McKinney Distributes Free Emergency Bags for National Preparedness Month

To mark National Preparedness Month this September, the City of McKinney’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has distributed more than 1,700 free emergency preparedness bags. The items are available at two community locations across McKinney on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

Beginning today, Sept. 1, residents can pick up the bags at the John & Judy Gay Library, located at 6861 Eldorado Pkwy., and the McKinney Senior Recreation Center at 1400 S College St. The materials are available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and Hindi.

Contents vary by language but may include information about local hazards, an emergency supply checklist, preparedness activities, a pen or crayons, bandages, and an ice scraper.

Each year, OEM distributes these bags to educate residents about local hazards and help them take practical steps to prepare their households for emergencies. The city states that preparing before an emergency can help residents act more quickly and make better-informed decisions.

These free bags provide practical information and basic resources to help households understand local hazards, identify essential supplies, and take the first steps toward creating an emergency plan.

In addition to the bag distribution, OEM is partnering with the John & Judy Gay Library to host a free Disaster Preparedness workshop on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Participants can build their own emergency kit during the class. The event is open to the public, and registration is required.

City of McKinney Mayor Bill Cox will issue a proclamation recognizing National Preparedness Month today, Sept. 1, during the McKinney City Council meeting.