Harford Commission on Disabilities Says: “Make a Plan and Be Prepared”

From Harford County government:

September is Emergency Preparedness Month and the Harford County Commission on Disabilities recommends all citizens, including those with disabilities, develop an emergency plan. “No one knows what may occur,” said Commission Chairperson Marc Weinstein, “but preparing a plan to cover the basics can make all the difference in the world in an emergency.”

Preparing for an emergency involves asking questions about what kind of emergencies could arise, who would be available to help, how you would get information about the emergency, how would it be possible to stay in touch with family and friends, how to shelter at home, and what would happen if an evacuation is ordered.

“These questions seem daunting,” admits Weinstein, “but with planning tools available from the Commission, anyone can make a plan.” The “Path to Disaster Readiness” is a planning tool developed by the Maryland Department of Disabilities and the Center for Disability and Special Needs Preparedness. This planning tool takes an individual through the questions, step by step, encouraging them to develop a support network to resolve the many unforeseen issues that come up in an emergency. In addition, the Harford County Health Department has provided us with “The Quick Guide to Emergency Preparedness for Persons with Disabilities and Medical Concerns.” The guide offers tips for persons with a wide variety of disabilities and recommends additional resources and services.

Both documents will be available at no charge at all branches of the Harford County Public Library during September at displays on Emergency Preparedness Month. In addition to the documents, visitors can sign up for a chance on a fully stocked Emergency Survival Kit to be given away at each branch at the end of the month. The Survival Kit includes items such as emergency food and water, water purification tablets, first aid kits, hygiene kits, and batteries, packed in a back-pack. The Survival Kits are provided by the Harford County Citizen Corps Council and the Harford County Division of Emergency Operations.

“We can’t provide survival kits for every county resident,” said Reed Correll, Chairof the Citizen Corps Council, “but we are providing a disaster supply list prepared by the Maryland Emergency Management Agency, which will help families stock their own survival kits. We encourage everyone to stop by their library branch to learn more about preparing for an emergency and for a chance to win the kit.”