Welcome

September marks National Preparedness Month, the annual campaign to remind everyone that preparing for emergencies and disasters can keep them, their families and their communities safe.

Talking about bad things that could happen like a disaster or emergency isn’t always easy. We may think we’re protecting the people we love by avoiding these conversations, but they are important to start taking steps to get ready and stay safe. 

The 2024 Theme is "Start a Conversation." Starting a conversation today can help you and your family to take more actions to prepare. By taking simple steps, you can build your preparedness at your own pace:

• Set aside a time when everyone is calm and relaxed. 
• It may help to hold the discussions over a set time period, so decisions aren’t rushed, and people feel more comfortable talking about the topic. 
• Talk about steps you’ve taken to prepare and encourage others to ask questions about preparedness actions that might work for them.

Your family may not be together when an emergency occurs.  Creating a family emergency communication plan can assist in helping your family get through the disaster and back to normalcy.  When you are creating your family plan, consider the following questions:

• How will your family receive emergency alerts and warnings?
• How will your family get to a safe location? 
• How will your family get in touch if cell phones, internet, or landline does not work? 
• How will you let your loved ones know that you are safe and how will you find out if they are safe?
• How will your family reunify after the disaster? 

Here are a few easy steps to start your family emergency communication plan:

• Sign up every member of your household on Tulare County AlertTC: https://oes.tularecounty.ca.gov/oes/preparedness/be-informed/stay-informed/
• Create a paper copy of the contact information for your family that includes: phone numbers (cell, work, school, etc.), email, social media sites, medical facilities and doctors, schools.
• Pick an emergency meeting place. Examples: library, community center, place of worship, or a family/friend’s home.
• Make sure everyone carries a copy of your plan and the contact information in their wallet, purse, or backpack.
• Review and practice your plan periodically, much like a fire drill.

For additional information, visit the following websites below regarding emergency preparedness:

Make a Plan: https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan

How to Prepare: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/be-red-cross-ready

Be Prepared California: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/BePreparedCalifornia.aspx

Resource: Ready.gov.