As part of National Preparedness Month, the City of Santa Clarita encourages residents to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools

[view:node_ad=5]Throughout the month of September, the Community Emergency Response Training program will provide residents with education about how to respond in an emergency.  

Also, in collaboration with Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, Santa Clarita Valley health care providers who work in a non-hospital setting will be attending a community strategy workshop for Pandemic Influenza on Wednesday, September 26, at the Santa Clarita Community Center.

National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort held each September to increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies and to encourage individuals to take action.

“The City wants all residents to improve, update, or even start a family preparedness plan by creating a kit, making a plan, staying informed, and getting involved,” commented Mayor Marsha McLean.

The City recommends creating a kit of emergency supplies that will allow you and your family to survive in the event an emergency happens.

The kit should include basic items like water and food, for a minimum of three days, a battery-powered radio, flashlight, local map, money, pet supplies, important documents, a first aid kit and some clothing.  Make sure the kit includes supplies for all family members, including pets.

Plan in advance– Think of what you and your family will do in an emergency. Your plan should include a communications plan and address sheltering-in-place and evacuation.  

Stay informed– Learn about different threats that could affect the community and appropriate responses to them.  We live with an earthquake threat each day.  Residents need to be ready to respond and prepared for an earthquake. Our City boundaries interface the National Forest.  Families need to understand the potential impact of a wildfire threat in their neighborhood, and how to prepare.  

Get involved– After preparing yourself and your family for possible emergencies, take the next step: get training in first aid and emergency response and get involved in preparing the community.  There are opportunities to take a Community Emergency Response Training classes offered by the City of Santa. The City has opportunities for trained amateur radio communicators to be on a team.  Local agencies such as the American Cross offer CPR and first aid classes.

The 2007 National Preparedness Month is sponsored by the United States Department of Homeland Security.

More information, please www.santclarita.com or www.ready.gov.