WEEK #1

September 1st – September 5th  

“MAKE A PLAN”

 

National Preparedness Month is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster and emergency planning now and throughout the year. The 2020 National Preparedness Month theme is:

            “Disasters Don’t wait.  MAKE YOUR PLAN TODAY!”

 As our nation continues to respond to COVID-19, there is no better time to be involved this September.

During the month of September, the Inyo County Office of Emergency Services will be addressing 4 important “Disaster Preparedness” topics to help encourage the community, both individually and collectively, to take action to prepare for emergencies in your homes, businesses, schools and communities.

Week #1 focuses on MAKING A PLAN. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes.  It is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area.  Know how you will contact one another and reconnect if separated.  Establish a family meeting place that is familiar and easy to find.  Prepare and tailor your plans and supplies to your family’s specific daily living needs and responsibilities. If your family already has a plan, make sure you update it due to the Coronavirus.

Consider these factors and tips when discussing and developing your plan:

 

  • Find out how you will receive emergency alerts and warnings. Sign up for CodeRED  on the Inyo County Sheriff’s webpage to receive emergency messages during a local emergency or disaster.
  • Sign up with your utility provider to receive power outage alerts and warnings.
  • Include kids in the disaster planning process. Review your family emergency plan together so that they know what to do even if you are not there.
  • Practice your fire and earthquake escape plan by having a home fire and earthquake drill at least twice a year with everyone in the home.
  • Download a group texting app so the entire circle of family and friends can keep in touch before, during and after an emergency.
  • Practice evacuating in the car with your animals, so they’re more familiar with the process if you need to evacuate in an emergency.
  • Pre-identify several places you could go in an emergency, such as a friend’s home in another town or a motel. If needed, identify a place to stay that will accept pets.
  • Choose different directions and be familiar with alternate evacuation routes so that you have options during an emergency.
  • Assemble supplies that are ready for evacuation, both a “go bag” you can carry if on foot and a larger container of supplies for traveling long distances if you have a car. Be sure to update your kit to include a supply of face masks and disinfectants.
  • Keep your car full of gas if an evacuation is likely. Keep a half tank at all times in case of an unexpected need to evacuate.
  • If you do not have a car, plan on how you will leave if needed. Make arrangements with family, friends and neighbors.
  • Always follow the instructions of local officials and remember your evacuation route may be on foot depending on the type of disaster.

 

For more information and resources on how you can become a better prepared member of the community go to https://www.ready.gov/september  or                                                                                                    contact the Inyo County Office of Emergency Services at (760) 878-0120