Crime & Safety

Earthquakes, Floods, Fires – Is Your Family Prepared?

September is National Preparedness Month and local emergency services suggest important disaster checklists to make an event less stressful for your family.

Written by Lindsay Hickman:

September is National Preparedness Month and the local emergency services would like everyone to take a few moments to prepare themselves and their families for a disaster. 

In its tenth year, National Preparedness Month, sponsored by FEMA, is a nationwide effort encouraging individuals, families, businesses and communities to work together and take action to prepare for emergencies.

Some simple steps taken today can save lives and property while making recovery from a disaster less stressful. 

Recent events in San Mateo and neighboring counties drive home the need to be prepared for the unpredictable events that can uproot our lives. In the summer it’s the wildfire threat. Winter brings potential flooding and mudslides while earthquakes are a year round possibility. 

FEMA’s Ready.gov website offers a wealth of information for individuals, businesses and schools including:

Every household should have a 72-hour disaster kit filled with essential items such as a flashlight, water, first aid kit and many other items suggested on the OES website. 

Don’t forget to include pets and prescription medicines when preparing your kit or emergency plan. How will your family members contact you after an event? Where’s the family rally point if you cannot contact everyone by phone? All these questions, if answered before a disaster will aid in a quick recovery. 

Many of us are dependent on our cell phones and computers to communicate. Keep a list of important phone numbers in case your electronic devices are lost or cannot be charged.As we approach the driest and most active wildfire potential of the year, remove dry brush from yards and protect your homes with a defensible space free of combustible materials. 

Safeguard important documents in a fire proof safe or safe deposit box. If a disaster does occur, stay informed by tuning into KUIC 95.3 and local cable channels for up to date information as the situation develops.


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