September is National Preparedness Month; Annapolis Office of Emergency Management to Conduct Test of the Alert Annapolis Community Notification System
Annapolis, MD- The City of Annapolis Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is excited to announce a test of the Alert Annapolis Community Notification System on September 24, 2024, in recognition of National Preparedness Month. This test underscores OEM’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the safety and preparedness of our community, ensuring that the City residents and businesses are properly notified and ready to respond effectively in the event of an emergency.
The Alert Annapolis Community Notification System is designed to quickly and efficiently deliver critical information to residents and businesses through multiple communication channels, including phone calls, text messages, and emails. These notifications can provide important updates and directions during various emergencies such as severe weather, natural disasters, public health alerts, and other urgent situations.
"We believe that a well-informed community is a safer community," said Kevin Simmons, Director of Annapolis Office of Emergency Management. "Testing our Community Notification System is a critical step in our emergency preparedness efforts, especially as we gear up for National Preparedness Month. We appreciate the cooperation and participation of our residents and businesses, and we urge everyone to use this time to focus on their own preparedness. Whether it’s updating your emergency contact information, building an emergency kit, or creating a family emergency plan, these actions are essential in ensuring that our community is ready to respond to any situation. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient Annapolis."
Details of the Test:
- Date: September 24, 2024
- Starting at approximately 2:00pm and continuing throughout the afternoon
During the test, residents and businesses may receive a phone call, text message, or email with a test notification. The message will clearly state that it is a test and that no action is required.
What to Expect:
- A phone call with a recorded message indicating the test.
- Social media posts from Annapolis OEM accounts announcing the test.
How to Prepare:
- Ensure your contact information is up to date in the Alert Annapolis Community Notification System. You can update your information by visiting https://alertannapolis.civicready.com/ or calling 410-216-9167.
- Follow Annapolis OEM on social media platforms to receive real-time updates and notifications.
In recognition of National Preparedness Month 2024, the City of Annapolis Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is emphasizing the importance of individual and community preparedness.
Steps You Can Take to Be Prepared:
- Build an Emergency Kit: Ensure you have essential supplies such as water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and important documents. Tailor your kit to meet the specific needs of your household.
- Create a Family Emergency Plan: Discuss and plan how you will stay in touch with family members during an emergency. Identify meeting places and share contact information.
- Stay Informed: Sign up for Alert Annapolis to receive timely emergency notifications. Download the free Prepare Me Annapolis mobile app to receive real-time alerts and preparedness tips.
The City of Annapolis encourages residents to stay informed with the latest information. The City of Annapolis offers the following tools:
- Alert Annapolis – This system allows the City to send out automated telephone messages, text messages, or emails quickly and efficiently in the event of an emergency. The brief message will provide information on the emergency and any important instructions. To sign up for Alert Annapolis, please go to the following site https://alertannapolis.civicready.com/ or text “ANNAPOLIS” to 38276.
- Prepare Me Annapolis Mobile App – This free app from the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) provides real-time alerts and information for Annapolitans to be prepared in any type of emergency. Prepare Me Annapolis is available, free of charge, on both the Apple Store and Google Play.
