Subject
title
Proclamation Declaring September 2024, as National Preparedness Month in Rockville, Maryland
end
Department
City Clerk/Director of Council Operations Office
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Mayor and Council read and approve the proclamation.
Discussion
September is National Preparedness Month: an observance “to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time.”
Disability inclusion and accessibility is the theme for the CDC’s (Center for Disease and Control Prevention) 2024 National Preparedness Month commemoration. CDC is raising awareness about preparing the whole community by integrating disability inclusion and accessibility in all phases of emergency preparedness and response.
The 2024 National Preparedness Campaign reminds us of key personal and family preparedness activities including:
1. Make A Plan
• Talk to your friends and family as your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find. Tailor your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs, specific family needs, and responsibilities. Discuss your needs and responsibilities and how people your network can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets, or specific needs like operating medical equipment.
2. Build a Kit
• Gather supplies that will last for several days after a disaster for everyone living in your home. Don’t forget to consider the unique needs each person or pet may have in case you have to evacuate quickly. Update your kits and supplies based on recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control.
3. Protect Your Family and Your Property from Disasters
• Limit the impacts that disasters have on you and your family. Know the risk of disasters in your area and check your insurance coverage. Learn how to make your home stronger in the face of storms and other common hazards and act fast if you receive a local warning or alert.
4. Teach Youth About Preparedness
• Talk to your kids about preparing for emergencies and what to do in case you are separated. Reassure them by providing information about how they can get involved.
Take time to learn or enhance your lifesaving skills such as taking classes in CPR and first aid. Check your insurance policies and coverage for the hazards you may face, such as floods, earthquakes, and tornadoes. Make sure to consider the costs associated with disasters and save for an emergency. Also, know how to take practical safety steps like shutting off water and gas in your home and workplace.
The many disasters that our nation has endured over the last several years including the most recent pandemic, devastating hurricanes, wildfires, other weather emergencies, and active shooting events remind us of the importance of preparing. Often, the survivors will be the first ones in communities to take action after a disaster strikes and before first responders arrive, so it is important to prepare in advance to help yourself and your community. Remember that you are the help until the help arrives. Preparedness is “a lasting legacy for you and your family.”
• Be Informed, Plan Ahead, and Take Action are the core activities of preparedness; Sign up for
Rockville’s Alert Rockville <https://member.everbridge.net/index/3531635643384073> System
• Use the ready.org website to build a family plan and practice it
• Build a disaster supply kit
• Attend training to enhance your knowledge and skills
Preparing your family for an emergency can start as simple as a conversation over dinner; don’t wait.
Mayor and Council History
Mayor and Council read and present this proclamation annually.