HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Every year, Kansans in every corner of the state may find themselves a victim of a disaster or emergency – tornadoes, hail, blizzards, floods, fires, even earthquakes.

To remind Kansans of the importance of being prepared for such events, Gov. Sam Brownback will sign a proclamation designating September as Preparedness Month in Kansas.

The signing will take place at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, in the Ceremonial Office at the Kansas Statehouse.

“Kansans must take action to prepare for a variety of hazards,” Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general and director of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management, said.

“Emergencies have the ability to affect us where we live, work and visit. September being recognized as National Preparedness Month serves as a good reminder for all Kansans to develop, assess and communicate their emergency plans.”

Annually, as part of Preparedness Month, the Kansas Division of Emergency Management and first responder agencies across the state invite the public to the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson for Kansas Preparedness Day. This year, Preparedness Day is Monday, Sept. 12, which is also Dillons Dollar Day at the Fair; admission is $1 or free with a Dillons card.

Numerous state and local agencies, and community emergency response organizations, will be set up near the Administration Building at the south end of the fairgrounds across from Gate E1 to provide disaster preparedness and public safety information, and display emergency response equipment. The public may also register for prize drawings while there.

Agencies and organizations participating in the Kansas Preparedness Day event include the Adjutant General’s Department/Kansas Division of Emergency Management/Kansas National Guard, Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Department of Transportation, State Fire Marshal, Kansas Citizen Corps, American Red Cross, Hutchinson Fire Department, Hutchinson Police Department, Hutchinson Reno County Emergency Communications, South Hutchinson Police Department, Kansas Search and Rescue Dog Association, Salvation Army, Reno Community Emergency Response Team, Reno County Emergency Management, Reno County Health Department, Reno County Sheriff’s Department, Reno County Volunteers Organizations Active in Disasters, South Central Regional Animal Response Team, National Weather Service, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

During Preparedness Month, the Kansas Division of Emergency Management is reminding the public to take part in its monthly online “Preparedness Challenge” at www.ksready.gov.

Additional information on disaster kits and family preparedness can be found at www.ksready.gov and www.ready.gov.