McKinney residents can pick up free emergency preparedness bags throughout September as the city marks National Preparedness Month.
The city’s office of emergency management distributed more than 1,700 bags to two locations across McKinney, where they are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. The annual effort is designed to help households better understand local hazards and start building an emergency plan.
The bags are available at the John & Judy Gay Library, 6861 Eldorado Pkwy., and the McKinney Senior Recreation Center, 1400 S. College St.
What’s Inside The Bags?
Contents vary depending on the language selected, but may include information about local hazards, an emergency supply checklist, preparedness activities, a pen or crayons, bandages and an ice scraper.
Materials are available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese and Hindi.
The resources cover hazards residents could encounter throughout the year. McKinney’s emergency management guidance notes that severe weather occurs frequently in the city, including thunderstorms, lightning, extreme heat and winter weather. The city also provides preparedness information for flooding, hail and tornadoes.
Knowing what warnings mean can also be an important part of preparing before severe weather arrives. Local Profile previously included an explainer on what storm sirens in Collin County actually mean, including why outdoor warning systems aren’t limited to tornadoes.
More Ways To Be Informed
Residents who want to take their preparedness a step further can attend a free Disaster Preparedness workshop at the John & Judy Gay Library on Sept. 8. The program runs from 7 to 8 p.m. and gives participants an opportunity to build their own emergency kit.
The class is open to the public, but registration is required. The preparedness bags are available beginning Sept. 1 while supplies last.
Don’t miss anything Local. Sign up for our free newsletter.