The Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management is urging citizens to prepare now for future emergencies. September is National Preparedness Month, which is a nationwide effort to encourage individuals, families, businesses and communities to work together and take action to prepare for all types of emergencies that may impact their lives. National Preparedness Month is led by FEMA’s Ready Campaign, in partnership with Citizen Corps and the Advertising Council.
Every year, since September 11, 2001, the Ohio Statehouse has displayed tribute to all who lost their lives on that fateful day. This year, HandsOn Central Ohio is organizing the flag display on the West Lawn of the Statehouse.
On Thursday evening, September 6, local volunteers, to include Ohio Citizen Corps, city police and firefighters, Girl and Boy Scout Troops, and citizens, set up 2,999 small flags – each flag represents a life lost on 9/11. The flags are planted into the lawn in the shape of the World Trade Center Towers and the Pentagon. The flags will be on display through Patriot Day, September 11.
Before the placement of the flags on Sept. 6, the directors of the Ohio Emergency Management Agency and the Ohio Department of Health – the lead agencies of Ohio Citizen Corps – will address volunteers on the Statehouse West Lawn to thank them for their time and effort.
This September, Get Involved. Join groups that support your local first responders. Get involved with disaster relief and community safety organizations. Help educate your family, neighbors and coworkers on emergency preparedness.
For readiness and preparedness information on incidents that impact the state, visit ReadyOhio at www.ready.ohio.gov
Sign up to volunteer with Ohio Citizen Corps at www.ohioresponds.gov.
Get involved with HandsOn Central Ohio: www.handsoncentralohio.org. Pledge to prepare by signing up with Ready’s National Preparedness Coalition: www.ready.gov.