National Preparedness Month

---

September is National Preparedness Month

In this post 9-11 world it is extremely important for all Americans to prepare for emergency situations. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is sponsoring National Preparedness Month 2006. The ultimate goal of this designated month is to encourage the public to prepare for emergencies by taking action. All Americans should get an emergency kit and have a family emergency plan.

For more information please visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website at http://www.ready.gov/america/npm/index.htm.

Here is a list of events scheduled for the Baltimore area.

Event Title: Family Emergency Preparedness @ harford County Faith Based & Community Resource Fair
Description: Display and information will be given out on family preparedness.
Location: Richlin Ballroom, 1700 Van Bibber Road, Edgewood, MD 21040
POC Name: Elizabeth Hendrix
POC Phone: 410-638-8721
POC Email: dstaigerwald@gosv.state.md.us
Host: Harford County Citizen Corps
Event Date: 9/19/06 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Event Title: Shining A Light on Senior Preparedness
Description: This event at the Bykota Senior Center will kick off a campaign to distribute lithium flashlights to homebound low-income seniors, to assist them to prepare for emergencies. Case managers will visit the elderly participants to bring them the flashlights along with emergency preparedness information. The flashlights do not require batteries, so they should last for years without any further expense.
Format for Day of Event: This event coincides with an all-staff meeting. County Executive Jim Smith and BCDA Director Arnold Eppel, along with representatives of Baltimore County Citizens Corps, will announce the initiative and give the flashlights to the case managers, who will be present. The event will be written up in the Senior Digest and other departmental publications.
Location: 611 Central Avenue, Towson, MD 21204
POC Name: Michele Kehl
POC Phone: 410-887-2715
POC Email: mkehl@co.ba.md.us
Host: Baltimore County Department of Aging Event Date: 9/27/06 2:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Event Title: Disaster VMC Exercise
Description: Volunteer Mobilization Center disaster exercise.
Location: 200 School Lane, Anne Arundel County, MD 21090
POC Name: Fay Mauro
POC Phone: 410-897-9207
POC Email: dstaigerwald@gosv.state.md.us
Host: Volunteer Center for Ann Arundel County
Event Date: 9/30/06 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.