Each year, in September, we come together to recognize National Preparedness Month. This year, the theme is ‘Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.” National Preparedness Month is an annual campaign to encourage residents to take steps to prepare for emergencies in our homes, schools, organizations, businesses and neighborhoods.
To help raise awareness, Mayor Sarno issued a proclamation declaring the month of September 2021 as ‘National Preparedness Month’ in the City of Springfield. In addition, District Chief Denson showcased the City of Springfield’s EOC Mobile Operations Center Command Unit. This unit enables the City of Springfield Fire Department Office of Emergency Preparedness to stand up a mobile command and operations center at a moment’s notice anywhere throughout the city.
Throughout the Month of September, the City of Springfield encourages residents to follow the simple activities below. They just might help save lives.
Week 1: Sept. 1-5 - Make A Plan: Preparedness starts at home. Know how to prepare for disasters that include how you will communicate with family and friends during disasters, reviewing insurance papers, and much more.
Week 2: Sept. 6-12 - Build A Kit: You will need items to survive during a disaster. That includes supplies you may need at home as well as a ‘to-go’ kit of items you may need if you must evacuate quickly to a safer location.
Week 3: Sept. 13-19 - Prepare for Disasters: Find out the best way to limit the impact a disaster may have, like having the right insurance coverage or what can you do to your home to make it stronger and more resilient.
Week 4: Sept. 20-26 - Teach Youth About Preparedness: Take the time now and talk with your children to reassure them. Teach them lessons about preparedness. Make family preparedness a fun annual event.
Mayor Sarno states, “Unfortunately, we have gone through our fair share of natural and man-made disasters. From the June 1, 2011 EF-3 tornado, the freak Nor’easter in October 2011, the natural gas explosion and now with the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic. Through it all, we have endured. Our brave and dedicated public safety and health officials, from my Cabinet Heads to our rank and file, are tested and true. It is so important for everyone to be prepared in case of an emergency. Have a plan, stock up on those essentials such as water and non-perishable food, and listen to the experts on how to keep yourself, your loved ones and your property safe.”
Fire Commissioner Calvi stated, “The Springfield Fire Department is the lead organization when responding to natural or man-made disasters. The Fire Departments Office of Emergency Preparedness is responsible for a wide variety of activities and initiatives to prepare the City of Springfield and its residents and businesses with an emergency action plan to respond to any kind of natural or man-made emergency. To help in these efforts, it is imperative for everyone to be prepared in case of an emergency, have a plan in place and know what to do depending on the nature of the disaster.”
District Chief Denson said, “The Springfield Fire Department Office of Emergency Preparedness stands at the ready to address any natural and man-made disaster. The Office of Emergency Preparedness is responsible for maintaining a comprehensive plan for responding to man-made and natural disasters and for coordinating the city's implementation of the Federal Superfund Amendment Reauthorization Act provisions relating to hazardous material response planning, training and operations. The office also staffs the city's Emergency Medical Services Commission which contracts for ambulance services and oversees the radio link between ambulances and hospitals in the city and activates the city’s Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the city’s response to any potential disasters. Being prepared is the best way to keep yourself and loved ones safe. For more information, please visit the Office of Emergency Preparedness website to learn more about creating a Family Disaster Plan, how to protect yourself during an earthquake, what to expect during hurricane season, and what to do in case of a power outage or gas leak.”
Earlier this month, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) marked the first week of September as National Preparedness Month to help promote the ‘Make a Plan’ initiative and activity.
HHS Commissioner Caulton-Harris stated, “As we continue to respond to the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, we must be cognizant that other disasters don’t wait. Being prepared makes the difference in how we respond. Promoting a culture of resilience through preparedness will enable our city and residents to take the preparatory actions necessary to overcome the threats and hazards that are presented to them. The Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response would like to encourage all resident to take this month to review their plans, prepare an emergency kit, and take the time to talk with family members, neighbors and loved ones so that everyone can be safe and healthy in case a natural or man-made disaster strikes.”
For more information on community and emergency preparedness and response, please visit these websites:
