September is National Preparedness Month, a time to highlight the importance of planning, readiness, and resilience in every community. As we all grieve the loss of 3 township police officers gunned down recently in North Codorus Township, York County, PSATS recognizes the vital work performed by our first responders and emergency management coordinators (EMCs).  Pennsylvania. National Preparedness Month serves as a reminder to thank these individuals, many of whom are volunteers, for the critical work that they do to help keep us safe and ensure resources are available during and after an emergency. 

Every municipality is required to have an EMC, appointed by the governor, to direct emergency management activities in their community. EMCs ensure smooth operations of disaster response, supporting first responders and providing updates to local elected officials. EMCs build emergency plans, work with first responders, and ensure that resources are in place long before a disaster occurs, and play a central role in leading their communities through recovery. 

Township officials can encourage residents to visit Ready PA to learn how to be informed, be prepared, and be involved as a way to celebrate National Preparedness Month.