Forty-two. That’s how many Kansas counties have been declared disaster areas this year alone, due to severe weather events that swept through the state May 4 through June 21.

There is no question Kansas has its share of disasters, but not all come in the form of a major storm. For every disaster that makes the news, there are many more fires, floods, ice storms and other disasters that we don’t hear about. They can be just as devastating to an individual, a family, a business owner or a neighborhood– and recovering from them all is difficult.

K-State Research and Extension has developed a way for Kansans and others to prepare. Prepare Kansas is an online challenge, now in its second year, which focuses on simple activities to do every week during September. A goal is to make it as easy as possible for individuals, families and co-workers to complete each activity – and become better prepared.

This year, the activities focus on creating an emergency supply kit; assembling a “grab and go” kit for each family member (including pets); creating a communication plan; and practicing a fire drill. Each week will focus on different emergencies that can happen.

The program coincides with National Preparedness Month, designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. In Ellis County, the program is co-sponsored by the Ellis County Extension Office and Ellis County Emergency Management Department.

Working step-by-step on each Prepare Kansas activity helps participants to be better prepared for emergencies, whether at home, at work, in the school classroom or daycare. It can also spark discussions among families or co-workers about preparedness in general and the best ways to handle future disasters. By the end of September, participants will be more prepared for any emergencies, which can make recovery easier.

This is the second year for Extension’s Prepare Kansas online challenge, which in its inaugural year last year involved over 400 participants from 63 Kansas counties and several other states.  Participants said working on challenge activities sparked discussions and helped them become better prepared

Join me, and others across the state, as we take the 2 nd annual Prepare Kansas online challenge and get prepared for disaster. Enroll in the free program at https://blogs.k-state.edu/preparekansas/ by August 30th to participate.  We all can feel more organized and a bit more at ease should our homes or workplaces encounter disaster.

Free home inventory books and disaster preparedness information will be available at the Ellis County Extension Office for all who enroll in Prepare Kansas. Those who complete at least 3 of the 4 weekly challenges will be entered into a drawing for prizes.

For more information, check out the Prepare Kansas blog from K-State Research and Extension at https://blogs.k-state.edu/preparekansas/ or call the Ellis County Extension Office at 785-628-9430.  I’ll be glad to answer your questions or schedule a presentation for your group or club to share more about the Prepare Kansas challenge and getting prepared for disaster.

Linda K. Beech is Ellis County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences.