Leon County Encourages Residents to Remain Vigilant for National Preparedness Month
September is National Preparedness Month, and Leon County emphasizes the need for residents to be prepared for disasters and emergencies that can strike at any time. Now is the time to review your emergency plans, ensure your disaster supply kits are fully stocked, and sign up for emergency alerts.
Preparedness is part of the County's ongoing commitment to cultivating a resilient community that can effectively respond to both natural and man-made disasters. This commitment led FEMA and the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) to designate Leon County as the nation’s first #HurricaneStrong community in 2018.
"Preparedness is the responsibility of everyone, and it is a year-round commitment," said Leon County Commission Chairman Brian Welch. “The preparation of our citizens, neighborhoods, and businesses is vital to the resilience of our community. The moment to prepare is now.”
Leon County offers a range of essential resources to help residents, businesses, and neighborhoods get ready for any emergency:
- Visit LeonReady.com, a hub of disaster resilience resources.
- Sign up for Neighborhood Readiness Training, led by Leon County Emergency Management experts for unincorporated County neighborhoods.
- Receive real-time text alerts from Leon County Emergency Management.
- Review the 2025-26 Disaster Survival Guide, which provides critical information to know before, during, and after a disaster. Printed copies of the guide are available at all County and City of Tallahassee facilities, along with the American Red Cross, 1115 Easterwood Drive.
- Sign up for Leon Alerts, time-sensitive emergency messages delivered to your email or phone related to incidents such as severe weather and evacuations.
- Download the Citizens Connect App, Leon County’s best source for emergency news and alerts.
“We know it is not a question of if disaster strikes, but when,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “As a resident of this special community, we all have a role to play in preparing for emergencies.”
This year, Leon County expanded its preparedness outreach by mailing the Disaster Survival Guide to every household for the first time. Leon County also partnered with Elder Care Services to deliver 100 disaster supply starter buckets to residents in critical need and, on June 19, hosted the Disaster Resilience Edition of the Citizen Engagement Series, featuring hands-on activities and demonstrations to put preparedness front of mind.
Additionally, in recognition of National Preparedness Month, Leon County Emergency Management will host a preschool story time with its official mascot, Billy the Bucket, at the Leon County Main Library, 200 W. Park Ave., on Thursday, September 4, at 10:30 a.m. This story time will help teach youth and their families about hurricane preparedness.
"At Leon County, we work year-round with our partners to prepare for disasters," said Kevin Peters, Leon County Director of Emergency Management. "It’s vital for families to do the same by creating a plan, assembling a disaster supply kit, and signing up for Leon County Emergency Alerts."
National Preparedness Month is observed each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies, encouraging individuals, families, businesses, and communities to take steps to protect themselves. Launched in 2004, National Preparedness Month is managed by FEMA’s Ready Campaign. Leon County joins local, state, and federal emergency response partners in observing National Preparedness Month.
As of August 1, 2025, several hurricane and disaster preparedness items are permanently tax-exempt in the state of Florida. Eligible items include batteries, portable generators, fire extinguishers, insect repellent, life jackets, portable gas or diesel cans, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, waterproof tarps, sunscreen, ground anchor systems, and tie-down kits.
For more information, contact Kevin Peters at Leon County Emergency Management: 850-606-3700 or PetersK@LeonCountyFL.gov, or Mathieu Cavell at Leon County Community and Media Relations: 850-606-5300 or CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.
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