National Preparedness Month: Wadsworth Fire shares tips for emergencies

WADSWORTH — Wadsworth Fire & EMS responded to 329 emergency medical calls in July, part of a year-to-date workload that has increased from the same period last year; these are the department's most recent call numbers. The department recorded 1,953 EMS calls through July 2026, up 7 percent from 1,821 during the same period in 2025, according to the department's July monthly report. Overall, the department had responded to 2,267 calls for service through July, a 9 percent increase from the 2,077 calls recorded through July 2025. The department's July report shows the range of calls it handles. In addition to the 329 EMS calls, Wadsworth Fire responded to 24 fire runs during the month. EMS personnel transported 239 patients to hospitals in July. The numbers offer a local reminder of the importance of being prepared before an emergency occurs, the Wadsworth Fire Department said. September is National Preparedness Month, an annual campaign FEMA has observed since 2004 to encourage individuals and families to prepare for emergencies ranging from severe weather to medical emergencies and public health crises. This year's theme is "Americans Stand Ready." The department said September is a good time for residents to review their emergency plans because the change in seasons can bring rapid shifts in weather. One of the biggest preparedness gaps is having important information readily available during an emergency. Residents should keep medical information and emergency contacts somewhere that is easy to find, the department said. Having that information readily available can be especially important if someone can't communicate during an emergency or another person needs to provide information to first responders. Residents also should know how to receive emergency information. That can include television and radio broadcasts, as well as emergency alert systems on cellphones. Medina County has also launched a new emergency notification system that residents can use to receive important alerts. The department said residents should be particularly prepared for medical and weather emergencies. That preparation can begin with a basic review of household supplies. Residents should consider whether they have enough food and water, along with necessary medications and other supplies they may need if they can't leave their homes or if normal services are disrupted. The department also recommends preparing for temperature changes as summer transitions into fall. A weather emergency does not necessarily have to involve a major storm. Significant temperature changes or other weather events can challenge residents who are not prepared. Families should discuss what they would do during an emergency rather than waiting for one to occur. That can include identifying emergency contacts, knowing where important medical information is kept, determining how family members would communicate and making sure everyone knows how to receive emergency alerts. Residents also should consider the needs of family members who may require additional assistance during an emergency. Basic emergency supplies should include food, water and necessary medications, the department said. Residents should also consider other items they may need to stay comfortable if they lose power or cannot leave their homes, such as candles. National Preparedness Month gives residents a chance to review those plans and supplies before they need them. "National Preparedness Month encourages people and their families to ensure they are prepared for any type of emergency situation," the Wadsworth Fire Department said. With more than 2,200 calls for service already recorded this year, the department's message is straightforward: Taking a few minutes to prepare before an emergency can help residents know what to do when one occurs.Contact reporter Brooke Adams at badams@medina-gazette.com or 440-822-8373.