Mayor Craig A. Moe has proclaimed September as “National Preparedness Month” in the City of Laurel and Laurel’s Department of Community Services and Emergency Management (CREM) wants to make sure we are all prepared in case of an emergency or disaster.

This year’s theme from Ready.gov is Preparing for Older Americans. We know older Americans can face greater risks when it comes to the multitude of extreme weather events and emergencies we now face, especially if individuals are facing barriers such as a limited support network, income below the poverty line or, have a disability. Keep an eye out on the Division of Emergency Management’s (DEM) Social Media accounts, @LaurelCityOEM on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, for tips and make sure to follow and like them to ensure you receive these tips and other emergency-related information and alerts.

CREM will also put a focus on pets for Emergency Preparedness Month, since we see many of our residents own pets in the City of Laurel.

Want to have a bit of fun? The City will host a Scavenger Hunt from September 1 – 24, 2023. Ten tips will be displayed on the City’s website, www.cityoflaurel.org. Figure out the location the tip is directing you to, go to that site and snap a picture of the image you see to the right (snap a picture wide enough to show the location) and then once you have all ten, send it to [email protected]. The winner will receive a prize to help you be better prepared! If we get more than one entrant with all ten, we will hold a drawing for the winner.

If you have a dog, join DEM at Laurel Parks and Recreation’s Doggie Dip Day on September 9th, from 10am – 12pm, at Greenview Drive Pool, 14403 Greenview Drive. They’ll have a table set up with lots of great information to help individuals and families prepare for emergencies!

For more important emergency preparedness tips, information and resources, please visit the Division of Emergency Management page on the City’s website at https://www.cityoflaurel.org/em.