With the increasing frequency of natural disasters like wildfires and severe weather events, along with constant awareness of the potential for the next big earthquake, the need to be prepared has never been more critical, which is why Community Preparedness Month is back. in Santa Clara County.
This event will help prepare community members with essential skills and resources for when emergencies and disasters occur.
Thus, during this month, the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) of the county, not only commemorates the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, but also actively collaborates with the community to instill a sense of responsibility in personal preparedness.
A key focus of this year's commemoration revolves around empowering older adults to be resilient in the face of disasters, with special attention to communities that bear a disproportionate burden during various emergencies.
Given this, county officials have encouraged all community members to attend the second emergency preparedness fair. Attendees will have direct access to partner organizations that provide emergency resources and services during major disasters and learn more about emergency preparedness.
This emergency preparedness fair will be held on Saturday, September 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Santa Clara County Animal Services, located at 12425 Monterey Rd., in San Martin.
This year's fair will feature partner agencies including the American Red Cross, Silicon Valley Center for Independent Living, Community Health Partnerships, Santa Clara County Animal Services, Santa Clara County Health System, Department of Animal Services. for Families and Children and the San MartÃn Homeowners Alliance.
It should be noted that personal preparation to face various natural disasters is very important. So the county has suggested a series of four steps to respond to these eventualities.
Step 1: Sign up for AlertSCC
Residents can register at www.AlertSCC.org, Santa Clara County's official emergency alert and warning system, where community members can receive local alerts directly to mobile devices, landlines or email.
Step 2: make a plan
Plan and trace several evacuation routes in various directions. Identify safe gathering places along these routes and mark available resources and emergency services along the way on a paper map. Involve the family in discussions about communication strategies during an emergency. Establish a contact person outside the area who can serve as a central point of information.
Also, plan how to inform each other of security statuses if you are separated. Prioritize documentation of your home and property before disaster strikes. Take photographs and create a detailed record of all belongings. This inventory will be invaluable for insurance claims and recovery efforts after an incident.
Step 3: Create an Emergency Supply Kit
Prepare for any emergency by putting together a travel bag and stay kit. This emergency supply kit is a must-have for quick evacuations. Include personal items, non-perishable food, water, batteries, flashlights, phone chargers, prescription medications, important documents, and a paper contact list.
Be sure to stock it with essential supplies that will last 7 days.
Step 4: Help others
Ensuring the safety of others begins with your own preparation. Host a neighborhood emergency planning meeting to discuss topics such as evacuation routes and safe meeting points.
Likewise, identify and create a comprehensive contact list of allied services and resources to share within your community. In times of crisis, your personal safety takes priority. Always check your surroundings and make sure you are out of harm's way. If it is safe to do so, reach out to others or call 9-1-1.
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