Bonus Podcast: When the $%#^ Hits the Fan, OEM Is Here
Eye On Annapolis Daily News Brief · Sep 21, 2026 · 54:10
Eye On Annapolis Daily News Brief
Eye On Annapolis Daily News Brief · Sep 21, 2026 · 54:10
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September is Emergency Preparedness Month, but disasters don't pay much attention to the calendar.
We sat down with Preeti Emrick, Director of the Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management, to talk about what happens when the unexpected happens—and what residents can do before it does. OEM's job ranges from preparing the County for major emergencies to coordinating agencies and resources when things go sideways, and then helping the community recover afterward.
And "emergency" doesn't necessarily mean a hurricane barreling up the Chesapeake Bay. It could be a violent localized storm, extended power outage, cyberattack, house fire, flooding, or even a situation like the Empire Towers evacuation in Glen Burnie. Emrick says the key is thinking less about preparing for one specific disaster and more about having the basics—and a plan—that can carry you through whatever happens.
We also talk about emergency kits, medications, pets, neighbors, evacuations, reliable information, the County's emergency alerts, volunteers, and why knowing what you'll need for the first few days after something goes wrong can make a huge difference.
And yes, we even discuss the easily forgotten item that could render all those carefully stockpiled cans of emergency food pretty useless: a can opener.
Emergency preparedness isn't about expecting the worst. It's about making sure you're not starting from zero when the $%#^ hits the fan.
Have a listen.
Please take a few minutes to complete this brief preparedness survey to help OEM be better prepared!
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Episodes: Eye On Annapolis Daily News Brief
