Preparedness Month Launched In Anne Arundel County

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — After experiencing the effects of Tropical Depression Ida, the Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management reminds residents that the month of September is National Preparedness Month.

Preeti Emrick, director of the office of emergency management, urges community members to
integrate preparedness into their lives as well, “even if in the smallest way."

"Whether it is creating a communication plan with your family, purchasing an item or two for your emergency kits, getting vaccinated or simply signing up for Alert Anne Arundel, we can all take steps to better prepare ourselves for the challenges ahead," Emrick said.

“Preparing as individuals and communities can save lives and avoid putting our first responders in harm’s way as they respond to emergencies,” Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman said. “As severe storms and weather events become more frequent, we all need to do our part.”

Throughout this month, the county will host preparedness events, give preparedness presentations to community groups/organizations and share preparedness tips on social media accounts.

(9/5-9/11): Build a Kit
Put together an emergency go-kit and gather supplies for sheltering-in-place that will last several days after a disaster for everyone living in your home. Don’t forget to consider the unique needs each person or pet may have in case you have to evacuate or move to a different area of your home quickly.

(9/12-9/18): Low-Cost, No-Cost Preparedness
Limit the impacts that disasters have on you and your family. Know the risk of disasters in your area and check your insurance coverage. Learn how to make your home stronger in the face of storms and other common hazards and act fast if you receive a local warning or alert.

(9/19-9/25): Youth Preparedness
The youth are the future, so we are launching a brand new youth preparedness campaign with our Office of Emergency Management mascot, Pepper the Preparedness Pup! The campaign targets children and young adults by using a combination of pictures, videos and activities where they can easily learn about preparing for emergencies and disasters.