June 9th, 2008: 

Are You Ready, Guilford? 

Guilford County has already experienced episodes of severe weather in the past month and the Guilford County Preparedness Committee is reminding residents that preparing now for weather hazards like extreme heat, as well as possible disease outbreaks and other dangerous situations is critically important.  June is National Safety Month and this year the National Safety Council (NSC) has included emergency preparedness in its focus on reducing unintentional deaths.  Emergency preparedness measures help people and businesses react safely and efficiently when needed.

Guilford County has a website devoted to this topic.  ReadyGuilford.com has information and planning checklists to help people prepare for themselves, their families, pets and businesses.  It includes guidance on creating a home emergency kit, and has a section for individuals with special needs, as well as information on weather and health hazards.  In addition, preparedness activities like the upcoming High Point Blood Drive and Preparedness Expo will be highlighted. The website, www.readyguilford.com, is a one-stop-shop for preparedness information in Guilford County. 

The Guilford County Preparedness Committee was formed in 2007 as a collaborative effort between all of the public service agencies in Guilford County that provide general disaster preparedness information.  The committee’s goal is to provide family and business preparedness information that is consistent with the National Weather Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency and American Red Cross preparedness standards.  Working together, agency representatives participate in events, seminars and training exercises to ensure that the residents of Guilford County are prepared when a disaster strikes.  

The Guilford County Preparedness Committee includes the following agencies:

• American Red Cross – Greensboro Chapter
• American Red Cross – High Point / Thomasville Chapter
• Greensboro Emergency Management
• Greensboro Fire Department
• Greensboro Police Department
• Guilford County Department of Public Health
• Guilford County Emergency Management
• Guilford County Emergency Medical Service
• Guilford County Emergency Services
• Guilford County Fire Rescue Council
• Guilford County Sheriff’s Office
• High Point Emergency Management
• High Point Fire Department
• High Point Police Department

For more information about the Guilford County Preparedness Committee, ReadyGuilford.com or preparing for emergencies, please contact Steve Marks at 641-2278.