TOPEKA — Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback and other state officials are reminding residents to prepare for disasters and emergencies as drought conditions create a fire risk.

The governor signed a proclamation Friday declaring September “Emergency Preparedness Month in Kansas.” He said winter would be arriving in few short months bringing the threat of ice and snow to Kansas.

On Monday, the Kansas Division of Emergency Management will sponsor “Emergency Preparedness Day” at the State Fair in Hutchinson.

Officials recommend preparing home emergency kits that include water, medicines, flashlights, batteries, copies of important personal documents and nonperishable food. Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the state’s emergency management director, says the kits should be checked frequently to keep supplies fresh.