Join us at South Coastal Library for a 4-part free preparedness series (Part 3 & 4, dates TBA). You may attend all 4 sessions, or pick and choose with sessions you wish to attend. Our speakers for the series are:

Pat Heineman, MS, University of Delaware Center for Disabilities Studies and DEMA partner

Pat Young, Library Assistant, Milton Public Library and Chair, Delaware Libraries and Disasters Initiative

While we do not like to think about emergencies and disasters, they happen frequently.  Hurricanes, power outages, tornadoes, earthquakes and pandemics are probably just some that come to mind. Whether your neighborhood has flooded from recent rainstorms or trees are down on your property from high winds or a hurricane, feeling unsafe and facing possible losses can be very stressful. This 4-part series will provide a wide range of information and resources that will help you be better prepared for what may come.

April 30, 2024 | Part 1: Preparing for Emergencies and Disasters: Taking Priority Steps to Increase Readiness and Resilience

What’s involved in preparing for emergencies and disasters? And why should I do anything to prepare? These questions and more will be discussed during this interactive presentation. Participants will learn about the importance of personal risk analysis, the important differences between preparing to shelter in place vs. evacuating and resources and information to assemble a personal “go-bag” and a personal kit for sheltering in place. All participants will receive a go-bag that they can fill at home.

May 9, 2024 | Part 2: Communication is Key in Preparing for Emergencies and Disasters

Where do you turn for information when emergencies and disasters are near? And who do you communicate with before, during and after those events? Reliable information is critically important when personal safety is at risk. This presentation will introduce participants to Smart911 and the Delaware Emergency Notification System (DENS) – both vital resources to stay informed. Resources will also include tools to help participants communicate with family, friends, and neighbors as events unfold and in the aftermath of emergencies and disasters.