Neighbors Helping Neighbors is a program designed by the Baltimore County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to teach ordinary citizens how to get through the first 72 hours after a disaster. The next session of Neighbors Helping Neighbors begins March 11, 2008 at the Jacksonville Volunteer Fire Co. The five sessions each begin at 7 p.m. and last about two hours. For more information, call the Office of Volunteerism, 410-887-2715. We encourage online registration. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones! |
If a disaster struck the Baltimore regio
n, it could be days before help arrives and basic services are restored. Would you and your family be ready if that happened?
Unfortunately, most households aren't prepared even for routine water main breaks and weather-related power outages that leave us without utilities for two or three days. Baltimore County's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management strongly urges every household to prepare to get along for 72 hours following an emergency.
Baltimore County is a participant in a new, regional emergency preparedness awareness campaign, Ready? Set? Good. It's designed to help Baltimore area residents know what's most important when it comes to home preparedness.
Preparation starts with three basic supplies:
A battery-powered radio with extra batteries. If the power goes out, a battery-powered radio is the only way to receive information.
Flashlights or battery-powered lanterns with extra batteries. Don’t use candles! They start fires.
Water to last three days. That’s at least one gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation.
We hope that you decide to build a comprehensive emergency supply inventory and family plan. But these three simple items will help see you through most of the emergencies that are likely to affect our region.
The director of the Baltimore County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is Richard G. Muth.
Contact the office by calling 410-887-5996, or by e-mailing tbrush@baltimorecountymd.gov

Revised February 8, 2008