In 2017, major natural disasters have reminded the nation of the importance of preparation. Community members came together to assist their neighbors after disaster struck and before first responders are able to arrive.
After Super Storm Sandy hit the Northeastern coast, one neighbor shared, “We remember the people …on the ground – dealing with the aftermath and its personal impact on their lives…They greeted the trucks, spoke with donors, guided people in their giving, and spent their days distributing all of the goods we and our fellow upstate neighbors were able to collect.” (Courtesy of public Facebook Group Sandy Disaster Relief – Upstate Neighbors Helping Our Downstate Neighbors)
National public service campaign “Ready” provides information to assist the American people to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters.
Ready urges individuals to:
- Become Informed
- Know which disasters could affect your area
- Know how to get emergency alerts: https://www.ready.gov/alerts
- Make a Plan
- Choose an emergency contact person who will check on you during a disaster and decide how you will communicate and reconnect if separated
- Decide how /where you will relocate during an emergency evacuation
- Ensure you have a 72 hour supply of food, water, basic necessities, and identification
- Register to identify individuals who may need special assistance: https://www.smart911.com/
- Use Center for Disease Control’s care plan template for emergency needs: https://www.cdc.gov
- Get Involved
- Find community based programs specializing in emergency preparedness
- Collaborate with your friends / neighbors to create a community emergency plan
Contact a Sourcewise Community Resource Specialist for more information about local disaster and emergency preparedness resources: (408) 350-3200, option 1.