Word of Hurricane Dorian’s impact on the east coast has dominated much of the national news this week.

The storm has already pummeled the Bahamas, killing at least seven people, and threatens the coasts of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia through Friday, according to The Weather Channel.

“Dorian’s maximum winds have backed off from Sunday’s peak, currently a Category 2 hurricane. Regardless, Dorian will have significant, damaging impacts near and along the Southeast coast,” The Weather Channel reports.

While those of us in Kentucky won’t be preparing for a hurricane anytime soon, the natural disaster serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness.

September is National Preparedness Month, a critical time to spread awareness about the importance of being prepared for disasters, no matter what part of the country you live in.

Surely, preparedness will save many lives as Dorian strikes the U.S., proof that being ready for severe weather and other disasters is critical.

The Kentucky Department for Public Health issued a reminder Wednesday reminding the public that households, businesses and communities can increase their preparedness by following this year’s theme of Prepared, Not Scared. Be Ready for Disasters during September.

“This nationwide effort is organized each year by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to encourage citizens to prepare and plan for emergencies in their homes, business and schools,” the press release states. “This yearly observance was founded after 9/11 to increase preparedness awareness in the U.S., a fitting time to join the effort to help communities prepare for emergencies, such as natural disasters and potential terrorist threats, and to encourage individuals to take action.”

The following ten steps of Prepared, Not Scared. Be Ready for Disasters can encourage households, businesses and organizations to prepare for emergencies during National Preparedness Month by taking the following actions:

— Assemble a Go Bag with supplies in case of an emergency.

— Prepare digital forms of important documents for an emergency.

— Have extra supplies in case of an emergency.

— Download the FEMA app (https://www.fema.gov/mobile-app) to provide emergency information at your fingertips.

— Have an alternative power source for devices during emergencies.

— Set up an In Case of Emergency (ICE) emergency contact in your cell phone.

— Choose an emergency contact when out-of-town.

— Find a local, pet-friendly evacuation center.

— Update your social media to tell loved ones you are safe during an emergency.

— Remember that in an emergency – text and don’t call. Phone lines will be backed up with calls reporting important information. To let your loved ones know you are safe, send them a text message instead.

For more information about preparing for and responding to emergencies, visit http://www.ready.gov.