Westminster, MD, Tuesday, September 9, 2025 – During Open Session on Thursday, August 28th the Carroll County Board of Commissioners proclaimed September as Carroll County Preparedness Month, which is also Maryland and National Preparedness Month.

The theme for this year’s Carroll County preparedness month is “Preparedness Starts at Home.” Through the month of September, and year-round, citizens of Carroll County are encouraged to create and/or update an emergency plan and keep an emergency kit stocked in case of a need to shelter in place or evacuate. Building a kit and a plan with friends and family can be fun and help put minds at ease, knowing that you and your family have the items needed in an emergency.

Hazards common to Carroll County include flooding, high winds, severe thunderstorms, and winter storms. The Atlantic hurricane season runs through November each year, and our area can experience effects from tropical weather throughout the fall months.

“Disasters can happen at any time, and it is never too early to prepare for an emergency,” said Valerie Hawkins, Director of Emergency Management and Communications. Carroll County residents can take steps now so they will be ready when a disaster or emergency does occur.”

Common items to include in a ready kit are a flashlight with extra batteries, shelf-stable food, water for drinking and sanitation, a first aid kit, local maps, and a whistle to signal for help.

Several online sources providing good emergency preparedness information include:

  1. Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM): http://mdem.maryland.gov
  2. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): http://www.ready.gov

Additional information can also be found in the Are You Ready? Citizen’s Guide to Emergency Preparedness, and on the Carroll County Emergency Management website. Residents are also encouraged to sign up for Carroll Alert and the Prepare Me Carroll App.

Open session is available for viewing on the county meeting portal and the county YouTube channel. In addition, all meetings will be replayed on Comcast Channel 24.