NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
Media Contact: Nicole Torres
(410) 216-9167
September is National Preparedness Month
The City of Annapolis Wants to Show Support to Our Senior Annapolitans
Annapolis, MD (September 6, 2023) As the nation commemorates National Preparedness Month this September, this year’s focus emphasizes the enhancement of the safety and well-being of one of our most vulnerable populations: older adults. This year's theme, "Take Control in 1,2,3," underscores the importance of empowering seniors and their caregivers with the knowledge and resources needed to face emergencies and disasters confidently.
Older adults often face unique challenges during times of crisis, making it imperative for communities to prioritize their readiness. From medical needs to mobility constraints, the elderly require specialized support to effectively prepare for and respond to emergencies. National Preparedness Month presents an opportunity for individuals, families, and communities to collaborate and develop comprehensive plans that cater to the needs of older adults.
"We must recognize the invaluable contributions of our older adults and acknowledge the specific concerns they encounter during emergencies," stated Kevin Simmons, Director of the City of Annapolis Office of Emergency Management. "This September, we're dedicating our efforts to promoting a culture of preparedness that ensures older adults are safeguarded, connected, and supported when disaster strikes.”
With advanced age, some older adults are at greater risk for physical and mental health conditions, which can mean slower reaction times and reduced problem solving ability during emergencies or disasters. Some of our seniors who live at home without home care services or a strong support system may be overlooked in times of crisis.
You can prepare the seniors in your community before a crisis by including them in a social support network consisting of family, friends, and neighbors. These individuals are often the first to provide assistance before a disaster and play an important role afterward. Unfortunately, members of your social support network are often affected by the same disaster. Before disaster strikes, talk with family, friends and neighbors about the amount and type of support each of them will provide. The Annapolis Office of Emergency Management will be your best resource for the preparation and recovery for any emergency, disaster or crisis.
The Annapolis 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 how to support the seniors in your life, how to stay prepared yourself, and the steps Annapolis emergency management professionals are taking to protect our communities.
Mid-Atlantic Regional Association Coastal Ocean Observing System Town Hall in Baltimore from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, September 13
Anne Arundel County Preparedness Expo (Anne Arundel Community College campus at Arundel Mills Shopping Center) 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, September 16
Mid-Atlantic Life Safety Conference “Tornado Response in Maryland: A Case Study of the September 1 Annapolis Tornado” (Kossiakoff Conference & Education Center, 11100 Johns Hopkins Rd, Laurel, MD 20703) 7 a.m. to 4 p.m, Tuesday, September 19
FEMA Region 3 Coffee Break Series “City of Annapolis Hazard Mitigation Planning Process” (Online) 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesday, September 20. Register at https://www.fema.gov/event/fema-coffee-break-webinar-increasing-resilience-through-land-use-planning-and-building-codes.
Kunta Kinte Festival (Susan Campbell Park) 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, September 23
The City of Annapolis encourages Annapolitans to stay informed with the latest information. The City of Annapolis offers the following tools for citizens to stay prepared:
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 for Alert Annapolis, please go to the following site https://alertannapolis.civicready.com/ or text “ANNAPOLIS” to 38276.
Prepare Me Annapolis Mobile App – This free app from the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) provides real-time alerts and information for Annapolitans to be prepared in any type of emergency. Prepare Me Annapolis is available, free of charge, on both the Apple Store and Google Play.
For more information on being prepared, and developing a plan for your family, check out this information found at:
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