Leon County Encourages Residents to Get “Leon Ready” During National Preparedness Month
September is National Preparedness Month, and Leon County is encouraging residents to take steps together to build a more prepared and resilient community. 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 disasters of all kinds. 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.
“Prepared communities are resilient communities,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Christian Caban. “National Preparedness Month is an important reminder that the best time to prepare for a disaster is before it happens. By taking simple steps now, residents can help protect themselves, their families and our entire community.”
Leon County offers a range of essential resources to help residents, businesses and neighborhoods prepare for emergencies:
Visit LeonReady.com, a hub of disaster resilience resources.
Sign up for Neighborhood Readiness Training, led by Leon County Emergency Management experts for neighborhoods in the unincorporated area.
Receive real-time text alerts from Leon County Emergency Management
Review the 2026-27 Disaster Survival Guide, which provides critical information to know before, during and after a disaster. Printed copies of the guide are available at County and City facilities, along with the American Red Cross located at 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.
“Preparedness is a community responsibility and a year-round commitment,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “Leon County works throughout the year to strengthen our community's ability to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters. When residents take steps to prepare, they help build a safer and more resilient Leon County.”
Leon County continues its expanded preparedness outreach by mailing the Leon County Disaster Survival Guide to every household. Leon County also partnered with Elder Care Services to deliver 100 disaster supply starter buckets to residents in critical need and, on June 18, hosted the Disaster Resilience Edition of the Citizen Engagement Series, featuring hands-on activities and demonstrations to put preparedness front of mind.
“Now is the time to prepare,” said Leon County Emergency Management Director Kevin Peters. “Take time today to create a plan, assemble a disaster supply kit and sign up for emergency alerts. These simple steps can make a big difference when an emergency happens.”
National Preparedness Month is observed each September to raise awareness about preparing for disasters and emergencies. The observance encourages 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.
For more information, contact Kevin Peters, Leon County Emergency Management Director, at 850-606-3700 / PetersK@LeonCountyFL.gov, or Mathieu Cavell, Leon County Community and Media Relations, at 850-606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.
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