Be Prepared

September is Maryland Preparedness Month

The Prince George’s County Office of Homeland Security/Office of Emergency Management reminds residents that September is a good time to review preparedness information for severe weather and other emergencies throughout the year. September is both National Preparedness and Maryland Preparedness Month and government agencies, businesses, community groups, schools and families will be participating in events to help promote disaster preparedness.

“Emergency preparedness is a year round effort,” said Ronald E. Gill Jr., Director of Emergency Management. “From the record breaking snow we received in January, to the three storms in the Atlantic over the past week, residents need to always be in disaster preparedness mode. Emergencies and disasters can happen anytime and anywhere without notice.”
Making preparations when threats are not imminent can make communities more resilient. Hazards common to Prince George’s County include flooding, high wind, severe thunderstorms and winter storms.

Several online sources provide good emergency preparedness information for these and additional threats:
• Prince George’s County Preparedness Center: http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/782/Preparedness-Center 
• Maryland Emergency Management Agency: http://mema.maryland.gov/Pages/typesofemergencies.aspx 
• Federal Emergency Management Agency: www.ready.gov 
• National Weather Service: www.weather.gov/safety

Residents are also encouraged to sign up for Alert Prince George’s (Alert.MyPGC.us), the County’s mass notification system that sends important information directly to you, before, during, or after an emergency or disaster.