With National Preparedness Month just around the corner, Anne Arundel County is taking the initiative to ensure its residents are well-equipped to deal with emergencies. In a statement obtained by Anne Arundel County, Preeti Emrick, Director of Emergency Management for Anne Arundel County, emphasized the significance of preparation, "By participating in these free trainings, residents can gain valuable skills that could save lives during a disaster."
As part of this observance, a variety of free training opportunities are being offered to help locals learn essential survival skills. From playing the Extreme Event Simulation Game which tests their resilience in the face of a simulated disaster, to mastering Hands-Only CPR and how to use an AED in a focused 1.5-hour class, there's a program for every member of the community. As the month aims at building community resilience, these programs are designed to be accessible, requiring no medical experience for participants.
The Stop the Bleed class is another hands-on experience that teaches attendees how to control bleeding before professional help arrives. Skills such as applying direct pressure, packing wounds, and utilizing tourniquets are indispensable in emergencies. The county doesn't stop at physical preparedness, the Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) training offers strategies and tactics to help residents protect themselves and others during unpredictable active shooter scenarios.
Residents interested in enhancing their emergency preparedness can register for any or all of the events at the county's Office of Emergency Management website. They encourage community members to remain engaged by signing up for Alert Anne Arundel for emergency alerts and to follow them on various social media platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram, Nextdoor, and YouTube.
For those with special format requests, the Office of Emergency Management can be contacted at 410-222-0600 or via email at [email protected]. TTY users are urged to call Maryland Relay 7-1-1 to accommodate their needs.
