National Preparedness Month: A Lasting Legacy

September is National Preparedness Month, an annual campaign by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to raise awareness about the importance of emergency preparedness and to encourage all Americans to prepare for disasters in their homes, businesses and neighborhoods. The 2022 National Preparedness Month theme is “A Lasting Legacy,” encouraging everyone to protect the life they’ve built by preparing for disasters.

Every year, Prince William County is at risk for the damaging effects of flooding, severe weather and other natural hazards, terror attacks or other acts of violence in the workplace or community and industrial or transportation accidents that can release chemicals and other materials that are hazardous to humans or the environment.

Many emergencies occur with little warning, but the steps you take today to prepare could save your life or the life of a loved one. Throughout September, the Prince William County Office of Emergency Management will highlight different steps to help the community prepare for disasters.

Build a Kit. People need several basic supplies to survive on their own at home after a disaster for up to three days or that you should take with you if you’re asked to evacuate to a safer location. Review the list to build your kit and make sure it is stocked with hand sanitizer and masks to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Make a Plan. Every family should have an emergency plan that includes how to communicate with family and friends during disasters and where you’ll meet if you can’t make it home. Talk to your friends and family about how you will communicate before, during and after a disaster ― particularly if you are unable to make it home safely.

Stay Informed. PWC Alerts is an emergency notification system used by Prince William County government to send emergency alerts and automated weather notifications. Everyone is encouraged to sign up for alerts and learn about different ways to stay informed about receiving emergency alerts and information.

Get Involved. There are many ways to get involved during and after an emergency. Local response and recovery partners include, but are not limited to, Volunteer Prince William, Prince William Health District Medical Reserve Corps, American Red Cross and the PWC Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) team.

Know Your Threats and Hazards. Identify the threats and hazards your home, business or commuting route may face and learn ways to protect or mitigate against them, like having the right insurance coverage or modifying your home to make it more resistant to winds and more resilient to flooding.

Learn a Lifesaving Skill. Everyone is encouraged to know lifesaving skills that you can use to help friends, family or bystanders until first responders arrive. Examples of simple lifesaving skills include hands-only CPR, how to stop uncontrolled bleeding, how to use a fire extinguisher and how to safely turn off your utilities.

For more information about emergency preparedness, follow the county’s “Ready Prince William” campaign on Facebook and Twitter or visit https://www.pwcva.gov/ready.