Community Readiness Week - Is Savage Ready?

NEWS RELEASE
September 17, 2009

Media Contact:
Kevin Enright, Director, Office of Public Information, 410-313-2022
Howard County Community Readiness Week Schedule of Activities Announced

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – County Executive Ken Ulman has proclaimed October 4 – 10 “Community Readiness Week” in Howard County. Building on the success of the past four years, events will be held throughout the week to emphasize the importance of both individual and family disaster preparedness.


Sunday, October 4
10 am – 2 pm
Drive-thru Seasonal Flu Immunization Clinic
The Howard County Health Department will sponsor the 4th annual drive-thru clinic to evaluate the county’s ability to immunize the population on a large scale. Health professionals will administer free seasonal flu vaccines to the public during this clinic.
Columbia Gateway Drive Loop, Columbia
For information call the Flu Hotline at 410-313-6503 or visit www.hchealth.org


Tuesday, October 6
9:30 am – 3 pm
Large Dam Emergency Action Plan Table-Top Exercise
The Howard County Stormwater Management Division will partner with the County’s Office of Emergency Management and the Columbia Association on a table-top exercise to review the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for each of the six large dam structures in Howard County. The EAP includes general procedures and guidelines to be followed in case of dam failure.
James N. Robey Public Safety Training Center, 2200 Scott Wheeler Drive, Marriottsville
For information, call 410-313-6413


7 – 8 pm
League of Women Voters’ Forum on Emergency Preparedness
The League of Women Voters will host a panel representing departments and agencies that support emergency responses in times of disaster. Learn more about the County’s emergency preparedness plans and steps you can take to prepare your family.
Howard County Department of Education Board Room
For information, call 301-596-5460


Thursday, October 8
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Volunteering in a Disaster
Learn what you can do to help yourself, your family and your community be ready for the unexpected. The American Red Cross and the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County will provide basic information on how to prepare and volunteer in times of disaster.
Ellicott City Senior Center, 9401 Frederick Road, Ellicott City
For more information or to register, call the Volunteer Center at 410-715-3172


Thursday, October 8 to Saturday, October 24
Citizens Emergency Readiness Training (CERT) Personal Preparedness Class
Learn how to prepare your home, provide first aid, use a fire extinguisher and other basic tools to protect your family and help your neighbors during an emergency or disaster.
James N. Robey Public Safety Training Center, 2200 Scott Wheeler Drive, Marriottsville
For information, a complete course schedule or to register, please visit www.howardcountymd.gov/FAR/FAR_CERT.htm
Questions? Please call 410-313-6000


Annual Test of Howard County’s Community Notification System
The County will perform its annual test of the automated community notification system. Selected residents will receive a recorded message that reminds them that the system is in place and will be used in response to emergency situations that may occur throughout the year.