City of Alexandria Encourages Residents to Participate in National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month, and the City of Alexandria's Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is encouraging all residents to take steps to be ready for emergencies. This year's theme, "Preparedness Starts at Home," focuses on the importance of getting back to the basics of emergency planning.

How can you participate in National Preparedness Month?

There are four key actions you can take to prepare for any disaster you may face:

1. Know your risk - Understand the hazards that could affect Alexandria, including flooding, severe storms, and power outages. Visit our websiteto learn more about local risks and how to stay safe.
2. Make a family emergency plan - Talk with your family about how you will communicate and where you will go during different types of emergencies. Find free planning advice, templates, and tips at ready.gov/plan.
3. Build an emergency supply kit - Ensure your home and go-bag have essential supplies such as food, water, medications, flashlights, and batteries. Find a list of supplies at Build A Kit.

4. Get involved in your community - Emergencies can happen fast, and you might be the first one able to help! You can learn how when you take a first aid or CPR class through organizations in your community, like the Red Cross. You can also join the City's Community Emergency Response Team(CERT) to get trained in basic disaster response skills, including fire safety, light search and rescue, and medical operations.

Meet Your Emergency Management Team

Throughout National Preparedness Month, our OEM staff will be out in the community with fun, free, family-friendly events. Look for the big blue OEM tent or tablecloth and stop by to learn how you can stay prepared.

Upcoming Events

• Saturday, September 6, 7 a.m. - noon: City Hall Market Square Farmers' Market
• Saturday, September 6, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Alfred Street Baptist Church Health Fair
• Saturday, September 13, 7 a.m. - noon: City Hall Market Square Farmers' Market
• Saturday, September 20, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Tons of Trucks at Chinquapin Park
• Saturday, September 27, 7 a.m. - noon: City Hall Market Square Farmers' Market

If you're interested in hosting an OEM informational table at your next event, please email [email protected]to make a request.

About National Preparedness Month

National Preparedness Month was established after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to raise awareness about the importance of being prepared for disasters. Since then, it has grown into a nationwide campaign promoting community resilience and individual readiness.

For more information about emergency preparedness and the Office of Emergency Management, visit alexandriava.gov/EmergencyManagement.