National Night Out event in Germantown focuses on emergency preparation

In observance of National Town Watch Night Out, which was designed to heighten crime-fighting and drug-prevention awareness while strengthening neighborhood spirit, the Germantown Deaf Ministry Fellowship will host an event from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Rosalind McKelvey, ministry director, said their event, to be held at 5219 Germantown Ave., will focus primarily on building neighborhood camaraderie and how best to prepare for a “blackout or flood or whatever emergency arises.”

“It promotes self-help [and] community cohesion,” she said of the event open to the deaf and hearing communities. “And, it helps people prepare for trouble before trouble comes [so] we can work better with FEMA and our local, state and federal government.”

Emergency preparedness

In addition to introducing block captains and assigning an “emergency home,” attendees will be given information regarding emergency strategies and the importance of having “go kits.”

“This event explains why you need to have things prepared beforehand because the deaf won’t have interpreters on hand,” said McKelvey. “They need, in writing, their medical needs, contact information, Ziploc bags with medication, so people know what they are allergic to and their personal information, which is very important in emergencies so that they continue to get services.”

While the group will convene for a serious cause, it will be a low-key event that will include music, a movie screening, light snacks and refreshments. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs.

More information

For more information on the National Town Watch Night Out which is billed as “America’s Night Out Against Crime,” visit natw.org.

If you are involved with other similar events in Northwest Philadelphia and beyond on Tuesday, let NewsWorks know.