It’s National Preparedness Month!

In the United States, National Preparedness Month is observed every September in order to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies. The month encourages Americans to be prepared for disasters or emergencies in their homes, businesses and communities.

National Preparedness Month was started in 2004 and is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The goal is to have a secure and resilient nation with the capabilities to prepare for, mitigate, respond to and recover from the threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk to our community.

Early preparation for unexpected events is a necessity. You cannot predict when the next emergency will hit, but you can be prepared to survive. For more information, visit ready.gov; and, for weekly preparedness tips follow the Farmers Branch Fire Department on Facebook.

Do you smartscape?

Texas SmartScape is a landscape program crafted just for Texas. The website provides the following resources to help you plan, plant and maintain a landscape that will survive the rains of spring, the droughts of summer and the cold snaps of winter, while conserving water:

• Landscape design tools

• A database of plants that grow well in North Texas

• Tips for watering more efficiently and effectively

• Information about local pollinators

To get started, visit txsmartscape.com.

Protect Migrating Birds

Two billion birds migrate through Texas every year. Do your part to protect birds during the fall migration period, September 5 to October 29, by turning off all non-essential lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

The Addams FAmily

September 14 – October 1 | Firehouse Theatre

Rated PG | Tickets Starting at $32

This musical comedy features our favorite ghoulish American family. In the kooky, upside-down world of the Addams Family, to be sad is to be happy, to feel pain is to feel joy, and death and suffering are the stuff of their dreams. This original story embraces the wackiness in every family.

For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit thefirehousetheatre.com.