The Office of Emergency Management, the Red Cross and other local agencies want to make sure that Brooklyn and the rest of the city are prepared in the event of a catastrophic emergency.

September is National Preparedness Month, and volunteers from those organizations handed out information and disaster preparation tips Thursday at Brooklyn Borough Hall.

Representatives recommend designing and practicing an emergency plan. Volunteers are also encouraging residents to prepare a ?go-bag? ? an emergency kit containing food, water, first aid and necessary prescriptions. It is recommended to check the bag for expired items every six months.

The F-2 tornado that tore through Brooklyn in August pointed out how vulnerable the borough can be, according to OEM Commissioner Joseph Bruno.

Red Cross officials say more events are planned throughout the month.

Related information: American Red Cross of Greater NY