HAGERSTOWN – Washington County Commissioners have officially proclaimed September as Citizens’ Emergency a commission meeting, underscoring the critical importance of individual and community preparedness in responding to emergencies and disasters.
This local designation aligns with National Preparedness Month, observed each September and highlights the critical need for residents to take proactive steps to ensure their safety. The Washington County Office of Emergency Management urges families, individuals, and organizations to:
- Develop emergency plans
- Assemble supply kits
- Stay informed about potential hazards in the region
- Maintain enough supplies to be self-sufficient for 3–5 days in the event of an emergency, including food, water, and essential items for pets
“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.”
Throughout September, the Office of Emergency Management is encouraging residents to prepare for emergencies, remain informed during critical events, and maintain multiple methods of receiving alerts. Citizens are invited to visit Ready.gov or the Washington County Office of Emergency Management website to learn how to prepare and to sign up for county-specific emergency alerts.
Citizens are encouraged to sign up for the Emergency Notification System WashCo MD Alerts at: https://www.washco-md.net/emergency-management/washcomdalerts/
To conclude Citizens’ Emergency Preparedness Month, the Office of Emergency Management, Department of Public Relations and Marketing, and the Public Safety Training Center will host the Preparedness Expo on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This community event will feature over 35 organizations, emergency apparatus and a children’s activity zone with face painting, balloon artist and a build-your-own emergency supply kit station.
Special guests will include Smokey Bear, Chase and Marshall from Paw Patrol and Sparky the Fire Dog. Attendees can also take part in Stop the Bleed training, hands-on CPR training and food preservation workshops. More details are available on the county’s official Facebook event page.
Washington County’s Office of Emergency Management, in collaboration with the Division of Emergency Services and the Sheriff’s Department, plays a vital role in educating the public and supporting first responders. Together, these agencies emphasize the importance of planning, building supply kits and staying informed to strengthen community resilience.
