City of Springfield Marks National Preparedness Month
Springfield, MA – The City of Springfield and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) mark the month of September as National Preparedness Month. Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, HHS Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris and the Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response want to encourage all residents to be prepared for all types of emergencies and disasters which can occur, often with little notice. To help raise awareness, Mayor Sarno has issued a proclamation declaring the month of September 2021 as ‘National Preparedness Month’ in the City of Springfield.
This week marks the beginning of National Preparedness Month. The Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response of the Department of Health and Human Service would like to encourage all residents take this month to conduct the following activities below:
Week 1: Sept. 1-5 – Make A Plan: Preparedness starts at home. Know how to prepare for disasters that include how you will communicate with family and friends during disasters, reviewing insurance papers, and much more.
Week 2: Sept. 6-12 – Build A Kit: You will need items to survive during a disaster. That includes supplies you may need at home as well as a ‘to-go’ kit of items you may need if you must evacuate quickly to a safer location.
Week 3: Sept. 13-19 – Prepare for Disasters: Find out the best way to limit the impact a disaster may have, like having the right insurance coverage or what can you do to your home to make it stronger and more resilient.
Week 4: Sept. 20-26 – Teach Youth About Preparedness: Take the time now and talk with your children to reassure them. Teach them lessons about preparedness. Make family preparedness a fun annual event.
Mayor Sarno states, “Unfortunately, we have gone through our fair share of natural and man-made disasters. From the June 1, 2011 EF-3 tornado, the freak Nor’easter in October 2011, the natural gas explosion and now with the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic. Through it all, we have endured. Our brave and dedicated public safety and health officials, from my Cabinet Heads to our rank and file, are tested and true. It is so important for everyone to be prepared in case of an emergency. Have a plan, stock up on those essentials such as water and non-perishable food, and listen to the experts on how to keep yourself, your loved ones and your property safe.”
HHS Commissioner Caulton-Harris stated, “As we continue to respond to the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, we must be cognizant that other disasters don’t wait. Being prepared makes the difference in how we respond. Promoting a culture of resilience through preparedness will enable our city and residents to take the preparatory actions necessary to overcome the threats and hazards that are presented to them. The Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response would like to encourage all resident to take this month to review their plans, prepare an emergency kit, and take the time to talk with family members, neighbors and loved ones so that everyone can be safe and healthy in case a natural or man-made disaster strikes.”
For further information regarding community preparedness and response, please contact Mr. Tony Pettaway, MA-CEP, MCP in the Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response at tpettaway@springfieldcityhall.com or at (413) 750-2696.