Mayor Walsh to recognize national preparedness month with cook-off challenge

The cook-off will take place this Thursday, September 17 at 11:00 a.m. on City Hall Plaza.

"Emergencies are often unexpected and it is our top priority to ensure the safety of all Boston residents and visitors," said Mayor Walsh. "Now is the time for residents to evaluate how prepared they are for a disaster - it can be as simple as gathering batteries and flashlights or identifying a family-meeting location."

Mayor Walsh will kick-off the cook-off, which focuses on creative recipes using items a resident could have in their pantry in the event of an emergency. Often, residents prepare to leave their home in the event of an emergency, however, as experienced this past winter, residents may be shelter-in-place for days on end. He will be joined by the Director of the Mayor's Office of Emergency Management, Rene Fielding, Chief Resilience Officer, Atyia Martin, Boston Emergency Medical Services Chief James Hooley, Boston Police Deputy Superintendent, Nora Baston, and Boston Fire Commissioner, Joseph Finn. Boston Parks Commissioner Christopher Cook will emcee the event.

The Mayor's Office of Emergency Management encourages Boston residents to follow these steps to prepare for an emergency:

Your family might not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to plan ahead of time and plan for the following:

• Create and practice a family communications plan in case you are separated during an emergency
• Select a family meeting spot where everyone can go in case you are separated
• Learn where the closest emergency shelter in your town is located. Visit OEM's website to access a map of City of Boston Emergency Shelters.

An emergency supply kit should provide a collection of basic items that household members would need in the event of a disaster. This kit can be used if you had to leave your home during an emergency or in your home if there is an extended power outage. During an emergency there probably will not be time to shop so having this kit ready before a disaster occurs is very important. 
Below is a list of recommended to have in your emergency supply kit:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Can opener for food
• First aid kit
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Moist towelettes and garbage bags for personal sanitation
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Supplies for your pets - water, food, leash and collar

Reliable and accurate information is essential before, during and after an emergency. Please connect to the following resources:

• Register to receive emergency notifications
• Follow OEM on Facebook and Twitter
• For additional preparedness information, visit OEM's website