The Lake County Emergency Management Agency and Local Emergency Planning Committee are once again partnering with Lake Communicators to motivate Lake County residents to take action, make a plan and be prepared for any disaster or emergency through the “Ready Lake County” campaign.
The campaign launched last year with great exposure and support of every city in Lake County through signage outside key municipal buildings, library displays, print, radio and city TV ads, radio interviews, print articles and even a dynamic YouTube PSA video.
This year, the program is adding the development of relationships with the Wickliffe City School District and private schools in Wickliffe to encourage emergency preparation discussions in classrooms to encourage students to take home information, make emergency kits and develop family plans.
While other agencies attempt to educate the public on the need to be prepared, local research shows that most families would not be prepared in a disaster because they think they can rely on their local emergency services. In reality, first responders will assist the elderly and people with special needs before they would be able to assist the general public, leaving many individuals and families to be self-sufficient.
“Disasters and large-scale emergencies, whether natural or man-made, are going to occur. Retaining a sense of community awareness, coupled with taking some simple steps to individually prepare, can go a long way in helping to reduce the impact and duration of such events. Expanding our preparedness message to students this year is exciting. It’s not just adults that can prepare, kids can build a supply kit or help care for younger siblings and family pets. Teaching kids and teens to be self-prepared now can instill a sense of responsibility they’ll carry through life,” said Larry Greene, Director of Lake County EMA.
The ReadyLakeCounty.com website is the one source for everyone to easily access agencies, resources and basic information to create disaster plans, build personal emergency supply kits, prepare for pet needs, and identify which agencies best meet their unique emergency needs.
“No family has the same needs for emergency planning. Greene added. “Everyone should discuss and plan accordingly to keeping their family prepared.Since September is National Preparedness Month, we want to remind and encourage everyone now is the time to discuss their plan and assemble that emergency kit they’ve been putting off doing.”
Ready Lake County is supported through partnership with local Police and Fire Departments, Lake County General Health District, Laketran, Lifeline 2-1-1, American Red Cross, First Energy, Dominion East Ohio, Lubrizol, United Way of Lake County and Lake Communicators.
