Tomorrow Begins National Preparedness Month!

September is National Preparedness Month and local governments and agencies in Clark County are encouraging families, schools, businesses, and communities to get prepared. National Preparedness Month is a coordinated, nationwide effort sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security. Its purpose is to raise awareness about the importance of emergency preparedness and encourage individuals to take action.

Several events have been planned by the Clark County Citizen Corps Council to help raise awareness of emergency preparedness. They include:

Clark Regional Emergency Services (CRESA) Open House is Saturday, September 11, 11am-2pm, 710 W 13th Street, Vancouver. The Open House includes tours of the Emergency Operations Center and 9-1-1 Center, police dog demonstrations, fire engine and response vehicle exhibits, and more. Free food and drinks will be provided by are businesses. Parking is free. 

Public Safety Complex Open House, Saturday, September 18, noon-4pm, 505 NW 179th St., Ridgefield. There will be police dog demonstrations, auto extrication by fire personnel, fire safety house for kids, free food and more.

Fort Vancouver Regional Library (Vancouver and Cascade Park) will host Citizen Corps volunteers who will answer your questions about emergency preparedness and have available free literature.

Individuals and families are encouraged to take the following steps to prepare for disasters:

• Assemble or buy a disaster supply kit containing at least three days of provisions in an easy-to-carry container, like a backpack or lightweight plastic container.
• Keep at least a 3-day supply of water at home, a gallon of water per person per day.
• Create a family or household emergency and communications plan so everyone knows how to reach each other; include an out-of-area phone contact to let loved ones know you are safe and a plan of where to meet if it's not possible to go home.
• Take First Aid and CPR courses – Help Save a Life! 
• Learn about available resources and what types of disasters are most likely to occur where you live, work and play.

For more preparedness information, contact:
Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency: http://www.cresa911.org/emergency/preparedness.php
Clark County Fire District 6: http://www.ccfd6.org/disasterpreparedness.html

City of Vancouver Emergency Preparedness: http://www.cityofvancouver.us/preparedness.asp

Clark County Public Health, Emergency Preparedness and Response:  http://www.clark.wa.gov/health/emergency/index.html

Washington State Emergency Management: http://www.emd.wa.gov/preparedness/prepindex.shtml

Department of Homeland Security / FEMA:  http://www.ready.gov/