September is National Preparedness Month, and the City of McKinney is helping local households take a few simple steps to be better prepared for unexpected emergencies. More than 1,700 free emergency preparedness bags have been distributed to two locations around the city and are available to residents while supplies last.
For North Texas families, being prepared can be especially important. From severe thunderstorms and hail to extreme heat, winter weather, flooding and tornadoes, our area can experience a wide range of weather conditions throughout the year. These free resources are designed to help residents better understand potential hazards, create an emergency plan and know what supplies they may want to have on hand.
Where to Pick Up a Free Preparedness Bag
Residents can pick up a bag at either of these McKinney locations:
John & Judy Gay Library
6861 Eldorado Pkwy., McKinney
McKinney Senior Recreation Center
1400 S. College St., McKinney
The bags are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
What’s Included?
Contents may vary depending on the language selected, but the preparedness bags can include an emergency supply checklist, information about local hazards, preparedness activities, bandages, a pen or crayons and an ice scraper.
Materials are available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese and Hindi, making the resources accessible to more households throughout the community.
The information covers several types of emergencies McKinney residents could encounter, including thunderstorms, lightning, extreme heat, winter weather, flooding, hail and tornadoes.
A Good Time to Review Your Own Emergency Plan
Even if you already have emergency supplies at home, National Preparedness Month can be a helpful reminder to check what you have and make sure everyone in your household knows what to do during severe weather or another emergency.
Consider reviewing your emergency contacts, checking flashlights and batteries, making sure important documents are accessible and restocking any food, water or first-aid supplies that have expired or been used.
It’s also a good idea to understand the different weather alerts used in North Texas and have more than one way to receive important updates. Outdoor warning sirens are only one part of an emergency notification system, so keeping weather alerts enabled on your phone and following trusted local sources can help you stay informed.
Staying Prepared in McKinney
Programs like this are another example of the resources available to residents throughout McKinney. A little preparation ahead of time can make a big difference when North Texas weather takes an unexpected turn.
At the Lonestar Living Team, we love keeping our clients and neighbors informed about what’s happening in the communities we serve. From local resources and community updates to real estate news and homeowner tips, we’re here to help you stay connected to life in North Texas.
