Loudoun County officials encourage residents and businesses to take time during September to prepare for emergencies. September is National Preparedness Month, which promotes family and community disaster planning. This year’s theme is “Take Control in 1, 2, 3” and will focus on preparing older adults for disasters.
“We know older adults can face greater risks when it comes to extreme weather events and emergencies, especially if they are living alone, are low-income or have a disability. We encourage our older residents as well as people of all ages to prepare themselves and their families for the many types of hazards that could affect Loudoun County,” said Loudoun County Coordinator of Emergency Management Kevin Johnson.
Like many communities, Loudoun has the potential to experience many types of hazards, such as blizzards, flooding, high winds, power outages, tornadoes and even terrorist events. National Preparedness Month comes in the middle of hurricane season and is a reminder that even though Loudoun is inland, the county is vulnerable to the effects of hurricanes, which can produce extensive flooding hundreds of miles from the coast.
There are many local, state, regional and national resources available to help individuals and families with the process of being prepared for emergencies, including loudoun.gov/ready, Ready.gov, ReadyNOVA and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.
In addition to online resources, the Loudoun County Office of Emergency Management will have preparedness information available through displays at the county’s community centers, senior centers, the Loudoun County Government Center and Loudoun County Public Library branches throughout September.
Emergency Preparedness: Take Control in 3 Steps
By taking a few simple steps, you can become better prepared to face a range of emergencies that could occur anytime and anywhere.
- Step 1: Make a Plan: You may not be with your family when disaster strikes, so it is important to plan ahead for how to get to a safe place, contact loved ones and reunite once the emergency is over. Online planning tools for families, businesses and places of worship can be found at ReadyNOVA.
- Step 2: Build a Kit. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency, such as water, non-perishable food, flashlights and batteries. If you have a pet, include items such as a selfie with your pet in case you get separated, medicine and grooming items as well as a collar and leash. Find out more at loudoun.gov/makeakit.
- Step 3: Be Informed: Know the types of hazards that may occur and how you will receive information before, during and after an emergency. Sign up for Alert Loudoun to get emergency information and other Loudoun County news and information. Monitor local weather forecasts from the National Weather Service.
Throughout National Preparedness Month, follow Loudoun County Government on Facebook and Twitter for tips on preparing for all types of hazards. For more information and resources on preparing for emergencies, visit loudoun.gov/ready.
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