Washington County Declares September 2025 as Citizens’ Emergency Preparedness Month

Hagerstown, MD – Washington County has officially designated September 2025 as Citizens’ Emergency Preparedness Month. This proclamation, presented to the Office of Emergency Management, emphasizes the crucial role individuals and the community play in responding to emergencies and disasters. The local observance aligns with the national observance of Preparedness Month each September, highlighting the necessity for residents to take proactive measures for their safety.

The Washington County Office of Emergency Management is urging all residents, families, and organizations to take specific steps to enhance their readiness. These recommendations include the development of personalized emergency plans, the assembly of essential supply kits, and staying informed about potential regional hazards. A key aspect of preparedness is maintaining sufficient supplies, such as food and water, to ensure self-sufficiency for a period of three to five days in the event of an emergency. This also extends to essential items for household pets.

Throughout September, the Office of Emergency Management is promoting preparedness through various initiatives. Residents are encouraged to prepare for potential emergencies, remain informed during critical events, and to utilize multiple methods for receiving emergency alerts. To support these efforts, individuals can visit Ready.gov or the Washington County Office of Emergency Management website to access information on how to prepare and to sign up for county-specific emergency alerts. Residents can register for the Emergency Notification System, WashCo MD Alerts, at https://www.washco-md.net/emergency-management/washcomdalerts/.

To mark the conclusion of Citizens’ Emergency Preparedness Month, a Preparedness Expo is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, 2025. This community event, running from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., is a collaborative effort by the Office of Emergency Management, the Department of Public Relations and Marketing, and the Public Safety Training Center. The expo will feature over 35 participating organizations, display emergency vehicles, and offer a dedicated children’s activity zone. This zone will include face painting, a balloon artist, and a station for building personalized emergency supply kits. Attendees can also expect appearances from popular characters such as Smokey Bear, Chase and Marshall from Paw Patrol, and Sparky the Fire Dog. The event will also provide opportunities for attendees to participate in Stop the Bleed training, hands-on CPR training, and workshops on food preservation. Further details about the expo can be found on the County’s official Facebook event page.

The Washington County Office of Emergency Management, in conjunction with the Division of Emergency Services and the Sheriff’s Department, plays a significant role in public education and supporting first responders. These agencies collectively underscore the importance of planning, assembling supply kits, and staying informed as vital components in building a more resilient community.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Washington County Government

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