National Preparedness Month in West Riverside

9/6/2018 (Permalink)

September is National Preparedness Month (NPM)

Recognized each September, provides an opportunity to remind us that we all must prepare ourselves and our families now and throughout the year. This National Preparedness Month will focus on planning, with an overarching theme: Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How.   

Take time to learn lifesaving skills − such as CPR and first aid, check your insurance policies and coverage for the hazards you may face, such as flood, earthquakes, and tornadoes. Make sure to consider the costs associated with disasters and save for an emergency. Also, know how to take practical safety steps like shutting off water and gas.

The devastating hurricanes and wildfires of 2017 reminded the nation of the importance of preparing for disasters.  Often, we will be the first ones in our communities to take action after a disaster strikes and before first responders arrive, so it is important to prepare in advance to help yourself and your community.

This year for National Preparedness Month, join your community in preparing for emergencies and disasters of all types, and leading efforts to encourage the community as a whole to become more prepared. “Disasters happen” and not only devastate individuals and neighborhoods, but entire communities, including businesses of all sizes. You can take simple steps:

* Plan to stay in business

* Encourage your employees to become ready

* Protect your investment

*Visit https://www.ready.gov/september

We must work together as a team to ensure that our families, businesses, places of worship and neighborhoods are ready. At Ready.gov/business, companies can find vital information on how to begin preparing their organization and addressing their unique needs during an emergency. You can also contact SERVPRO West Riverside City to find out more on how to be ready when disaster strikes with the Emergency READY Program.

Important Tips:

• Keep your family safe. Install natural gas detectors throughout your house.#PrepareNow #NatlPrep

• Commit to learning and sharing life-saving emergency skills with the  #UntilHelpArrives training http://go.usa.gov/x5Xcm #PrepareNow

• What’s deadly, colorless, and odorless?

• Carbon monoxide. Protect your family by installing a carbon monoxide detector #PrepareNow #NatlPrep

• Do you know how to turn off the gas in your home? Learn how to in case you ever have a gas emergency in your home. #NatlPrep

• Be prepared for a power outage by having enough food, water, & medicine to last for at least 72 hours: www.ready.gov/kit #PrepareNow

• Whether you need batteries for your remote or flashlight, always make sure you have spare batteries handy in an emergency: www.ready.gov/kit #PrepareNow #NatlPrep

• Never use candles for emergency lighting. Use flashlights and stock up on extra batteries. #PrepareNow #NatlPrep

• Do you have emergency supplies? Get ahead of the next storm or wildfire by making sure you’re ready in case you are asked to leave your home: www.ready.gov/kit #PrepareNow

• Replace all home smoke alarms when they are 10 years old. #PrepareNow #NatlPrep

• Put smoke alarms on every level of your home and test them monthly. #PrepareNow #NatlPrep

• Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stovetop. #PrepareNow #NatlPrep

• Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from your furnace, water heater, and other heat-generating equipment. #PrepareNow #NatlPrep

• Have chimneys and vents cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional at least once a year to prevent home fires. #PrepareNow #NatlPrep

• Practice how to “Drop down onto your hands and knees. Cover your head and neck with your arms. Hold on to any sturdy covering until the shaking stops. More info at www.ready.gov/earthquake#PrepareNow

• Do you know what to do when an emergency happens? Learn actions to save a life #UntilHelpArrives: https://community.fema.gov/until-help-arrives #PrepareNow

• Giving CPR to a person struck by lightning can save their life. Learn how to perform Hands-Only and how to use an AED to prepare for a health emergency. #PrepareNow