An official website of the Cuyahoga County government. Here’s how you know
Cuyahoga County Celebrates National Preparedness Month
Contacts:
Devyn Giannetti: (216) 443-8393; dgiannetti@cuyahogacounty.us
Office of Emergency Management Educates Residents on Preparing for Disasters and Staying Safe
CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – This September Cuyahoga County celebrates National Preparedness Month. The theme for National Preparedness Month (NPM) this year is: Prepared, Not Scared. Preparedness is important. Everyone can take actions now to plan and prepare for disasters.
NPM is intended to raise awareness and to encourage everyone to prepare themselves for emergencies that could impact their homes, their businesses, their schools, and communities.
“There is no better time than now to be prepared,” said Executive Director of the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (OEMA), Sima Merick. “Emergencies and disasters can happen at any time, often without any warning. Knowing what hazards or severe weather events could impact your area; practicing your emergency plans; updating your disaster supply kits—these are just some things everyone can do to be self-sufficient and to enhance community resilience.”
“Being aware of your risks and taking a few simple steps to prepare yourself and your family can make a huge difference,” said Cuyahoga County EMA Director, Mark Christie. “National Preparedness Month reminds us of the importance of personal preparedness and encourages everyone to take action before emergencies happen.”
Below are some additional NPM actions to help you prepare now:
In coordination with FEMA, OEMA, and the Cuyahoga County Office of Emergency Management, households, businesses, schools, and places of worship are encouraged to be Prepared, Not Scared by participating in NPM’s weekly themes throughout September:
Visit https://ready.ohio.gov or Ready.Cuyahogacounty.us for additional information on National Preparedness Month’s weekly themes. Follow the Cuyahoga County Office of Emergency Management on Facebook and Twitter (@CuyahogaOEM) for additional messages on NPM and emergency preparedness. Another source of information is following the official NPM hashtags #BeReady and #PreparedNotScared.
Devyn Giannetti: (216) 443-8393; dgiannetti@cuyahogacounty.us
Office of Emergency Management Educates Residents on Preparing for Disasters and Staying Safe
CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – This September Cuyahoga County celebrates National Preparedness Month. The theme for National Preparedness Month (NPM) this year is: Prepared, Not Scared. Preparedness is important. Everyone can take actions now to plan and prepare for disasters.
NPM is intended to raise awareness and to encourage everyone to prepare themselves for emergencies that could impact their homes, their businesses, their schools, and communities.
“There is no better time than now to be prepared,” said Executive Director of the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (OEMA), Sima Merick. “Emergencies and disasters can happen at any time, often without any warning. Knowing what hazards or severe weather events could impact your area; practicing your emergency plans; updating your disaster supply kits—these are just some things everyone can do to be self-sufficient and to enhance community resilience.”
“Being aware of your risks and taking a few simple steps to prepare yourself and your family can make a huge difference,” said Cuyahoga County EMA Director, Mark Christie. “National Preparedness Month reminds us of the importance of personal preparedness and encourages everyone to take action before emergencies happen.”
Below are some additional NPM actions to help you prepare now:
- Organize disaster supply kits for your home and vehicles. A supply kit is a collection of basic items your household may need, in the event of an emergency. Most items in a basic kit are inexpensive and easy to find. And you might already have a lot of the items in your home. After a disaster happens, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Your disaster kits should have enough food, water, and other essential items to sustain everyone in your home (including pets) for at least three days.
- Take time to learn life-saving skills—actions you can take to prepare for and protect against disasters and severe weather events. Install smoke, carbon monoxide and natural gas detectors and test them monthly. Know how to turn off utilities, like water and gas. Talk to your landlord or building manager about evacuation routes and fire safety. Know two ways out of your home in case of a fire and practice evacuation plans.
- Check your insurance policies and coverage for the hazards that might impact your home or community, such as flooding, tornadoes or home fires.
- Consider the costs associated with disasters. Consider saving money in an emergency savings account that could be used in any crisis. Keep a small amount of cash at home in a safe place. Have small bills on hand because ATMs and credit cards may not work after a disaster when you may need to purchase necessary supplies, fuel or food.
In coordination with FEMA, OEMA, and the Cuyahoga County Office of Emergency Management, households, businesses, schools, and places of worship are encouraged to be Prepared, Not Scared by participating in NPM’s weekly themes throughout September:
- Week 1: September 1-7 Save Early for Disaster Costs
- Week 2: September 8-14 Make a Plan to Prepare for Disasters
- Week 3: September 15-22 Teach Youth to Prepare for Disasters
- Week 4: September 22-30 Get Involved in Your Community’s Preparedness
Visit https://ready.ohio.gov or Ready.Cuyahogacounty.us for additional information on National Preparedness Month’s weekly themes. Follow the Cuyahoga County Office of Emergency Management on Facebook and Twitter (@CuyahogaOEM) for additional messages on NPM and emergency preparedness. Another source of information is following the official NPM hashtags #BeReady and #PreparedNotScared.
