Note From The City Manager

John Noblitt Sanger, City Manager

Greetings, Sanger,

September is recognized as Disaster Preparedness Month. It was initiated in 2004 by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to promote the importance of being prepared for largescale emergencies.

Here in North Texas, outside of tornados, we don’t give much thought to large-scale emergencies. It is hard to imagine a catastrophic event taking place. It is only when events such as the recent fires that destroyed thousands of acres and then major flooding in the Dallas area, where we saw more than 10 inches fall in one day, that we are reminded that we are not untouchable. National Preparedness Month is a great time to get ready for whatever may come your way. Making a plan is the best way to protect yourself and your family. In the event of a disaster, could you make it on your own for several days? After a disaster, you may not have access to medical facilities or grocery stores. Our first responders are among the best. However, when disaster strikes, they may not be able to respond as quickly as we are accustomed to. Planning steps to help get you and your family prepared for a crisis include:

• Keep all important documents in a fireproof/waterproof container. • Check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure they have fresh batteries. • Keep a supply of water. Remember, one gallon per person per day. • Have a readily accessible supply of non-perishable food. Be prepared to be without utilities. • Create an emergency kit that contains flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, a manual can opener, candles, a lighter, and/or matches. Be sure to add a whistle so you can signal for help. • Battery-powered or hand crank radio. • Cell phone chargers and backup batteries. • Create a separate kit for each of your vehicles.

Take time to learn life-saving skills − such as CPR and first aid, and check your insurance policies and coverage for the hazards you may face, such as floods and tornados. Also, know how to take practical safety steps like shutting off water and gas.

We don’t like to think about disasters, but we also need to be prepared. For more information on making a plan, building a kit, or any questions about emergency readiness, visit https://www.ready.gov/kit.

A special thank you goes out to all of our emergency responders. They do an amazing job of keeping us safe every day. Let’s do our part. Be prepared for an emergency. It is the best way to protect yourself and your family during a large-scale emergency until help can arrive.

Stay safe, Sanger.

John Noblitt City Manager, Sanger