Emergency Preparedness Materials Available in Library

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

(Business Monthly) -- The Howard County Community Emergency Response Network (CERN) has launched a campaign to educate the public about emergency preparedness, according to chairman Mary Lasky.

Community Emergency Response Network, and Valerie Gross, President & CEO of the Howard County Library, display emergency preparedness materials now available at all branches of the library.

The "Be Responsible. Be Ready" campaign features distribution of informational materials, including "Protect Against the Flu," "Help Your Neighbors, Help Yourself," "Sheltering and Evacuation," and "Help Prevent Terrorism," which includes information about what constitutes "suspicious activities." Printed cards are available in all Howard County library branches, and online at www.cernhc.org.

CERN is a public private partnership of first responders, nonprofit leaders and others, with a mission to enhance community resilience through emergency preparedness based on knowledge, prior planning, taking reasonable precautions, and citizens helping one another.

"Be Responsible. Be Ready" arose from a partnership of The Horizon Foundation, Howard County Government and the Howard County Library. The police department prepared the materials on terrorism, and the Howard County health department prepared the materials on the flu. The Horizon Foundation funded the design and printing of the materials.

CERN was established after the events of September 11, as a partnership between the Horizon Foundation, the County government, and key community agencies in Howard County. The effort supports government disaster planning through coordination of the emergency plans and resources of participating members.

For more information, visit www.cernhc.org.