AACO Office of Emergency Management

Barbecue season is here, and fire safety matters. Keep grills away from buildings, decks, railings, and overhangs. Never leave a grill unattended, and make sure coals are fully extinguished before disposal. A few precautions can prevent a holiday weekend emergency.

Memorial Day weekend often brings travel, boating, gatherings, and more time outdoors. As you make plans, remember to include safety. Coastal wind events can arrive with little notice and overpower watercraft. Check the forecast and make sure someone knows your plans.

Boating, fishing, and other activities increase as temperatures rise, but changing weather can create dangerous conditions. Before heading out, check the forecast and let someone know your plans. If storms are in the area, get off the water immediately. No trip is worth the risk.

It’s Global Accessibility Awareness Day. Its important that our community addresses the importance of inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities to effectively prepare for emergencies and disasters. ready.gov/people-disabil…

Listening to "Preeti Emrick on Preparing Communities for Emergencies During Challenging Times" at buzzsprout.com/2404315/episod…

As temperatures rise, so does the risk of heat-related illness. Stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day, and never leave children or pets in vehicles. Heat can become dangerous quickly, even on days that do not seem extreme.

As temperatures rise, Anne Arundel County OEM is here to help! We are opening cooling relief locations to provide a safe haven for those in need during this summer season. Please don’t hesitate to reach out. Visit aacounty.org/cool for locations & hours.

A pet preparedness kit can be Lucky’s lucky charm! Just as you do with your family, have a basic survival kit for your pet that includes an ID tag, a harness or leash, food, water, medicine, sanitation needs, and other familiar items. ow.ly/pKnZ50YZJ0G

Today is a good day to check in on neighbors, older adults, and others who may need extra support during severe weather. Community preparedness is not just about individual readiness. It is also about looking out for one another. Ensure safety before the next storm arrives.

Power outages can happen during spring and summer storms. Make sure you have flashlights ready and keep backup batteries on hand. If you use a generator, keep it outdoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Safety during and after the storm is just as important as preparation.

As the weather gets warmer, extreme heat can pose some hazards, such as heat-related illnesses. Stay hydrated, and wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to stay cool. To learn more about heat-related illnesses, visit ow.ly/4u0i50YZJuN

Do you know the difference between a watch and a warning? A watch means conditions are favorable for hazardous weather. A warning means the hazard is happening or expected soon and you need to act. Understanding these terms helps you respond faster when time matters most.

It's National Police Week! Thank you to our brave and dedicated county police officers who have been fantastic partners in times of emergency.

Build your emergency kit with the basics: water, food, flashlights, batteries, medications, and pet supplies. Small steps now make a big difference later. aacounty.org/emergency-mana…

Lightning is more than a summer nuisance. It is a serious hazard that can strike well before or after a storm reaches your location. If you hear thunder, move indoors immediately and stay away from windows. When thunder roars, go indoors.

Mother’s Day is a reminder to protect the people we care about most. One of the best ways to do that is to make sure your household is prepared for emergencies. Review plans, update emergency contacts, and make sure loved ones know how to receive alerts if weather threatens.

Flooding is one of the most common and dangerous hazards we face. Never drive through a flooded roadway, even if the water appears shallow. It is often impossible to tell how deep the water is or whether the road underneath has been damaged. Turn around, don’t drown.

Spring storms can develop quickly and bring damaging winds, lightning, heavy rain, and flash flooding. Do not wait until severe weather is already overhead to think about what to do. Know where you will shelter if a warning is issued. Being prepared before the skies darken.

May is the perfect time to refresh your emergency plan before summer hazards arrive. Review your kit, your contacts, and how your household will receive alerts. #BePrepared #AnneArundelReady

If you have hazardous chemicals or materials in your home, read instructions carefully and ensure all hazardous materials are properly labeled with their contents and hazards. For more information on how to stay safe around hazardous chemicals, visit: ow.ly/HhEo50YTh5m