News Flash

City of Aspen and Pitkin County Unite for  "Aspen Aware & Pitkin Prepare" Emergency Readiness Event 
Focused Community Education Aims to Empower Residents and Visitors for Emergency Preparedness 

Aspen, Colo. – Sept. 22, 2023 – In a collaborative initiative, the City of Aspen, the Pitkin County Office of Emergency Management, and the Sheriff’s Office are joining forces to prioritize community safety and well-being. Coinciding with National Preparedness Month, the partnership proudly presents "Aspen Aware & Pitkin Prepare," an Emergency Readiness Event. Scheduled for September 27, 2023, from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, the event aims to empower residents and visitors with the essential knowledge and tools to take personal responsibility for their emergency preparedness. The event will take place on the third floor of the City Hall at Pearl Pass.  

Aspen Police Chief Kim Ferber places a strong emphasis on educational initiatives and readiness as cornerstones of emergency preparedness, all within a framework of city-county collaboration. "Our unified goal between the city and county is to foster an educated and prepared community. By equipping our residents with the necessary knowledge and tools, we're reinforcing confidence in our collective ability to effectively manage crises," she explains. 

Event Highlights 
Three Pillars of Preparedness: 

• Personal Emergency Kits (Go-Bags): Sergeant Rob Fabrocini, Aspen PD, will conduct an in-depth session on how to assemble a tailored emergency kit for both automotive and personal use. The focus of this segment will be on empowering individuals to take responsibility for their own well-being during unforeseen events. 
• Resource Navigation: Chief Deputy of Operations Parker Lathrop, Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, will provide a comprehensive overview of essential emergency resources like IPAWS, Reverse 911, Pitkin Alert, ReachWell, HHS. He will also direct participants to the emergency preparedness tabs on the Aspen Police Department website and Pitkinemergency.org, encouraging attendees to take an active role in educating themselves. 
• Communication Plans for You and Your Family: Sergeant Mike Tracey, Aspen PD, will offer insights into crafting a personal or family emergency communication plan. He will highlight the critical differences between shelter-in-place and evacuation notifications, emphasizing the importance of personal education in decision-making during emergencies. 

Chief Deputy Lathrop adds, “"Of the many tools available for emergency preparedness, education and knowledge remain the most impactful. Our aim is simple: to equip you with the know-how to effectively navigate essential emergency resources. Preparedness is not just a community effort—it's personal." 

Interactive Elements: 

• Pre- and Post-Event Surveys: We highly encourage participants to complete pre- and post-event surveys that will be available the day of the event. Your feedback is invaluable for evaluating the effectiveness of our community education efforts. 
• Social Media Engagement: Use the hashtag #AspenAwarePitkinPrepare to share insights and takeaways from the event, thereby contributing to broader community education. 
• QR Codes and Resource Sheets: Quick access QR codes and resource sheet handouts will be provided for easy reference, empowering you to take the next steps in your emergency preparedness journey. 

Q&A Session for the Community
The Q&A segment will be expertly handled by Assistant Chief of Operations Bill Linn, Community Resource Supervisor Ginna Gordon and Assistant Chief of Administration Linda Consuegra with the Aspen Police Department. They will address community questions, ensuring that each attendee leaves the event with a solid understanding of their role in personal and community preparedness. 

"Aspen Aware & Pitkin Prepare" underscores the city and county's focus on equipping its residents with the vital educational tools needed for individual emergency readiness. This succinct but impactful event aims to turn knowledge into action, encouraging participants to take proactive steps for their own safety and that of the community. Attendees will leave with actionable insights that empower them to effectively handle emergency situations. 

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