Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Time to Remember, Time to Prepare

September 2011 is National Preparedness Month! 

During a disaster, who will depend on you for their safety and well-being? Perhaps your children, pets, or an aging parent, but will you be able to help them?

“No one likes to imagine the unimaginable,” said Cindy Stanley, Emergency Management Coordinator at Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA). “But your family depends on you to be prepared. By preparing now, you can improve the chances that you and your loved ones can survive the next earthquake, flood, or hazardous chemical spill.” 

Local governments and agencies in Clark County are working together to encourage families, schools, businesses, and communities to get prepared during National Preparedness Month this September. Several activities have been planned to help raise awareness of emergency preparedness. They include: 

§   Library Preparedness Events:  Four Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries will host 16 events with emergency preparedness tables in their lobbies staffed by Clark County Citizen Corps volunteers.  Come and ask questions and receive free preparedness information.  All events will be from 3p to 6p at the following locations
·   Vancouver (9/7, 9/12, 9/22, 9/28)
·   Battle Ground (9/7, 9/13, 9/22 and 9/26)
·   Cascade Park (9/8, 9/14, 9/20, 9/27)
·   Three Creeks (9/8, 9/14, 9/19, 9/27)

§   CRESA Open House is Saturday, September 10th, 11 am - 2 pm, 710 W 13th Street, Vancouver.  Tours of the 9-1-1 Center and Emergency Operations Center will be offered to the community along with booths staffed by regional public safety partners and incredible volunteer groups from throughout the area. Stop by, enjoy a free hot dog or slice of pizza, wander the booths and see a number of great demonstrations.  Free parking is provided for this event.

§   Public Safety Complex Open House, Saturday, September 17, noon – 4 pm, 505 NW 179th Street, Ridgefield (at the Clark County Fairgrounds).  Police dog demonstrations, auto extrication by fire personnel, fire safety house for kids, free food and more.

§   Online Preparedness Challenge:  In addition to participating in various events, CRESA will facilitate an online challenge game during the month of September called 30 Days, 30 Ways which will post a small preparedness task each day for people to consider.  If you complete the task or answer the questions, you will have met the day’s challenge.  Topics will cover many types of scenarios and hazards and will only take a few small minutes to complete. 

It’s easy, it’s fun and will encourage you to talk about preparedness at home, in your workplace and get your mind racing about all of the small ways we can become a more resilient community.  Follow along at www.30days30ways.com for more information. 

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

§   Assemble or buy a disaster supplies kit containing at least three days of provisions in an easy–to–carry container, like a backpack or lightweight plastic container. Check stock every six months and replace expired items. Keep at least a 3-day supply of water at home, a gallon of water per person per day.

§   Create a family or household communications plan so everyone knows how to reach each other; include an out-of-area phone contact and where to meet if it’s not possible to go home.

§   Learn about available resources and what types of disasters are most likely to occur where you live, work and play. If possible, take first aid and CPR courses.
                                                                                      
National Preparedness Month is a coordinated, nationwide effort sponsored each September by the Department of Homeland Security to raise awareness about the importance of emergency preparedness and encourage individuals to take action.

For more information, contact:
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