News Release: PGW Highlights Safety Planning During National Preparedness Month
Posted on: Sep 01, 2021Weekly action steps in September offer tips to help families prepare for emergencies
PHILADELPHIA (September 1, 2021) – Throughout National Preparedness Month this September, Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) will remind customers of the importance of planning for disasters and other emergencies.
The theme for National Preparedness Month 2021 is “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.” Resources to help families and communities protect those most important to them are available on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) website at ready.gov.
The site features toolkits with planning advice such as evacuating and sheltering during an emergency; gathering survival supplies, including food, water, flashlights and first aid kits; assigning emergency roles for family members; and tips on creating a family emergency communications plan.
Each week in September, the National Preparedness Month campaign suggests families take the following action steps:
Week 1 - Make a Plan (September 1-4): Talk to friends and family about communicating before, during, and after a disaster. Make sure to update your plan based on Centers for Disease Control (CDC) COVID-19 recommendations.- Week 2 - Build a Kit (September 5-11): Gather supplies that will last for several days after a disaster for everyone in your home. Consider each person’s or pet’s unique needs if you must evacuate quickly. Update kits and supplies based on CDC recommendations.
- Week 3 - Prepare for Disasters (September 12-18): Know the risk of local disasters and check your insurance coverage. Learn how to fortify your home against storms and other common hazards and how to react quickly if you receive a local warning or alert.
- Week 4 - Teach Youth about Preparedness (September 19-25): Talk to your kids about preparing for emergencies and what to do in case you are separated. Reassure them by providing information about how they can get involved.
“Keeping safety first is key for our customers and employees to always remember. Being prepared will help to minimize risk and avoid the need to execute on emergency plans in some cases,” said Mark Lee, PGW’s Director of Corporate Preparedness. “National Preparedness Month is an opportunity to begin, review and update emergency planning. Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve learned the importance of being prepared as we continue to navigate the impacts of COVID-19, as well as any other emergencies that may come our way.”
Visit PGW’s website at pgworks.com/safety for further emergency information, tips on using natural gas service, and advice on how to stay safe at home. PGW urges anyone who smells gas to immediately call 215-235-1212.
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