Kent County Highlights Preparedness During Emergency Management Awareness Month
GRAND RAPIDS, MI. (Aug. 6, 2025) — In observance of Emergency Management Awareness Month (August), the Kent County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) and Kent County Health Department (KCHD) are reminding residents that preparing before disaster strikes is one of the most important ways to protect yourself, your family, and your community.
Emergency management is more than responding to natural disasters—it’s a coordinated effort to reduce risks, strengthen community resilience, and protect lives and property when the unexpected happens. In Kent County, the emergency management team works closely with local, state, and federal partners to plan for severe weather, hazardous materials incidents, disease outbreaks, and other threats.
“Our job in emergency management is to anticipate threats and help the community be ready to respond quickly and safely,” said Scott Corbin, Emergency Management Coordinator for Kent County. “The more each household understands the basics of preparedness, the stronger we are as a county.”
KCSO and KCHD encourage all residents to take three simple steps this month to get better prepared for emergencies:
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Understand how outdoor warning sirens work. Sirens aren’t just for tornadoes. In Kent County, they may also sound for high winds, chemical spills, or other immediate threats to outdoor safety. When you hear them, go indoors and seek trusted information through weather radios, local news, or official alerts.
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Create a family emergency plan. Know how your family will communicate and where you’ll meet if separated. Include emergency contacts, school or workplace details, and alternate routes in case roads are closed or public transit is down.
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Build a basic emergency kit. Aim to have at least 72 hours’ worth of essential supplies: water, non-perishable food, flashlights, extra batteries, a radio, hygiene items, medications, copies of important documents, and pet care items if needed.
“Emergencies can cut people off from critical services like clean water, health care, or even safe shelter,” said Mindy Hunsinger, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator at the KCHD. “Being ready means your family can get through the first hours or days of a crisis safely and with confidence.”
Residents are encouraged to review their emergency plans, update supply kits, and have conversations with their loved ones about how to stay safe in different scenarios. For preparedness checklists and more, visit ready.gov.
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