Emergency Preparedness
Emergency preparedness involves actions the community can take to build resilience against climate-related threats and hazards. Extreme heat, floods, and other extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and intensity due to climate change.
Being prepared for climate-related threats and hazards includes understanding your local hazards and knowing the steps to take to be ready for an emergency. Be sure to visit ReadyHoCo, the Office of Emergency Management’s one-stop-shop for preparedness tips, outreach events, and more!
Preparedness
Flood
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- Get familiar with the National Weather Service’s terminology used to issue flood alerts.
- Make a plan for your household, including your pets, so that you and your family know what to do, where to go, and what you will need to protect yourselves from flooding.
- Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response. Gather supplies, including non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies, and water for several days, in case you must leave immediately or if services are cut off in your area.
Extreme Heat
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- Get familiar with the National Weather Service’s terminology used to issue heat alerts.
- Get to know the locations of cooling centers near you. Howard County activates cooling centers at community centers, 50+ centers, and libraries when specific heat conditions are met. Residents can access air conditioning at these facilities during normal business hours. Be sure to follow Howard County Government on social media to know when cooling centers are activated in the summer.
Power Outage
- Find your utility company’s outage map and reporting tools.
- Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity. Plan for batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs when the power goes out, such as a portable charger or power bank. Have flashlights for every household member. Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.
Explore Howard County’s Public Health Preparedness Program and ReadyHoCo page for more hazard safety and preparedness tips.