Summit Mayor Elizabeth Fagan is calling on residents to build emergency plans and sign up for the city's alert systems during National Preparedness Month.

The city published its preparedness push on Tuesday, Sept. 1. It outlines four steps: make a family emergency plan, sign up for community warning systems, build an emergency kit and get involved through training.

"I urge all residents to dedicate some time this month to getting prepared," Fagan said. "Create a family plan, build an emergency kit, and have a conversation together about being prepared."

The call comes less than two weeks after what officials described as a possible lightning strike sparked an attic fire at a multi-apartment home on Kent Place Boulevard on Aug. 20. Nine residents, three cats and one dog were evacuated. No one was injured. Summit Fire Chief Brian Harnois said in the city's Aug. 21 alert that all on-duty personnel were already responding to storm-related calls when the Kent Place fire came in. Crews arrived within four minutes of the 911 call.

How to sign up

Summit uses two systems to reach residents during emergencies. Nixle is the city's primary public safety alert platform. Residents can register online or text their ZIP code, 07901, to 888777. Smart911 handles major emergencies and delivers notifications by phone call, text and email. It also lets households create safety profiles listing medical conditions, disabilities, pets and emergency contacts, according to TAPinto Summit.

What goes in a go-bag

The city's downloadable safety guide recommends packing copies of identification and insurance documents, medications, a flashlight, batteries, a phone charger, cash and water. Kits should hold enough food, water and medicine to last several days.

Fagan said the city will push alerts through both systems during emergencies. Emergency plans should account for every family member, including seniors, individuals with disabilities and pets.

FEMA offers free online disaster-response courses through its Emergency Management Institute. The 2026 Preparedness Month theme is "Americans Stand Ready." Registration links, the city's safety guide and additional resources are available at cityofsummit.org/emergencymanagement and ready.gov.