Norman, a city not unfamiliar with the whims of the weather, is bracing for its own brand of awareness this coming weekend. In an effort to drum up community engagement on the front of disaster readiness, the City of Norman's Emergency Management Division and accompanying agencies are setting up camp at Sooner Mall for Preparedness Day on September 30. From noon to 6 p.m., at 3301 W. Main Street, local residents can glean wisdom and resources on how to stay ahead of emergencies.
The event, free of charge, offers a platform for interaction with service organizations and speaking to officials about preparedness. "Personal preparedness is the key to being ready for the next emergency", said David Grizzle, Normans' Emergency Management Coordinator, "We use opportunities, such as this day at the mall, to meet with the public and discuss their concerns about preparedness and readiness issues they are interested in". September is National Preparedness Month, a reminder set by the Federal Emergency Management Agency among others to encourage Americans to remain vigilant, according to City of Norman website
Volunteer stations will provide help with everything from programming weather radios to filling out applications for those looking to volunteer with Norman's Emergency Management. Chief King, the Fire Chief and Emergency Manager of Norman emphasized the affected recent weather patterns indicating that such initiatives are not taken lightly. "This time of year we would like to remind the residents of Norman to check the batteries in their NOAA weather radio or smoke alarms, update their emergency preparedness kits, and review their family emergency plans", he said, statement obtained by the City of Norman.
With the Preparedness Day event as a primer, residents can continue their civic engagement into the evening. The Norman Police Department will carry the torch onward with National Night Out, which continues until 9 p.m. that same evening at Sooner Mall. It's a seamless transition from self-preparedness to communal solidarity, fostering an environment of comprehensive safety mindfulness.
For those seeking more information, or to perhaps embroil themselves in relief efforts, David Grizzle is available at 405-292-9780. Direct questions or offers of involvement can be addressed therein. A full schedule and list of participatory organizations for Preparedness Day can be found on the City of Norman's official website.
