A Time for Service and Community Involvement

This September will mark the ten year anniversary of 9/11 and we ask you to take time to remember those lost as well as time to make sure you are prepared for future emergencies. September is National Preparedness Month (NPM), which was founded after 9/11 to increase preparedness in the U.S. It is a time to prepare yourself, those in your care, and your community for an unexpected emergency.

Preparedness is a shared responsibility; it takes a whole community. This year’s NPM will focus on turning awareness into action by encouraging individuals to make an emergency preparedness plan for their homes, businesses, and community. You can get involved by:

Non-profit and non-governmental organizations (NGO) will host projects (HandsOnNetwork.org) and service opportunities (911DayOfService.org) across the country. Participate in a service event and encourage your family and your neighbors to join you. You can also contact National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster for local disaster preparedness and response service opportunities.

Preparedness events that will be hosted throughout NPM will be posted at Ready.gov and additional events in your community can be easily searched on Serve.gov. Visit your local firehouse to learn more about preparedness in your community.

Citizen Corps connects citizens with government and civic leaders, NGOs, and other community-based programs. Join a Citizen Corps Council and support emergency planning, training and exercises, and participate in volunteer opportunities that enhance community safety. Click here for a list of CitizenCorps agencies within 50 miles of Parkerburg, or visit CitizenCorps.gov to find local Citizen Corps Councils in your community.

Local chapters of national organizations, as well as local fire, police, and other first responders can always use a hand. Look for ways to become involved and pitch in with your community, not just in September, but throughout the year as well.

 Get involved with your local chapter of the American Red Cross

 Join USAonWatch (Neighborhood Watch) groups and work with local law enforcement to help prevent crime and terrorism in your neighborhood

 Train with Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), which support first responders

 Participate in Fire Corps programs and assist with administrative duties at your local fire station, or join your local volunteer fire department

 Give your time to Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) programs, conduct traffic control, crowd control, and other duties that support local law enforcement

 Volunteer with medical and public health professionals through the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)

Ask yourself what you can do to prepare yourself, your neighborhood and your community for disasters. Think through how you can help your neighbors, including older Americans, children and adults with disabilities, and others with access and functional needs.

For more information on National Preparedness Month and for help getting your family, business or community prepared, visit Ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY, 1-888-SE-LISTO, and TTY 1-800-462-7585. This September: A Time to Remember. A Time to Prepare.