WEST CHESTER, PA — This week, the Chester County Commissioners officially designated September as National Preparedness Month, emphasizing the critical need to “expect the unexpected” and to be ready for any emergency that may arise. The proclamation was signed by Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz, and Eric Roe. It highlights the importance of preparedness in reducing fatalities and economic devastation in our communities.
The commissioners’ statement spotlights the necessity of investing in the preparedness of individuals, families, businesses, and communities. “Investing in the preparedness of ourselves, our families, businesses, and communities can reduce fatalities and economic devastations in our communities,” the proclamation reads, urging all Chester County residents to prioritize preparedness.
A key resource in this initiative is Chester County’s Public Preparedness Guide, accessible at www.chesco.org/prepguide. This comprehensive guide provides essential information on preparing for various disasters and emergencies, including severe weather, school safety incidents, hazardous materials situations, and active shooter scenarios. It also offers detailed steps on creating emergency plans tailored for families, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and pets, along with recommendations for assembling a robust emergency preparedness kit.
The guide also explains the various emergency alert systems employed in Chester County. ReadyChesCo, the county’s primary information and warning system, disseminates emergency notifications via phone, email, or text. The system is free and customizable, and all residents are encouraged to sign up or update their existing information at www.readychesco.org.
In addition to ReadyChesCo, residents are advised to enroll in Smart911 at www.smart911.com. This service allows individuals to provide crucial medical, family, and household information to emergency responders, enhancing communication and response during emergencies.
To further promote preparedness, staff from Chester County’s Department of Emergency Services will participate in several community events throughout September and October. These events include West Caln’s Community Day on September 7 and the Warwick Fall Festival on September 28. At these events, residents can obtain more information about emergency preparedness, ReadyChesCo, and Smart911.
The Chester County Commissioners’ proclamation and the associated resources and events reflect a dedicated effort to ensure all residents are equipped to handle emergencies effectively. By making preparedness a priority, Chester County aims to foster a safer and more resilient community.
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