FARMINGTON – Emergency management directors around the state are stressing that people takes steps to be prepared for any emergency situation, whether it’s natural or manmade.

Clyde Ross, public information officer for the Franklin County Emergency Management Agency, said people should have supply kits on-hand, family and business emergency plans established and ways to be informed about changing weather conditions and emergencies that exist or could strike.

“People will tell you nothing happens in Maine but darn it, it does,” Ross said, while talking about September being National Preparedness Month and the reasons people should be ready.

Two Web sites – www.ready.gov and www.citizencorps.gov – give insight to what is needed to be prepared that covers families, people with medical conditions, pets and businesses.

A supplement in Sunday’s Sun Journal also highlights how to be ready for any emergency or disaster. There are also pamphlets addressing emergency preparedness available at county and state EMA offices.

There are many ways people can stay informed including multi-media resources of radio, newspapers, television, cell phones and the Internet, Ross said.

“We need to encourage people to talk to people,” he said, and get to know their neighbors.

Plans should also be developed for pets and farm animals.

While putting together an emergency kit, Ross recommended thinking about family needs, including young children and senior citizens.

Diets, medications, oxygen, food, water, clothing and other survival necessities need to be considered, he said.

Parents should get familiar with school emergency plans so they’ll know what happens if an emergency strikes while their children are in school, Ross said.

Families need to consider educating young children on where parents work and how to reach them or a close relative in case they’re needed, he added.

If an emergency does arise, people also need to consider whether they’ll shelter in place or at an emergency shelter and if they choose the latter, know where the emergency shelter in that area would be set up.

People need to take responsibility for their own situations and be prepared, he said.

Ross and Nancy Morgan, executive director of the United Way of the Tri-Valley area, said both agencies would have preparedness pamphlets available at their booths at the Farmington Fair, which starts Sunday, Sept. 16.