By: Jennifer Thompson, MPH – Public Health Emergency Planner, Baltimore City Health Department – Office of Public Health Preparedness & Response

Earthquakes.  Tornadoes.  Hurricanes. Winter Storms. Flooding. Civil unrest. We have experienced all of these emergencies in Baltimore in recent years and while each situation comes with its own set of challenges, each is also similar in that individual preparedness plays a major role in how safe the public remains during and immediately after the emergency.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) 2012 National Survey, 46 percent of respondents believe that natural disasters will occur in their community; however, nearly 70 percent of Americans have not participated in a preparedness drill or exercise in their home, school, or workplace in the past two years.

Emergencies can happen at any time and place, but practicing what to do in advance better prepares individuals to handle any emergency they may encounter.  When people prepare and practice for an emergency in advance, it makes a real difference in their ability to take immediate and informed action., which enables them to recover more quickly.

September is National Preparedness Month, and this year the public is being challenged to take action by making plans now for their families to stay safe during disasters. 

Where do you stand when it comes to preparedness?  Research shows that people are more prepared for a disaster if they:

• Are aware of community alerts and warning systems
• Talk about their preparedness plan with family and others
• Attend trainings and meetings
• Participate in a drill or exercise

Take steps to be more prepared today.  Here are some tools and resources you can use to prepare yourself and your family in Baltimore:

Become Informed.  There are many different emergencies that could happen in Baltimore.

• For disaster specific guidance, see emergency preparedness information on the Health Department’s website.
• Receive your free copy of Baltimore’s Health Services Card.  It is a quick reference to health and emergency services available to residents.  Call (443) 984-2622 for a copy.
• Sign-up for the City’s alert program, at the top of the page, click “Subscribe” and enter your contact information to receive alerts.
• Make a family communication plan to use during disasters.  Share your plan with your family and out-of-town contacts.  Ready.gov has a plan template here.
• Make an emergency kit.  Remember to include these 9 essential items:

1. Water (1 gallon per person per day)
2. Nonperishable food (3-5 days worth)
3. A change of clothes per person
4. 3 days’ worth of medication
5. Flashlight and batteries
6. Can Opener (manual)
7. Radio (battery operated)
8. Hygiene Items, such as soap, toilet paper, toothbrush, moist towelettes
9. First Aid Kit

• Prepare to help others by becoming a Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps (MD Responds) volunteer.  MD Responds is a community-based, civilian volunteer program.  During emergencies, we need your help!
• Attend a Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meeting to hear about local emergency planning efforts and communicate your concerns with city officials regarding disaster preparedness and response.  See here for Baltimore LEPC meeting information.
• Set-up an emergency preparedness presentation at your school, business, community group, or place of worship.  Contact our Outreach Coordinator at (443) 984-2622 to arrange for a presentation.
• Become a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member.  Trainings are held regularly and teach you how to respond within your community during emergencies.

Additional resources include BCHD’s Emergency Preparedness & Response webpage and Ready.gov to learn more about how you and your family can become better prepared.