[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September is National Preparedness Month

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: For more information, contact Operations Manager Brian Maydwell at (573) 874-7400


September is National Preparedness Month

COLUMBIA, MO (September 1, 2015) - September marks the annual observance of “National Preparedness Month”, a nationwide effort designed to increase awareness as well as encourage individuals, families, businesses, churches, schools and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies. Joint Communications encourages everyone to make sure those preparedness plans include calling 9-1-1.

“Whatever the emergency, it is vital to have a plan, and that includes calling 9-1-1,” said Joint Communications Operations Manager Brian Maydwell. “Knowing what to do when you call us - being calm, giving the telecommunicator the proper information , and following directions – is an important tool in being prepared for an emergency or disaster. That can make the difference in a life-threatening situation.”

In addition, Maydwell urged residents to use Preparedness Month as an opportunity register or update their free Smart911 accounts at www.smart911.com. Smart911 allows people to create a safety profile and provide information that they want to make available to 9-1-1 telecommunicators during an emergency.  Whenever a Smart911-registered phone calls the 9-1-1 Operations Center, that submitted information is automatically made available to the telecommunicator.

For information on when to call 9-1-1 and what telecommunicators will ask you when you call can be found at the National Emergency Number Association website at www.nena.org/?page=911TipsGuidelines. 



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