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National Preparedness Month: CA NEWS
Don’t Wait - Communicate!
SEPTEMBER 2016 SUNRAYS | 11
Submitted by Sue Gavron, EMC Committee Member

Across the nation, September is National
Preparedness Month with a theme of Don’t
Wait-Communicate! It is a reminder that
preparedness is not a spectator sport and to
take action now to prepare for the types of
emergencies that could impact us where we live, work and
worship. There are numerous areas and tasks to prepare for
such as multigenerational considerations, transportation and
evacuation preparedness, go-bag content, pet safety and others.
One of the more important aspects is a communications plan.

Emergencies do not occur according to our timeline. They
usually catch people off guard and thus families/households
may be at different locations. Here are some aspects to consider
when developing your communications plan:

– How will my family/household receive emergency alerts
and warnings?

– How will my family/household get to safe locations; where
are they located?

– How will my family/household get in touch if cell phones,
Internet or landlines do not work?

Some steps to take:

– Understand how to receive emergency alerts and warnings.
Check out the Sun City EMC website for a listing of
emergency information resources and sign up.

– Know what risks we have and discuss them with family
members; for example, flooding is a very big issue in Central
Texas.

– Have paper and wallet copies of contact information for
each family member to include: phone (work, cell, office),
email, social media, medical facilities, doctors and service
providers, and school contacts if appropriate.

– Identify emergency meeting place(s) which are familiar to
family members to reunite. If a person in a household has
a disability make sure meeting places are accessible and
can accommodate their needs. If you own an animal, know
places that will accommodate their needs as well. Have the
names and addresses written down of all meeting places.
Know and practice alternate ways to get to a safe place.

– Share all your preparedness information with family
members. Information that is not shared is not effective.
Make sure family members have their list with them and
update content as needed.

– Letting loved ones know you are safe is critical. The
American Red Cross has a nation-wide program called
“Safe and Well.” You can register at any Red Cross Shelter
and let people know you are okay.

So, Don’t Wait-Communicate! Have your plan, practice it and
keep it updated. You never can tell when you might need it.

Source: www.ready.gov/september

ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG