Week-by-week Activities
April Preparedness Month encourages everyone in Arlington County to prepare themselves and their loved ones for disasters and emergencies.
Get involved by following @ReadyArlington on social media, visiting their Preparedness Month webpage, and attending in-person and virtual family-friendly events. Learn how to volunteer with County emergency preparedness and response efforts, to prepare for events like the pandemic, storms, floods, and other emergencies.
Explore the month’s weekly themes below and include discussing them with your children and family members:
Week 1 April 1-9: Make a Plan
Talk with your friends and family about how you will communicate before, during, and after a disaster. Make sure to update your plan based on the Centers for Disease Control COVID-19 recommendations, and to register for Arlington Alert to stay informed of local emergencies. https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Programs/Emergency/Arlington-Alert
Week 2 April 10-16: Build a Kit
https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Programs/Emergency/Build-a-Kit
Gather supplies that will last for several days after a disaster for everyone living in your home – and consider unique needs of your loved ones like medications, sensory, or mobility needs. If buying all the items for a kit is too expensive, stock up slowly, build it bit by bit. It’s better to have some supplies than none. https://www.ready.gov/kit
Week 3 April 17-23: Low-Cost, No-Cost Preparedness
https://www.ready.gov/financial-preparedness
Limit the impacts that disasters have on you and your family and know the risk of disasters in your area. In Arlington, flooding and winds are common hazards. Check your home or renter’s insurance coverage and make sure it is up to date.
Week 4 April 24-30: Teach Youth About Preparedness
https://www.ready.gov/kids
Talk to your kids about preparing for emergencies, including who to call or what to do if you’re separated in an emergency, when and how to call 9-1-1, and where you’ll keep your kits and family communications plan. Then practice with them