Calvert County issued the following announcement on Sept. 6.
The Calvert County Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management, reminds citizens September is a good time to review your readiness for severe weather and other emergencies throughout the year. September is National Preparedness and Maryland Preparedness Month and government agencies, businesses, community groups, schools and families are participating in events under the theme “Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How.”
“We only have to look as far as our neighbors to the north in Ellicott City to see the level of damage and devastation that can occur with little to no notice,” said Emergency Management Division Chief Alfred Jeffery. “Emergencies can strike at any time and the best way to protect yourself, your family and property is to be prepared and have a plan.”
Making preparations when threats are not imminent can make communities more resilient. Hazards common to Maryland include flooding, high wind, severe thunderstorms and winter storms. Below are a few tips from www.ready.gov to get you and your family on the right path to being prepared. Discuss these four questions with your family and friends to start your emergency plan.
• How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
• What is my shelter plan?
• What is my evacuation route?
• What is my family/household communication plan?
Be sure to fill out a Family Emergency Plan. As you develop your plan, tailor it and your supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities. Discuss roles and responsibilities with people in your network and cover topics like communication, care of children, pets or specific needs like the operation of durable medical equipment. Keep in mind these factors when developing a plan:
• Different ages of members within your household
• Responsibilities for assisting others
• Locations frequented
• Dietary needs
• Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment
• Disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment
• Languages spoken
• Cultural and religious considerations
• Pets or service animals
• Households with school-aged children
To keep abreast of local conditions and emergency information, residents are encouraged to download the free “Prepare Me Calvert” emergency preparedness mobile application available for iOS (Apple) and Android devices through the Apple App Store or Google Play. Residents can also sign up for Calvert County ALERT online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov by clicking on the Emergency Alerts button.
Those without internet can contact the Calvert County Division of Emergency Management at 410-535-1600, ext. 2638, to sign up or to receive additional emergency preparedness information.
Original source can be found here.
Source: Calvert County
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