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NEWS RELEASE

October 14, 2008

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Howard County “Community Readiness Week” Schedule of Activities Announced

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – County Executive Ken Ulman has proclaimed November 1 to November 7 “Community Readiness Week” in Howard County. Building on the success of the past three years, events will be held throughout the week to emphasize the importance of both individual and family disaster preparedness.

Saturday, November 1, 9 am – 4 pm
Personal Preparedness Public Safety Expo
The Expo will feature demonstrations, information and hands-on activities for the entire family. Exhibitors include Howard County’s Departments of Fire & Rescue Services, Police, Health, Public Works, Corrections, Citizen Services and the Bureaus of Animal Control and Communications (9-1-1). Meet members of organizations that support and help manage disasters: Howard County’s Civil Air Patrol, RACES, CERN, the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County, along with representatives of FEMA and MEMA. There will also be a display of vehicles and equipment used to manage emergencies. The event is free and open to the public.
James N. Robey Public Safety Training Center, 2200 Scott Wheeler Drive, Marriottsville
Call the Fire Department’s Community Outreach Hotline: 410-313-2036

Sunday, November 2, 10 am – 2 pm
Drive-thru Flu Clinic
The Howard County Health Department will sponsor the 3rd annual drive-thru clinic to test the county’s ability to immunize the population on a large scale. Health professionals will administer flu vaccines to the public during this test drill.
Columbia Gateway Drive Loop, Columbia
For information call 410-313-6503

Monday, November 3, 8 am – 12 pm
“Operation People-Mover” Functional Exercise
The media is invited to attend this functional exercise conducted by Howard County’s Office of Emergency Management to test and evaluate the County’s ability to evacuate residents in case of disaster and move them to an emergency shelter.
Location to be announced
For information call 410-313-6030

Thursday, November 6, 6 – 9:30 pm
“Ready When the Time Comes” Training
Before a local disaster strikes, the public is invited to learn what they can do to help their families and the community through this basic training offered by the American Red Cross and the Volunteer Center of Howard County. Contact the Center at 410-715-3172 for information.
Savage Branch, Howard County Library

Friday, November 7, 2 – 5 pm
Child Safety Seat Inspection
Every year, countless children die because of improperly installed car seats. These needless deaths can be avoided by ensuring that children ride in safety seats that are properly installed and maintained. Stop by and have your child’s seat inspected by a certified safety seat technician. This is a first-come, first-served event – no appointments are necessary.
Clarksville Volunteer Fire Station #5, 5000 Signal Bell Lane, Clarksville

Annual Test of Howard County’s Community Notification System
Each day between the hours of 9 am and 9 pm the County’s automated community notification system will be calling households across the county to test the emergency notification system. 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.