LANSING - Each year, many parts of the United States experience heavy rain, floods and strong storms. These natural disasters could cause emergencies residents and communities.

Throughout September, Michigan is joining federal, state, local governments and private and public organizations in supporting national preparedness month.

The theme of this year is "Don't wait, communicate." It aims to encourage citizens to create a family communications plan for all types of hazards. There will be different focused themes through the entire of the month, include flood, wildfire, hurricane, and power outage.

Since 2013, Snyder has issued emergency or disaster declarations for incidents involving flooding, extreme cold, a tornado and straight-line winds.

Michigan experienced tornadoes this year and severe freezing and flood last year, highlighting how emergencies and disasters can strike any moment that place residents and property in harm's way.

As Meridian Township suffered from the severe ice storm, and resulted power outage, losing communication and heat under this extreme weather in many communities, it is necessary for residents being prepared to create an emergency communications plan and build a supply kit with enough food and water to last three days per person.

“Preparing an emergency communications plan may seem like a big job because many people don’t know where to begin,” stated Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and Director of the Michigan State Police. “It doesn’t have to be a chore. To get started, write a plan that outlines who to call, what to bring and where to go, and then share that plan with your family and friends.”

The Michigan Prepares Emergency Plan app is available for free and can be downloaded in the App Store for iPhone or the Google Play store for Android.