SUMMIT COUNTY, OHIO—Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro and County Council passed legislation recognizing September as National Preparedness Month and as National Recovery Month.
Preparedness Month has been an annual observance since the Federal Emergency Management Agency recognized it in 2004 to heighten preparedness for disasters and emergencies. The 2022 theme is “Lasting Legacy: The life you’ve built is worth protecting. Prepare for disasters to create a lasting legacy for you and your family.” This Preparedness Month, the County Executive’s Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management Agency (EMA) have some incredible opportunities for residents.
First, the Department of Public Safety holds an annual event called “Safety Town” to teach children about 9-1-1. However, the current video used to teach kids about 9-1-1 is rather dated, so to update the video and engage the creative minds in our community, the department is holding a “Safety Town Video Contest.” High school and college students are able to participate in the contest by submitting a video that teaches kids about 9-1-1. The winners will be awarded $250 toward their art or drama class or supplies as well as a pizza party. Submissions open September 6, 2022 and close December 16, 2022. Winners will be announced March 23, 2023. Click the link for more info: co.summitoh.net/SafetyTown.
Second, the Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is dedicated to keeping residents prepared and informed in the event of an emergency. EMA offers two ways for residents to stay informed on potential emergencies and disasters in Summit County: Reverse Alert and the EMA Mobile Application. Reverse Alert sends out alerts when threats to health and safety occur in our communities. Residents can sign up to receive alerts by phone, email, or by a device for the heard of hearing. Learn more about Reverse Alert and sign up for free here: co.summitoh.net/pages/Reverse-Alert. Residents may also use the EMA Mobile Application to receive push notifications similar to Reverse Alert but with additional features. These features include the ability to create an emergency plan and share it with your family and friends, free access to the NOAA weather radio system, and traffic updates from the Ohio Department of Transportation. The EMA App is free, so sign up at apps.myocv.com/share/a49644308.
“I encourage all our residents to utilize Reverse Alert and the EMA App,” said County Executive Shapiro, “These services are free and provide vital information to keep us and our families safe and healthy.”
County Executive Shapiro and Council also recognized Recovery Month, an annual observance sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to increase awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders and celebrate those who are recovering. In Summit County, the County Executive’s Office works closely with community partners who lead recovery efforts, such as the Summit County ADM Board and Summit County Public Health to ensure treatment and support and available to all those who need it. The County Executive’s Office has also led the creation and administration of the Opiate Abatement Advisory Council, responsible for the management of the opioid settlement funds, with a focus on supporting prevention and treatment. To access recovery resources, visit admboard.org/recovery.aspx.
“We know the hardships of substance use disorder and the challenges faced by those in recovery,” said County Executive Shapiro, “And we know that among those challenges is a stigma around substance use, which can deter people from seeking help. We will continue to use Recovery Month to show our friends, family, and neighbors that recovery is possible, and that they will be met with love and understanding no matter their circumstances.”
