The City of Annapolis Asks Residents to Take Action Now to Prepare for Emergencies and Natural Disasters
Annapolis Mayor Michael Pantelides announced that the City of Annapolis’ Office of Emergency Management is participating in National Preparedness Month throughout September by reaching out to members of the community and encouraging residents to be prepared.
“City leaders are making every effort to ensure residents, visitors, and the city are prepared for the next major event to effect Annapolis,” Mayor Pantelides said. “Staff is working hard with the community to ensure that families are aware of the appropriate preparations needed for their safety and well being.”
When you begin the planning process for your self and family FEMA recommends the following four steps to plan and prepare well in advance of a disaster.
Step 1: Put together a plan by discussing these four questions with your family, friends or household 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 communication plan?
Step 2: Consider specific needs in your household.
- Different ages of members within your household.
- Responsibilities for assisting others.
- Dietary needs.
- Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment.
- Disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment.
- Cultural and religious considerations.
- Pets or service animals.
- Households with school aged children.
Step 3: Fill out a family emergency plan
- There are a number of plan templates at https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan.
Step 4: Practice the plan with your family/household
- Once you have developed a plan for your family, test your plan to make sure what you write down works! Testing your plan allows you to see what works well and what can be changed before a real emergency.
“You and your family should be prepared for a variety of disasters” says Kevin Simmons, Director of the Office of Emergency Management, “these include weather events such as hurricanes, snowstorms, flooding, tornadoes, extreme heat and extreme cold.” There are other disasters that can have devastating effects if not prepared for such as pandemics, bioterrorism, cyber security and long-term power outages.
The city participates in many events in celebration of National Preparedness Month. For the fourth year the city is collaborating with local schools and conducting its 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 also be participating in the Anne Arundel County Emergency Preparedness Fair at Marley Station Mall on September 23rd, as well as partnering with the Anne Arundel Department of Health’s Drive-thru Flu Clinic on September 30th at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
The Office of Emergency Management is also available to speak to community groups or individuals who would like to hear more about what they can do to keep their families and businesses prepared. You can find this very important information at www.annapolis.gov/OEM, or contact OEM directly at (410) 216-9167.