In August 2017, one year after the tragic explosion and fire at the Flower Branch Apartments, an emergency response planning work group of the Long Branch Partners Service Providers completed a basic plan that will mobilize and coordinate community resources to support emergency response and recovery from future emergencies.

The plan establishes a permanent committee, The Long Branch Emergency Preparedness Committee (LBEPC), that will hire an emergency coordinator and recruit teams to perform specific functions, such as bringing qualified bi-lingual and culturally competent volunteers to translate in shelters, and facilitate personal supports and legal representation to those affected by emergencies.

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The Long Branch Emergency Preparedness Committee is registered as a Community Organization Active in Disasters (COAD) with the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, and also coordinates with the County Department of Health and Human Services.  The committee includes representatives from CASA, IMPACT Silver Spring, CHEER, The Spanish Speaking Community of Maryland, Mary’s Center, Centronia, and the Long Branch Library, and other partners.  For more information or to become involved, please contact Bruce Baker (bruce@communitycheer.org or by phone at 301-589-3633.