April is Arlington Preparedness Month
Published on April 01, 2022
Everyone is encouraged to participate to be more prepared for disasters and emergencies
Disasters don’t plan ahead, but you can!
The Arlington community continues to demonstrate exceptional resilience throughout the COVID-19 pandemic – and April Preparedness Month encourages all who live, work, and play in the County to build upon that knowledge by preparing themselves and their loved ones for other disasters and emergencies.
Get involved by following @ReadyArlington on social media, visiting their Preparedness Month webpage, and attending in-person and virtual family-friendly events. Learn how to volunteer with County emergency preparedness and response efforts, to prepare for events like the pandemic, storms, floods, and other emergencies.
Explore the month’s weekly themes below and include discussing them with your children and family members:
Week 1 April 1-9: Make a Plan
Talk with your friends and family about how you will communicate before, during, and after a disaster. Make sure to update your plan based on the Centers for Disease Control COVID-19 recommendations, and to register for Arlington Alert to stay informed of local emergencies.
Week 2 April 10-16: Build a Kit
Gather supplies that will last for several days after a disaster for everyone living in your home – and consider unique needs of your loved ones like medications, sensory, or mobility needs. If buying all the items for a kit is too expensive, stock up slowly, build it bit by bit. It’s better to have some supplies than none.
Week 3 April 17-23: Low-Cost, No-Cost Preparedness
Limit the impacts that disasters have on you and your family and know the risk of disasters in your area. In Arlington, flooding and winds are common hazards. Check your home or renter’s insurance coverage and make sure it is up to date.
Week 4 April 24-30: Teach Youth About Preparedness
Talk to your kids about preparing for emergencies, including who to call or what to do if you’re separated in an emergency, when and how to call 9-1-1, and where you’ll keep your kits and family communications plan. Then practice with them!