September is National Preparedness Month

On Tuesday, Sept. 11, the Charles County Commissioners recognized September as National Preparedness month.  The Commissioners and the Department of Emergency Services encourage Charles County residents and businesses to “Resolve to Be Ready” in 2012.  Sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency , Resolve to be Ready is a nationwide effort designed to increase awareness as well as encourage individuals, families, businesses and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies.

To spread the message, and teach citizens how to prepare for emergency situations, the Department of Emergency Services has emergency preparedness information on display at the Charles County Government Building (200 Baltimore Street, La Plata).
         
Emergencies can range from inconvenience to devastation, but you can resolve not to be a victim of an emergency or disaster and take steps to minimize the impact on you, your family and your businesses. Residents are encouraged to make an emergency prepared resolution that includes taking the following four steps:

• Be informed.  Know the hazards and risks in your area.
• Make a family emergency plan so you know how you would communicate with and find your loved ones if a disaster hit.
• Build an emergency supply kit both at home and in the car that includes water, food and first aid supplies to help you survive if you lose power or get stranded in your car.  This is especially important for dealing with icy roads and snowstorms this winter.
• Get involved. Find out how you can promote preparedness in your community.

More information is available at www.Ready.gov.  The website includes free information, checklists and guidelines about how to be informed, develop a family emergency plan, build an emergency kit, and how to get involved in your community.  

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