powered or hand-crank radio, a flashlight, extra batteries, and cell phone chargers with backup power banks.
- Safety & Tools: A first aid kit, a whistle and small mirror to signal for help, a multi-purpose tool or pliers to turn off utilities, and a fire extinguisher.
- Sanitation: Moist towelettes, garbage bags, plastic ties, toilet paper and personal hygiene products. A plastic bucket with lid and attachable toilet seat is a consideration.
Other Family Preparedness Items to Consider include;
- Prescription drugs, extra eyeglasses, contact lens solution, and basic over-the-counter pain relievers or antacids.
- Comfort & Clothing: A warm blanket or sleeping bag and a complete change of appropriate clothing with sturdy shoes for each person.
- Important Documents: Copies of insurance policies, identification, prescriptions and bank records kept in a waterproof, portable container.
- Special Needs: Infant formula, diapers, pet food, and extra water for household pets.
- Also consider playing cards, small games, reading material and comforting stuffed animals or small toys.
SPECIAL MENTION; A “GO BAG”
In addition to a family, home preparedness supplies consider building one, or more “go bags”.
A go bag, some call it a “bug out bag” is just as it sounds like; a smaller version of the home preparedness kit, in a portable back pack used for immediate evacuation from home, school, work or other applications.
Items to include: bottled water and/or water purification methods, food, first aid equipment, tools, an emergency whistle, shelter and warmth items and personal documents.
Remember; a go bag should be light and easy carry.
Last Updated on September 4, 2026 by AVC News
