With the increasing frequency of natural disasters, along with the constant awareness of the potential for the next big earthquake, Community Preparedness Month is back in Santa Clara County to help prepare the public with skills and resources for when emergencies occur.
During this month, the County’s Office of Emergency Management is not only marking the 22nd anniversary of 9/11 but also engaging with the community to instill a sense of responsibility for personal preparedness. A focus of this year’s commemoration revolves around empowering older adults to be resilient in the face of disasters, with special attention given to communities that bear a disproportionate burden during various emergencies.
Officials encourage all Santa Clara County community members to attend the second Emergency Preparedness Fair on Sept. 23 from 9am to 1pm at the County of Santa Clara Animal Services, 12425 Monterey Road in San Martin.
Attendees will have access to organizations that provide emergency resources and services during major disasters and to learn more about emergency preparedness.
This year’s fair will feature agencies such as the American Red Cross, Silicon Valley Independent Living Center, Community Health Partnerships, County of Santa Clara Animal Services, County of Santa Clara Health System, Department of Family and Children’s Services, and the San Martin Homeowners Alliance.
For information, visit preparescc.org/fair.
Officials advised the public to prepare for emergencies by taking these steps:
Signup for AlertSCC
Signup at AlertSCC.org, the official emergency alert and warning system for Santa Clara County. With AlertSCC, community members can receive local alerts directly on mobile devices, landlines or email. Community members have full control over their notification settings, allowing personal customization according to preferences. Opt-out at any time.
Make a plan
Plan and map out several evacuation routes in various directions. Identify safe meeting locations along these routes, and mark emergency resources and services available along the way on a paper map. Engage family in discussions about communication strategies during an emergency. Establish an out-of-area contact person who can serve as a central point for information. Plan how to report safety statuses to one another if separated. Prioritize documenting your home and property before disaster strikes. Take photographs and create a detailed record of all belongings. This inventory will be useful for insurance claims and recovery efforts in the aftermath of an incident.
Build an Emergency Supply Kit
Get ready for any emergency by assembling a “go bag” and “stay kit.” A go bag should include personal items, non-perishable foods, water, batteries, flashlights, phone chargers, prescription medications, important documents and a paper contact list.
A stay kit is for sheltering in place during emergencies, stocked with essential supplies that will last for seven days.
Help Others
Organize a neighborhood emergency planning meeting to discuss topics such as evacuation routes and safe meeting points. Identify and create a comprehensive contact list of services and resources to share within your community.
