Arlington County Recognizes 2024 National Preparedness Month

Published on September 04, 2024

As part of the 2024 National Preparedness Month (NPM), Arlington County is calling on all residents to take action and be ready for emergencies. This year’s campaign theme is “Start a Conversation.” The message emphasizes an important first step and encourages the community to have the discussion, ask questions, make decisions, and build a preparedness plan.

Preparing your household is easy and can be done by taking a few simple actions:

1. Be Informed and Sign Up for Arlington Alert: Stay informed during emergencies by signing up for Arlington Alert. Get free, real-time updates on weather conditions, road closures, emergencies, and much more! Signing up only takes a few minutes and can be done at ArlingtonAlert.com.
2. Make an Emergency Plan: One of the most critical steps in preparedness is having an emergency plan. Develop a household plan that includes evacuation routes, communication strategies, and meeting points. Regularly practicing this plan ensures everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.
3. Build an Emergency Kit: A well-stocked emergency kit can make all the difference in a crisis. Gather essential items like water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, medications, and important documents. Don’t forget to include items for pets, infants, and anyone with special needs.
4. Don’t Forget About Cybersecurity: In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is a key component of preparedness. Protect your personal information by using strong, unique passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and staying vigilant against phishing and AI-driven scams. Being aware of online threats is essential to maintaining safety in the cyber realm.
   
   

“Preparedness is a shared responsibility, and we all have a role to play in ensuring the safety and resilience of our community,” said William Flagler, Director of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management. “By taking these simple steps—creating a plan, building a kit, staying informed and securing our digital lives—we can better protect ourselves and our loved ones.”

For more information on how to prepare during National Preparedness Month, visit www.arlingtonva.us/prepmonth and follow @ReadyArlington on social media.

About Arlington County Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management

The Arlington County Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management (DPSCEM) is dedicated to enhancing public safety and emergency preparedness through strategic communication, coordination, and community engagement. Our mission is to ensure the safety and well-being of all Arlington residents by preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies.