Annapolis Encourages Residents To Build A 'Legacy Of Preparedness'

ANNAPOLIS, MD — With September marking National Preparedness Month, the city is encouraging residents to build a culture of preparedness through outreach and mitigation efforts to ensure the safety of future generations.

Over the last several years, the city has witnessed the COVID-19 pandemic, a tornado, severe flooding and multiple winter storms these past few years. These natural disasters tend to disproportionately impact minority and underserved communities, according to the city.

“Annapolis has faced its fair share of emergency events in the past few years with the tornado touching down, perilous flooding events, and unpredictable winter weather. I am grateful that we have a strong emergency management team in place to help residents when the need arises,” said Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley. “It’s critical that residents continue to do their part by also practicing good preparedness habits. Being prepared can prevent loss of life and safeguard property. Now is the time to act.”

The City of Annapolis Office of Emergency Management (OEM) said it has secured millions in grant funding to protect communities and businesses from the dangers of flooding. OEM is currently working with elected officials and regional partners to develop a disaster recovery fund to assist underserved communities after a disaster.

According to the Director of Emergency Management, Kevin Simmons, “it is important that all of us who live, work, or visit Annapolis focus on leaving a legacy of preparedness for future generations. That is why Emergency Management works tirelessly to educate our most underserved communities on how to foster preparedness and build community resilience. How will you help create a legacy of preparedness for our communities?”

Here is how to get started. OEM recommends families follow these 12 ways to prepare. Complete these 12 steps as a family project during National Preparedness month and be well prepared in advance of a disaster.

1. Sign up for Alerts and Warnings
2. Make a Plan
3. Save for a Rainy Day
4. Practice Emergency Drills
5. Test your Family Communications Plan
6. Safeguard Documents
7. Plan with Neighbors
8. Make Your Home Safer
9. Know Your Evacuation Routes
10. Assemble or Update Emergency Supplies
11. Get Involved in Your Community
12. Document and Insure Your Property

Along with these 12 ways to prepare, OEM encourages residents to participate in activities held in our community during Disaster Preparedness Month. OEM is collaborating with local schools and conducting the Annual Severe Weather Awareness Poster Contest, which aims to work with local elementary school children to educate them about preparedness. As part of the poster contest, the students illustrate how their families prepare for different kinds of severe weather.

The Office of Emergency Management will be present at several events around the community promoting a whole community approach to preparedness. Come out to these events and learn more about how to build your lasting legacy of preparedness.

• Anne Arundel County Preparedness Expo (Anne Arundel Community College campus at Arundel Mills Shopping Center) 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, September 17
• Eastport Resource Day (1014 President St) 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, September 17
• Safeway Fall Festival (1781 Forest Drive) 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, September 17
• Kunta Kinte Festival (Susan Campbell Park) 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, September 24

The city encourages Annapolitans to stay informed with the latest information. The City of Annapolis offers the following tools for citizens to stay prepared:

• Prepare Me Annapolis Mobile App – This App from the Office of Emergency Management provides information for Annapolitans to be prepared. The App delivers push notifications that include important information regarding City functions and other important notices. Prepare Me Annapolis is available, free of charge, for both Apple and android.
• Alert Annapolis - This system allows the City to send out automated telephone messages, text messages, or emails quickly and efficiently in the event of an emergency. The brief message will provide information on the emergency and any important instructions. To sign up please visit http://alertannapolis.civicrea...

For more information on being prepared, and developing a plan for your family, check out this information found at:

• www.annapolis.gov/OEM,
• the Maryland Department of Emergency Management website at mdem.maryland.gov, and
• the National Preparedness month website at www.ready.gov/september.

News release by City of Annapolis