ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - One year after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of the Southeast, local officials say the storm serves as a reminder to always be prepared.

Roanoke County Fire & Rescue stresses that emergency kits and family communication plans are key when severe weather strikes.

“You want to be sure that you have an emergency kit available. So that means food, medicine, and water. Just be sure you have a plan with your family in case,” said Laura Schneider, community outreach coordinator with Roanoke County Fire & Rescue.

Schneider said first responders also remain in constant preparation mode.“We’re always in ready mode. So that means we always have our equipment up to date, personnel trained. We do multiple trainings throughout the year. We just ensure that everything is

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