HAGERSTOWN, Md. – Events for the whole family will help Washington County wind up September as Citizens’ Emergency Preparedness Month. The 2024 Preparedness Expo will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 28, sponsored by the County Office of Emergency Management and the Public Safety Training Center.
This event, at 18350 Public Safety Pl., Hagerstown, will feature 35 organizations and various types of apparatus, as well as a kid’s zone with face painting and a balloon artist. Special guests include Smokey the Bear, Bob the Builder and Sparky the Fire Dog.
Attendees will have the opportunity to take Stop the Bleed training, participate in hands-on CPR, and learn about food canning and storage. For more details, view the event on Facebook.
Washington County Commissioners also proclaimed September as Citizens’ Emergency Preparedness Month. This designation underscores the critical importance of individual and community preparedness in the face of emergencies and disasters, which can occur unexpectedly and have significant, lasting impacts on local communities, county officials said.
Officials in the Office of Emergency Management urge all residents to take proactive steps to ensure their safety and preparedness. Families, individuals and organizations can create emergency plans, assemble emergency kits and stay informed about potential hazards in their area.
“Emergencies and disasters can occur without warning, and the safety and well-being of our community depend on the preparedness and resilience of each citizen,” said Alan Matheny, director of Emergency Management and Communications. “By taking the initiative to prepare, citizens can help mitigate the effects of potential disasters and contribute to the overall safety of our county.”
County officials suggested, people visit Ready.gov or Office of Emergency Management to learn how to stay prepared and sign up for emergency alerts in Washington County.
