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HAGERSTOWN, MD (September 17, 2024) – The Washington County Board of County Commissioners has officially proclaimed September 2024 as Citizens’ Emergency Preparedness Month. During their regular meeting, the Board presented a formal proclamation to the Office of Emergency Management. This designation underscores the critical importance of individual and community preparedness in the face of emergencies and disasters, which can occur unexpectedly and have significant, lasting impacts on local communities.
As part of National Preparedness Month, which is observed every September, the Office of Emergency Management urges all residents to take proactive steps to ensure their safety and preparedness. The Office of Emergency Management encourages families, individuals, and organizations to create emergency plans, assemble emergency kits, and stay informed about potential hazards in their area.
“Emergencies and disasters can occur without warning, and the safety and well-being of our community depend on the preparedness and resilience of each citizen,” said Alan Matheny, Director of Emergency Management and Communications. “By taking the initiative to prepare, citizens can help mitigate the effects of potential disasters and contribute to the overall safety of our county.”
September marks both National and Maryland Preparedness Month, and Washington County Office of Emergency Management is encouraging all residents to prepare for emergencies, stay informed during an emergency, and have multiple ways to receive alerts. Visit Ready.gov or Office of Emergency Management to learn how to stay prepared and sign up for Emergency Alerts in Washington County.
To wrap up Citizens’ Emergency Preparedness Month, join the Washington County Office of Emergency Management and the Public Safety Training Center for the 2024 Preparedness Expo on September 28, 2024, from 10 AM – 2 PM. This event will feature 35 organizations and apparatus, and a kid’s zone with face painting, and a balloon artist. Special guests include Smokey the Bear, Bob the Builder, and Sparky the Fire Dog. Attendees will have the opportunity to take Stop the Bleed training, participate in hands-on CPR, and learn about food canning and storage. For more details, view our event on Facebook.
Washington County’s Office of Emergency Management, Division of Emergency Services, and Sheriff’s Department play a vital role in educating the public and supporting first responders. These agencies emphasize the importance of planning, building a supply kit, and staying updated on emergency information to improve readiness.
Throughout September, Washington County will provide resources and guidance to help residents prepare for unexpected events. Citizens are encouraged to visit the County’s website for information on creating family emergency plans, building supply kits, and staying informed.
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