September is National Preparedness Month, giving families throughout the Inland Empire an opportunity to make sure they are ready when an emergency occurs.
For residents of San Bernardino and Riverside counties, emergency preparedness can be especially important. Southern California communities face a variety of potential hazards, including wildfires, earthquakes, extreme heat, power outages, flooding and other emergencies that can develop with little warning.
National Preparedness Month is designed to encourage individuals, families, businesses and communities to prepare before an emergency happens. Federal emergency-management guidance emphasizes that preparedness is an ongoing process that includes planning, organizing, equipping, training and reviewing plans as risks change.
One of the simplest steps families can take is creating an emergency supply kit. Households should consider having drinking water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, necessary medications, first-aid supplies, phone chargers and copies of important documents readily available.
Families should also develop an emergency communication plan. During a wildfire, earthquake or other major incident, family members may be at work, school or different locations when an emergency begins. Establishing a meeting location and identifying an out-of-area contact can help family members reconnect if local telephone service becomes overwhelmed.
Preparedness should include pets, older adults, young children and household members who rely on medications or electrically powered medical equipment. Residents may also want to keep smaller emergency kits in their vehicles, particularly when traveling through mountain, desert or rural areas of the two counties.
Another important step is staying informed. Residents should know where to obtain official emergency information and pay attention to evacuation warnings and orders issued by local authorities. During an emergency, the American Red Cross also advises residents to follow instructions from local officials and heed evacuation orders.
Businesses can use September as an opportunity to review emergency procedures as well. Employers should consider how they would communicate with employees, protect important records and continue essential operations following a disaster.
Preparedness does not have to happen all at once. A household can begin by purchasing a few additional emergency supplies during each shopping trip, reviewing evacuation routes and discussing what each family member should do if an emergency occurs.
For San Bernardino and Riverside County residents, National Preparedness Month serves as a reminder that the best time to think about an emergency is before one happens. A few hours spent preparing today can make it easier for families to respond safely and confidently when circumstances suddenly change.