Educate San Diego: National Preparedness Month

How prepared are you in case of an earthquake? Do you know what to do in the event of flash flooding? These are the types of questions you should regularly ask yourself and your neighbors to remain safe in the event of a disaster.

September marks National Preparedness Month, a time for everyone to learn about and prepare for emergencies that could affect us at home, in the workplace and where we travel.

The Ready Campaign

As part of this effort, the federal government launched the Ready Campaign to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters.

Among the many helpful tips and tools, the campaign emphasizes three important steps:

1. Build an emergency supply kit
2. Create a family emergency plan
3. Stay informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur and their appropriate responses.

Does your family have an emergency plan? What about your neighbors? Share your plan in the comments below, and encourage those closest to you to create one.

[Tweet “September is #NatlPrep Month – Don’t Wait. Communicate! Tools Here: www.ready.gov/september”]

We all have a responsibility when it comes to safety. The right tools, proper safety precautions and a fast reaction time are critical in emergency situations.

At The San Diego Foundation, Facility Manager Otto Delacruz keeps this top of mind to ensure our staff and neighboring businesses are safe.

As Otto explains it, “A community that is proactive in communication and collaboration towards preparedness stands a greater chance for survival during a major disaster. In addition, it could alleviate some burden from government agencies, police, fire and medical teams, allowing them to better utilize their limited resources in areas that need their attention most.”

Don’t wait, start planning today.

“At home, talking with family members about preparedness not only helps inform and educate them, it also leads to developing strategies that provide them with direction during an emergency,” emphasizes Otto.

Responsibility also extends beyond the home and into the workplace. “Businesses and business leaders should determine their potential risks and develop strategies on how to best deal with them,” urges Otto.

We are all part of one community and the best preparedness starts with a simple conversation.”

To learn more about how to create a plan and prepare for disasters, National Weather Service San Diego and the Young Meteorologist Program are hosting an informative event for families on September 17. Attendees will learn tips about safety and preparedness from natural hazards with local First-Responders.

If you miss the event, there are still plenty of resources to help you get started.

Take action today

Does your family have an emergency plan? Share it in the comments below!