Governor Gavin Newsom has proclaimed September as National Preparedness Month. As the month comes to a close, it’s a good time to reflect on the key information Cal OES has shared along the way. It is important for Californians to take protective steps before a disaster strikes. Whether it’s wildfires, earthquakes, winter storms or heat waves, being prepared is essential to staying safe.
Here are a few simple steps you can take right now:
- Create a Go-Bag and Stay Box: A go-bag should include essential items you may need if you have to evacuate in a hurry. A stay box, or disaster supply kit, should contain the basic items your household may need if you’re sheltering in place during an emergency.
- Develop a Family Emergency Plan and create a list of important contacts: A family emergency plan helps you decide now where you will go and what you will do in an emergency decision that are much easier to make now while things are calm. Rehearse your plan so each family member knows what they are supposed to do and where they are supposed to go.
- Sign up for local emergency alerts and check in on your neighbors: Go to Ready.CA.gov to sign up now for local emergency alerts. Host neighborhood preparedness parties with kits created by Listos California. Listos has provided 4,000 Block Party kits, which are a great way to bring neighbors together to learn about emergency preparedness, tips, and available resources while building connections in your community. Share the latest updates from local officials and encourage your family and neighbors to sign up for alerts. Remember to check in, offer help, and stay connected.
- Know your evacuation routes: Be sure to know your evacuation routes and keep clear of emergency responders. Also, know the difference between an evacuation warning and an evacuation order. Both are meant to keep you safe.
- Evacuation warning: There’s a potential threat to life or property. It’s not mandatory, but it’s a signal to pay attention and get ready to leave.
- Evacuation order: There’s an immediate threat to life and property. This is a lawful directive to leave the area, which will be closed to the public.
- Be sure to include your pets: Have a plan and know where you will take them during an emergency. You should also have a go-bag packed for your animals with essentials you’ll need in case of an evacuation.
- Find additional resources at Ready.CA.Gov: Resources such as how to sign up for alerts, what to pack in a go-bag or stay-kit, ways to prepare for different emergencies, and even recovery tips for after a disaster.
With our Listos Disaster Summits we were able to train over 700 community-based organizations, faith-based leaders, emergency response managers and other trusted messengers in disaster readiness best practices. These summits emphasized culturally competent strategies to ensure vulnerable communities have access to life-saving information and resources when disasters strike.
Preparedness doesn’t have to be complicated, and It’s important to remember that disasters can strike at any time. Taking steps now can make a big difference when it’s really needed.