If a disaster struck Hall County tomorrow, there would be many residents who would rely solely on emergency crews for survival.

But what happens if the road to your neighborhood is blocked, there’s no power and it will take crews a few days to reach you?

In honor of National Preparedness Month, the Hall County Emergency Management Agency has helped plan ReadyFest — a free event designed to help residents be prepared for a disaster — man-made or natural.

“To be prepared, citizens need to be able to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours,” said William Wright, Hall County emergency management coordinator.

“When citizens are prepared, it allows us to focus on handling the actual emergency.”

A part of resident preparedness is having a family disaster kit — with three days worth of supplies for each family member. The disaster kit should include things such as bottled water, nonperishable food and flashlights.

Monday’s event at the Georgia Mountains Center in Gainesville will also include speakers from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, the National Weather Service and the Georgia State Insurance Commissioner’s Office,
Attendees will also have opportunity to win several door prizes such as a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio and a disaster kit for a family of four. There will also be a question and answer session.