Prepping for disaster can’t be overlooked

National Preparedness Month

by Eloy Gomez

GRF safety/emergency coordinator

National Preparedness Month is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. As the nation continues to respond to COVID-19, there is no better time to be involved this September.

• Week 1: Make A Plan

Talk to your friends and family about how you will communicate before, during, and after a disaster. Make sure to update your plan based on the Centers for Disease Control recommendations due to the coronavirus.

• Week 2: Build A Kit

Gather supplies that will last for several days after a disaster for everyone living in your home. Don’t forget to consider the unique needs each person or pet may have in case you have to evacuate quickly.

Update your kits and supplies based on recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control.

• Week 3: Prepare for Disasters Limit the impacts that disasters have on you and your family. Know the risk of disasters in your area and check your insurance coverage.

• Week 4: Talk to Your Family Talk to your family about preparing for emergencies and what to do in case you are separated. Reassure them by providing information about how they can get involved.

The Leisure World Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and the Emergency Information Council have been working and planning since January for this year’s emergency preparedness fair.

Unfortunately, it has been cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

For the past several years, the fair was held in Clubhouse 6. The fair featured an array of survival products and services from area vendors, service clubs and county agencies.

This year’s fair is canceled by people are urged to prepare and build their own personal 3-7 day earthquake survival kit.

Below please find a couple of vendors you can view and order emergency preparedness products online or by phone.

• Ready America

Website: readyamerica.com, Email: cynthia@readyamerica.com Ph: 760/644-5856

• More Prepared Website: moreprepared.com Ph: 888/733-7245

Note: GRF does not endorse any of these vendors or their product.

For more information, contact Eloy Gomez, GRF safety and emergency coordinator, at (562) 431-6586, ext. 356.