The Norwalk Fire Department–Office of Emergency Management is urging residents to become better informed during the month of September for National Preparedness Month. From house fires to hurricanes, now is the time to make sure residents and businesses are ready for any emergency. Sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Preparedness Month aims to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to all types of emergencies, including natural disasters, fires and potential terrorist attacks. The better prepared a community is for any type of emergency situation, the faster they will recover and the Fire Department is here to help aid in that process.
This year, each week in September will focus on a different aspect of emergency preparedness:
Sept. 1-7 teaches you "How to Reconnect with Family after a Disaster." Be sure that your family members know how to use text messaging on their phones, and know the number of an out-of-state family member or friend to contact. These options can be easier when local phone service is affected. Visit http://www.ready.gov/family-communications to learn more.
The theme for Sept. 8-14 is "Know How to Plan for Specific Needs before a Disaster." This is an important topic for all families, especially those with children, pets, disabled individuals or others with special medical needs who may need extra help during an emergency. For more information, see http://www.ready.gov/considerations
Sept. 15-21 looks at "How to Build an Emergency Kit." Kits are vital to have after an emergency. You and your family might have to shelter at home without power or phone service for several days, while first responders help people in greater need. A smaller kit ("go kit") is important in case you need to evacuate. Have all family members help pack your kit, and include their favorite non-perishable foods. To learn more about what to put in your kit, visit http://www.ready.gov/basic-disaster-supplies-kit
The last few days, Sept. 22-30, show you "How to Practice for an Emergency." On Saturday, September 27, from 10-1, the Norwalk Fire, Public Works and Police Departments will sponsor our annual Open House and Touch-a-truck at the DPW Work Center on South Smith Street. This is a great opportunity to learn more about safety and preparedness, practice your fire escape plan in the NFD Smoke Trailer and much more.
The NFD-OEM also encourages residents to volunteer to help the City respond and recover to disasters. A free Norwalk Disaster Reserve Volunteer training will be held on September 4 from 6-9 p.m. at the Norwalk Fire Dept. To register or learn more, please contact Michele DeLuca at 203-854-0238 or mdeluca@norwalkct.org