In observation of September as National Emergency Preparedness Month, the Washington County Emergency Management Office is partnering with Washington County Public Schools to distribute tote bags filled with preparedness materials and resources for elementary school teachers.
Schools receiving the materials are Cascade, Conococheague, Fountaindale, Fountain Rock, Funkstown, Greenbrier, Hickory and Winter Street.
The information teachers are receiving will serve a dual purpose.
The first is to encourage teachers to be prepared for emergencies at home so they might worry less when emergencies occur during school hours.
The second is to encourage teachers to communicate the value of being prepared for natural disasters and other emergencies to their students.
Washington County Emergency Planner Brad Stotelmyer is happy to be getting the "preparedness" word out to teachers.
"Teachers have such great influence over so many young lives," he said. "If we can convince teachers of the value of preparedness, imagine the thousands of young minds we can reach.
