Montgomery County proclaims September as National Preparedness Month, highlights Sept. 13 preparedness fair

Montgomery County Council President Kate Stewart and county officials marked September as National Preparedness Month during the council's morning session, urging residents to prepare emergency kits, make family plans and register for emergency notifications. The proclamation and remarks emphasized collaboration between county emergency management and local nonprofit and faith-based partners. "National Preparedness Month is an annual campaign to remind everyone that preparing for emergencies and disasters can keep them, their families and their communities safe," said Council Member Andrew Katz as he introduced the proclamation and invited representatives from nonprofits and volunteer emergency teams to the podium. County leaders repeated guidance on basic supplies — nonperishable food, at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, a first-aid kit, flashlights, spare batteries, and at least 14 days of prescription medication — and recommended both digital and hard-copy lists of critical contacts. Earl Stoddard, assistant chief administrative officer for the county executive's office, said federal support may be slower after major disasters and encouraged residents to volunteer with local programs such as the Medical Reserve Corps, Community Emergency Response Team and the American Red Cross to boost local capacity. "We're still gonna be there. We're not leaving our responsibility to come help you when you need help, but what we're doing is asking for everyone to be working collaboratively to do that mission together," Stoddard said. County staff and partner organizations invited residents to a free Ready Montgomery Emergency Preparedness and Public Safety Fair hosted by the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Wheaton Local Park on Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring. Organizers said the event will include AED and CPR training, public-safety information tables, demonstrations, and trainings. Officials urged residents to sign up for Alert Montgomery to receive emergency notifications. The council presentation included a formal proclamation signed by County Executive Marc Elrich and Council President Kate Stewart recognizing September 2025 as National Preparedness Month and encouraging residents to prepare emergency plans. The proclamation text presented to the council called out coordination with federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, private and volunteer agencies and highlighted the county Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security's year-round preparedness work. The council paused afterward to take photos with the assembled community partners.