This biweekly column is sponsored by the Arlington Office of Emergency Management.
Our weeklong initiative to design and implement a girls summer camp and leadership development has concluded, and we are happy with the results thus far, taking note of adjustments for next year.
The Office of Emergency Management now heads into preparation for National Preparedness Month in September, and we’ll be at several events in July and August.
Family emergency communications is one topic that came up many times during the HERricane summer camp run by the Office of Emergency Management. An element of the camp was to increase awareness of natural and man-made hazards. Being informed is the first critical step in developing a Family Emergency Communication Plan.
There was a special focus during the camp on building a family emergency kit. Students reflected that they learned to consider nontraditional items in their kits to provide comfort during an emergency.
They also had an opportunity to participate in an Iron Chef-styled competition only using ingredients most households would have on hand during an emergency, such as canned foods. One student, age 15, remarked that she felt more prepared to be creative with food choices in the event she and her family need to rely on their emergency kit.
Remember to be informed by signing up for Arlington Alert, make a plan with your family in the event of an emergency, build a kit, and get involved with a volunteer group such as ANCHoR.
HERricane Arlington empowers women to pursue careers and leadership roles in emergency management through a week-long “camp,” and also includes long-term professional development opportunities. HERricane will be hosting follow-up events throughout the school year. In September camp students will receive a tour of the Emergency Call Center and complete a related service project.
September is National Preparedness Month and this year the Office of Emergency Management is focusing on family preparedness. For more information, follow us at ReadyArlington on Facebook and @readyarlington on Twitter.