The McLean County Emergency Management Agency is launching a new "Be Ready Tuesday" campaign. (Photo courtesy Flickr/Jo Naylor)

By Sarah Beckman

BLOOMINGTON - As we wind down the final weeks of winter, the McLean County Emergency Management Agency still wants to prepare residents for emergencies.

The agency is launching a new campaign this month call "Be Ready Tuesday," which will take place on March 5.

"As we've seen in the past, disasters can happen anytime of the year," said Curt Hawk, director of the McLean County Emergency Management Agency. "The program is designed as a plan of what to do and how people can stay informed and how to get ready for any activity that may happen."

Hawk estimates that less than ten percent of McLean County residents have an emergency disaster kit, and he would like to see more of those this year.

"People think they'd be able to grab things to go and that wherever they end up, they'll be fine," said Hawk.

But Hawk says getting people ready needs to be a joint effort between the county Emergency Management Agency and the people.

"We're very robust in supporting the people," said Hawk. "But people need to remember if they're looking for police, fire, and EMS after a large disaster, the average number of people to responders is about 200 to one."

Each year, the governor proclaims March Severe Weather Preparedness Month. Throughout the thirty days, weather safety shows will be held in schools, and emergency managers and officials will hold regular weather radio programming events.

More information can be found at the agency's office or online at mcleancountyema.org.