‘Be Ready for Emergencies’ Bingo for National Preparedness Month
For Immediate Release:
Aug. 30, 2023
Media Contact:
Joy Henry | Coordinator, Northwest Pennsylvania Medial Reserve Corps
jhenry@eriecountypa.gov | 814-451-7819
‘Be Ready for Emergencies’ Bingo for National Preparedness Month
Enter to win an Emergency Planning Guide
Erie, PA – September is National Preparedness Month, which helps raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time.
This year’s theme is “Preparing for Older Adults.” Older adults can face greater risks when dealing with extreme weather events and emergencies, especially if they live alone, are low-income, have a disability or live in rural areas.
To help older adults and everyone else stay prepared for any emergency, the Northwest Pennsylvania Medical Reserve Corps encourages all Erie County residents to create an emergency kit.
“We are distributing a free ‘Be Ready for Emergencies’ Bingo Card that lists recommended items for an emergency kit,” said Joy Henry, program coordinator. Get a copy of this card in by emailing mrc@eriecountypa.gov.
Erie County residents have a chance to win a free backpack and emergency guide. Once you have completed five items in a row or the entire card, submit a photo of your emergency kit to mrc@eriecountypa.gov. Photos must be submitted by Sept. 30, 2023.
The Medical Reserve Corp is a national network of volunteers that helps communities respond to natural disasters like blizzards and public health emergencies such as disease outbreaks.
The Northwest Pennsylvania unit, previously called the Erie Regional unit, welcomes any community member with or without medical or healthcare backgrounds of any skill level, ages 18 or older. It serves and welcomes volunteers from Crawford, Erie, Forest, Venango and Warren Counties.
The Northwest Pennsylvania Medical Reserve Corps also organizes free training for the public such as Basic Life Support/CPR. Only volunteers who have received training and are credentialed can participate in emergency response efforts. “Volunteers are needed to help keep our community safe and healthy in all public health emergencies,” said Henry.
For details more information on creating an emergency kit or for more information on joining the Northwest Pennsylvania Medical Reserve Corps, contact mrc@eriecountypa.gov or 814-823-5205.