 September is almost over but it's never too late to get the word out about National Preparedness Month, especially in light of all the natural disasters that have occurred in recent weeks. National Preparedness Month is an effort to spread awareness about being prepared for a possible natural disaster that may knock out power for a number of days or limit the supply of food and other essentials. In light of recent hurricanes, officials in Minnesota warn that natural disasters can happen here as well. A straight line winds, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, severe summer storms. Storms in the winter time, it may be an ice storm or a heavy snowfall where power lines come down. You also have sometimes man-made where you may have a tanker rollover or a gas leak pipeline, trained derailments or some other ones too that can happen in Minnesota. It's just not mother nature. There's also the man-made part of it too that can lead to a lot of things that declare a disaster here in Minnesota. Now Bowen says it is important to stock up on food and essentials for at least three days following a disaster. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.