StanEmergency

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH

Last week, you received the first in a series of emails filled with information on how you can prepare yourselves, your families, your neighborhoods and your communities for an emergency or disaster. This week we will focus on how to plan for specific needs before a disaster and how to build an emergency kit. Preparedness information can be found at www.stanoes.com, www.stanemergency.com and www.ready.gov. Remember to follow StanEmergency on Facebook and Twitter and text PREPARE to 43362 (4FEMA) if you want to receive monthly preparedness tips from FEMA.

The time to prepare for an emergency is BEFORE the emergency happens. Last week we focused on developing a Family Communications Plan, a Plan for Sheltering in Place, and a Plan to Get Away. This week we are focusing on How to Plan for Specific Needs such as:

• Building an Emergency Kit. It is important to assemble a kit with food, water and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours. You can find a recommended supplies list at: https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit.
• Disabilities, Access & Functional Needs and Older Americans. Do you have family members that are seniors or who are individuals with access and functional needs? Specific plans tailored to their needs are available at: https://www.ready.gov/seniors and https://www.ready.gov/individuals-access-functional-needs.
• Caring for Animals. Your pet is an important member of your household. Learn how to prepare a Pet Emergency Supply Kit and plan for what you will do in an emergency. A Prepare for Emergency Now: Information for Pet Owners brochure is available at https://www.ready.gov/caring-animals.
• Know Emergency Plans at School and Work. Talk to your children’s school and your employer about emergency plans. Check out https://www.ready.gov/infants-young-children and https://www.ready.gov/kids .

Next week we will focus on:

• How to Practice for an Emergency.
• Your role as a Disaster Service Worker for the County of Stanislaus.
• How you can be a Preparedness Leader and assist in preparing your neighborhood and community.
• Volunteer opportunities including CERT, American Red Cross, Volunteers in Police Service, Medical Reserve Corps, Neighborhood Watch, and more.