Collier County announces its inaugural Emergency Readiness Summit, taking place Saturday, Sept. 14, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the South Regional Library in Naples. This free event aims to honor first responders while providing valuable information to residents 55+ on how to be better prepared when an emergency strikes.

Exclusively for Collier County residents, the free Emergency Readiness Summit is designed to meet the specific needs of individuals 55 and older. The event will include a light breakfast and boxed lunch. The first 200 registered households will receive a complimentary emergency readiness bag at the end of the event, which includes essential items such as a first aid kit, inflatable life jackets, NOAA Weather Radio, window breaker and seatbelt cutter tool, water filtering straw, waterproof phone holder and waterproof and fireproof document holder.

Emceed by Weekday Morning Meteorologist Zach Maloch from WINK News, the summit will focus on honoring and reflecting on 9/11, recognizing the dedication of local first responders and equipping residents with the necessary information to better prepare for emergencies, with a particular focus on lessons learned from Hurricane Ian in September 2022. In addition, an awards ceremony during the event will honor several outstanding members of the community with the Community Champion Award. 

The summit will feature breakout lectures, covering topics such as what to expect when calling 911 in an emergency, how to prepare for evacuation, what to expect in a storm shelter, and risk mitigation and life safety during a disaster. These sessions will be conducted by representatives from the Collier County Sheriff's Office, the Bureau of Emergency Services and the North Collier Fire Department. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A panel discussion during lunch.

“This summit is more than an event; it’s a community initiative to foster resilience and readiness in Collier County,” said Program Manager Meredith Gavin of the Collier County Community & Human Services Division. “By reflecting on the lessons of 9/11 and Hurricane Ian, we aim to empower our residents to be proactive in their emergency preparedness.”

The Emergency Readiness Summit is part of the national AmeriCorps’ Sept. 11 Day of Service and Remembrance, an opportunity to pay tribute to the heroes of 9/11 and recognize their selfless acts of service. 

Partners for the summit include AmeriCorps | 9/11, AmeriCorps Seniors, Area Agency on Aging, Baker Senior Center Naples, Bureau of Emergency Services, Collier County, Collier County Public Library, Collier Community Foundation, Collier Resource Center, Collier County Sheriff's Department, Disaster Ready Collier County, Marco Island Police Department, NCH Healthcare System, North Collier Fire & Rescue and Priority Marketing.

The Collier County Emergency Readiness Summit will be held on Sept. 14 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway, #9005, in Naples. Check-in and breakfast will begin at 8 a.m. Space is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis, so interested individuals are encouraged to register online. Each guest is required to register for their own individual ticket.

Volunteer opportunities are available. To get involved, please contact Meredith.Gavin@colliercountyfl.com. For more information about the Collier County Emergency Readiness Summit and to register for the event, visit CollierPrepares.comor call 239-252-5713.