DATE: September 2, 2014
MEDIA CONTACT: Miguel Ascarrunz, Director, Broward County Emergency Management Division
PHONE: 954-831-3900
EMAIL: mascarrunz@broward.org
BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Broward County joins other communities across the nation in observance of National Preparedness Month, an annual event sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This national observance is designed to increase awareness of the importance of emergency preparedness for all hazards, and to encourage all individuals and communities to be informed, and to have an emergency preparedness plan in place. View Video
“Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility of residents throughout Broward County,” said Miguel Ascarrunz, Director of Broward County’s Emergency Management Division. “The September awareness campaign reminds families and local businesses to have a preparedness plan in place, whether it is for a weather event or other type of emergency. It’s important to regularly review that plan, but it’s just as important to test the plan during an annual practice drill at home or in the workplace.”
Broward County has several planned activities throughout the month, including a social media education campaign on Twitter and Facebook, hosting the StormZone program student preparedness simulation exercise at the County’s Emergency Operations Center, and offering several preparedness classes for residents and the business community. The Broward County Board of County Commissioners will also proclaim September as “National Preparedness Month in Broward County” at their regular meeting on Tuesday, September 9th.
Staying Connected:
Residents are encouraged to stay connected with their County before, during and after an emergency.
- Encourage family and friends to subscribe to Broward County Emergency Updates, important public safety information delivered via email before, during and after an emergency
- Call the Broward County Call Center at 311, or 954-831-4000, for updates and general preparedness information
- Bookmark gis.Broward.org/ReportHomeDamage on your smartphone or other mobile device so you can report damage to your home and help first responders assess impacts in the immediate aftermath of a storm
About Emergency Management Division
The Broward County Emergency Management Division develops and implements comprehensive emergency planning response, mitigation and recovery activities in order to save lives and protect property in emergencies. Technical assistance is available to develop and maintain emergency plans for all types of hazards. Free training and presentations are available to the public on request. For more information, visit Broward.org/Emergency, follow us on Twitter.com/ReadyBroward, like us on Facebook.com/BrowardEMD or call 954-831-3900.