National Preparedness Month: Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead – But You Can

Published on September 05, 2023

September marks National Preparedness Month, an annual opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time.

The Ready Campaign’s 2023 National Preparedness Month theme is Take Control in 1, 2, 3. The campaign focuses on preparing older adults for disasters, specifically those from communities disproportionally impacted by emergencies.

"We know the more prepared residents and businesses are, the quicker our community can recover from a disaster or emergency," said William Flagler, Director of the Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management. "National Preparedness Month is a fantastic opportunity to learn about risks we face in Arlington and to take steps to protect ourselves, our families, and our community."

Visit the County’s Preparedness Month webpage to explore preparedness resources for the home, workplace, and community, including:

Volunteer and training opportunities to help the County prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies

Low and no-cost preparedness tips

Involving youth in emergency preparedness

Making an emergency plan and building an emergency kit

Making your home and business more flood resilient

Planning for multifamily buildings

Subscribing for free emergency alerts with Arlington Alert

Disasters don’t plan ahead, but people can. Visit ReadyArlington.com to learn more.

About the Department of Public Safety Communications & Emergency Management

The mission of the Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management (PSCEM) is to ensure that Arlington County is prepared for emergencies and can respond effectively. PSCEM oversees and coordinates emergency resources, engages with the community, and operates the Emergency Communications Center (9-1-1 Center). Day-to-day efforts include creating plans, policies, and programs, managing the public safety radio system and County alert and warning programs, engaging with the community, and providing thorough training and protocols for emergencies.

TRAFFIC ALERT: Police Host Halloween Sober Ride Outreach Event

Published on October 09, 2024

To help spread the message that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving, the Arlington County Police Department, in partnership with the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP), is hosting a Halloween anti-drunk driving event to highlight the impact alcohol has on motor skills.

Tagged as: , Public Safety, Police

100 Trees to Be Planted at Arlington Public Schools

Published on October 09, 2024

The Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation’s Urban Forestry Office is partnering with Arlington Public Schools (APS) to plant 100 trees on school properties, thanks to the Virginia Trees for Clean Water Grant Program.