September Is ‘National Preparedness Month’ In Livingston

LIVINGSTON, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of Livingston Township. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site.

The Livingston Township Council issued a Proclamation on August 17, 2020, declaring September as National Preparedness Month. Council Members hope this will encourage members of the community to become more aware of both the importance of being prepared for emergencies and the planning resources that are available, especially given the unexpected circumstances facing everyone this year.

“The COVID-19 pandemic and Tropical Storm Isaias have been sobering reminders that all types of emergency situations can affect us, and we can’t always see them coming or predict their outcomes,” said Mayor Rudy Fernandez. “While many disasters are out of our control, we can all take steps to be as prepared as possible. Planning in advance, taking into account as much reliable information as we have available, is critical.”

Livingston is proud to again participate in celebrating September as National Preparedness Month. The Annual Ready Campaign, run each September by the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), reminds citizens that anything can happen, anytime, anywhere, so it is essential to be prepared.

Each year, FEMA’s Prepareathon reminds citizens to take an active role in preparing and protecting themselves, their loved ones and their communities. By understanding the types of disasters and emergencies that might affect their community, knowing what to do to stay safe, and taking action to increase their own preparedness, citizens improve their own ability to recover from a disaster.

FEMA’s Ready.gov provides practical advice to help citizens plan ahead with this year’s seasonal preparedness theme, “Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today.” This year, FEMA emphasizes that your emergency plan should be created — or updated — based on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations due to COVID-19.

A Spanish-language version of the site is available at Listo.gov.

“Being prepared for unknown emergencies can seem overwhelming, but it starts with just one step,” stated the Mayor. “Start by making sure that you and your family members will receive critical updates, instructions, and safety information in the event of an emergency by registering for the Township’s Swift911 Emergency Notification System.”

Residents can visit livingstonnj.org and click the “Emergency Notifications” icon to sign up to receive Swift911 alerts by text message, phone call, and/or email. If you have already registered, sign in periodically and make sure your contact information is up to date.

Those using a mobile device to register online do not have to download the Swift911 Public App to receive Livingston's Emergency Notifications. Users can simply dismiss the offer to download the app and continue their registration.

Many public utilities and agencies now have multiple online methods of communication available in addition to calling by phone. Citizens can download apps and sign up for text messages and programs through their utility or other service companies. Parents of school-aged children should be sure to sign up for school district updates.

“As the pandemic has taught us all, trying to catch up while an emergency is already ongoing is challenging,” continued Mayor Fernandez. “Having preparedness measures in place in advance can alleviate that to some degree by allowing you to stay calm and focus on the immediate actions needed. By recognizing National Preparedness Month, the Township is reminding everyone in Livingston to take the time now to make a plan with and for their families—including COVID-19 safety measures and supplies.”

Residents can stay up to date on all kinds of information and events through the Township’s social media outlets. All are encouraged to Follow Livingston Township, NJ on Facebook and on Twitter @Livingston_NJ to find out about happenings in Livingston. The Township will share resources and tips on Facebook and Twitter during National Preparedness Month.

Information on building your own emergency kit, including a sample list of supplies, is available through Township website at livingstonnj.org/EmergencyResources. That page offers quick links to useful websites such as the American Red Cross, National Preparedness Resource Library, and the NJ State Special Needs Registry for Disasters. COVID-19 updates and information for Livingston residents are available at livingstonnj.org/COVID-19.

FEMA also offers general readiness resources for its prepareathon, which “motivates people and communities to take action to prepare for and protect themselves against disasters” at ready.gov/prepareathon.

For more information about the Resolve to be Ready Campaign and National Preparedness Month, visit Ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY.

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