Sevier County Emergency Agency Director John Mathews (The Herald/ Submitted Photo)

As part of an effort to ensure safety, Sevier County has proclaimed September “National Preparedness Month.”

“We all at one point in time have known somebody who has called 9-1-1 or have themselves called to find answers,” said Sevier County Emergency Agency Director John Mathews. “If we have a disaster emergency response, the fire department, police and other responders may be over taxed.”

To make sure residents are prepared for a disaster, Mathews recommends having a two-day supply of food and other necessities.

“There may be a chance EMS can’t get to residents in need for at least 24 to 36 hours, depending on the type of disaster” he said. “It would be beneficial to be self-sustainable for at least two days.”

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