Burke County families can apply for free emergency preparedness kits

Burke County United Way, in partnership with Burke County Emergency Management and the Burke County Fire Marshal’s Office, will provide 300 free emergency preparedness kits to local families.

Each kit is valued at $60. Applications are open at bcuw.org/emergency-prep.

Families selected to receive a kit must attend an emergency preparedness workshop Saturday, Nov. 21, at New Day Christian Church, 1023 E. Union St., Morganton.

Representatives from Burke County Emergency Management and the Fire Marshal’s Office will lead the workshop, which will focus on practical steps families can take to prepare for emergencies and severe weather. Afterward, participants will assemble their own emergency kits using supplies provided on site.

Two sessions will be offered Nov. 21, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Applicants will be assigned a session by email and should attend only that session.

Kits will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and submitting an application does not guarantee one. Families selected to participate will receive a separate confirmation email with their assigned workshop time.

The project is funded through the Verizon-United Way Community Readiness Grant.

If more than 300 applications are received, Burke County United Way said the level of demand will help guide planning for future emergency preparedness workshops and kit distributions.