When disaster strikes, the best defense is preparation. The Preparedness in Practice class series, offered through Yancey County Cooperative Extension, helps residents build confidence and knowledge before the next emergency happens. Each month’s session focuses on a practical skill that families can use to stay safe, protect their property, and recover more quickly after storms or power outages.

From flash floods and winter storms to extended outages like those following Hurricane Helene, Western North Carolina families know that emergencies can happen with little warning. Preparedness in Practice was designed to meet that reality head-on, turning lessons learned from past disasters into hands-on community education.

Each session highlights a different aspect of household preparedness—covering topics like safely operating generators, storing food without power, understanding home insurance basics, managing important documents, and even preparing meals from shelf-stable foods. The classes are open to everyone, free of charge, and taught by Family & Consumer Sciences Agent Niki Maness in partnership with local emergency management professionals, fire departments, and community organizations.

October’s class, held in recognition of National Fire Prevention Month, focuses on safe fuel storage and home heating practices. Participants will learn how to store gasoline, propane, and kerosene safely, how to use heaters and generators correctly, and what steps to take to reduce fire and carbon monoxide risks during winter weather. A local fire chief will join the class to share professional insights and answer community questions about heating safety and emergency response.

Future topics will include:

• Food safety during prolonged power outages

• Financial and document preparedness

• Building an emergency kit on a budget

• Re-entering and cleaning up your home after a disaster

The Preparedness in Practice series continues through the winter, with new topics announced each month. Participants can attend one session or follow the full series to strengthen their household emergency plans step by step.

For updates, registration links, and upcoming class dates, visit the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Yancey County Center website or contact niki_maness@ncsu.edu. All classes will be held at our office, and will begin at 6:00 pm. Childcare will be provided with prior request for the service.

Together, we can turn preparedness into practice, and practice into resilience.