Bethesda Green To Host Emergency Preparedness Panel

In the wake of the June's derecho storm and Hurricane Sandy, Bethesda Green is set to host a Wednesday evening panel discussion on emergency preparedness.

The event will feature local officials and business owners, including Mongomery County Councilman Phil Andrews and Amicus Green Building Center owner Jason Holstine.

Other invited speakers include Chris Voss of the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Jim Resnick of Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service and Steward Beckham of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

According to Bethesda Green, the panel is set to address questions including:

-- What plans does Montgomery County have in place in preparation for a hurricane Sandy or derecho type of event?

-- What resources are currently available to community residents to best prepare themselves and their loved ones?

-- What items should I have stocked in my home to prepare for a weather-related or human-caused disaster?

-- What role does the county, state and/or federal government play in preparation and response to natural and man-made disasters?

Audience members will also be able to ask questions and engage in dialogue with panelists.

The event is set for 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at Bethesda Green, 4825 Cordell Avenue in Bethesda, on the second floor. If you'd like to attend, RSVP to sharon@bethesdagreen.org.