Program Summary
The Anne Arundel Ready (AAR) program is a countywide initiative created by the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) that establishes a Community Preparedness Network of businesses, nonprofits, schools, faith-based organizations, and community groups.
Its purpose is to strengthen Anne Arundel County’s resilience to emergencies and disasters through cooperation, preparedness education, continuity planning, and community outreach.
Vision at a Glance
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Build a Resilient County
Encourage every organization, regardless of size or sector, to develop and maintain plans, training, and awareness for emergencies.
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Foster Partnerships
Create a network that connects private, nonprofit, and community stakeholders with OEM resources and leadership.
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Expand Preparedness Outreach
Leverage the reach and brand awareness of partners to spread preparedness messaging across the county.
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Recognize Commitment
Publicly acknowledge participating organizations with the Anne Arundel Ready Seal, highlighting their dedication to community safety.
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Support Emergency Response & Recovery
Provide information, training, and networking that directly strengthens operational continuity during crises.
Why Join Anne Arundel Ready?
AAR is based on proven models and tailored to Anne Arundel County’s unique risks – including coastal flooding, hurricanes, severe storms, extreme heat, cyber threats, and public health emergencies.
Access templates, toolkits, and checklists. Create or update organizational emergency and business continuity plans. Access local hazard and risk reduction resources.
Engage with the OEM team and participate in partnership exercises, train personnel in Stop the Bleed, CPR, and Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events.
Be recognized as a resilience leader in Anne Arundel County - Engage with partners and the public and be a trusted ambassador to disaster preparedness in the community.
Customized website features, press releases, and more. Gain the branding opportunity to align your organization with public safety messaging.
Partner Recognition & Benefits
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Partner portal on OEM website to receive branding and media kits, readiness material, presentations, access templates, toolkits, checklists, and to submit completed materials.
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Strengthened credibility and goodwill with staff, clients, and the community. Co-branding products to include the use of the Anne Arundel Ready Seal, digital and print-ready products, a signed certificate from the OEM director, and social media highlights.
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Exclusive access to customized emergency and disaster readiness training, including classes, mitigation and safety review, and assistance with any Emergency Action Plans (EAP).
Preparedness Matters
Every organization and its community has unique vulnerabilities and weaknesses. Knowing which disasters are most likely to affect your business can help you return to operations faster. Disasters can take many forms, such as hurricanes, wildfires, flooding, or even cyberattacks, and the financial cost of rebuilding after a disaster can be overwhelming. If you take the time now to be prepared for emergencies, you’ll be in a better position to recover and continue operations when disaster strikes.
Saving Lives and Reducing Costs
Weather-related catastrophes are increasing in frequency and severity, and billion-dollar disasters are now the norm. In 2022 alone, the cost of natural disasters exceeded $360 billion across the globe, with more than 40 weather events each causing over $1 billion in damage. With the price of disasters increasing, governments, businesses, and households need to invest in community resilience to ensure prosperity.
Enrollment Process & Requirements
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Step 1 – Registration
- Fill out the online application form
- Sign the agreement to participate and maintain program standards
- Receive an automatic subscription to OEM Alerts & Preparedness Newsletter
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Step 2 – Select & Complete Activities
Complete at minimum, (1) activity annually from the following categories:
- Planning
- Training
- Outreach
- Risk Mitigation
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Step 3 – Certification
- Submit completed application form + evidence (photos, attendance sheets, policy documents)
- Receive AAR Seal of Recognition (digital and physical decal)
- Receive recognition on OEM’s website and social media, including a crafted press release and public announcement
The 4-Activity Preparedness Framework
Planning
- Develop or update your Emergency Action Plan
- Create a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP)
- Assign an internal Preparedness Liaison
Training
- Host an OEM, AAA CERT, or similar sponsored training
- Attend OEM workshops, training, or outreach events
- Participate in a countywide drill or tabletop exercise
Outreach
- Host a preparedness fair or event
- Distribute OEM hazard guides to staff, customers, or unaffiliated partners
- Share preparedness material and OEM branding on your social channels
Risk Mitigation
- Upgrade emergency lighting, signage, or accessibility features
- Conduct a fire, flood, or safety inspection
- Install or update notification and alert systems