FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2023
Contacts:
Office of Emergency Management
Media Line: (408) 808-7866
Community Preparedness Month Returns to Santa Clara County
The public is invited to the Emergency Preparedness Fair in San Martin on Sept. 23, 2023
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — With the increasing frequency of natural disasters such as wildfires and severe weather events, along with the constant awareness of the potential for the next big earthquake, the need for preparedness has never been more critical. In response to this urgency, Community Preparedness Month is back in Santa Clara County to help prepare community members with essential skills and resources for when emergencies and disasters occur.
During this month, the County’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is not only marking the 22nd anniversary of 9/11 but also actively engaging with the community to instill a sense of responsibility for personal preparedness. A key focus of this year's commemoration revolves around empowering older adults to be resilient in the face of disasters, with special attention given to communities that bear a disproportionate burden during various emergencies.
County officials encourage all Santa Clara County community members to attend the 2nd Emergency Preparedness Fair. Attendees will have direct access to partner organizations that provide emergency resources and services during major disasters and to learn more about emergency preparedness.
What: Emergency Preparedness Fair
Who: Open to all community members
When: Saturday, Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: County of Santa Clara Animal Services, 12425 Monterey Rd., San Martin, CA 95046
This year's fair will feature partner agencies, including the American Red Cross, Silicon Valley Independent Living Center, Community Health Partnerships, County of Santa Clara Animal Services, County of Santa Clara Health System, Department of Family and Children's Services, and the San Martin Homeowners Alliance. For more information about the fair and to see a complete list of partners, please go to www.preparescc.org/fair.
Personal preparedness is an easy choice. Community members should Prepare in 4 Steps now!
Step 1: Signup for AlertSCC
Signup at www.AlertSCC.org, the official emergency alert and warning system for Santa Clara County. With AlertSCC, community members can receive local alerts directly on mobile devices, landlines, or email. Community members have full control over their notification settings, allowing personal customization according to preferences. Opt-out at any time. Stay informed and stay safe with AlertSCC.
Step 2: Make a Plan
Planning is paramount! Plan and map out several evacuation routes in various directions. Identify safe meeting locations along these routes, and mark emergency resources and services available along the way on a paper map. Engage family in discussions about communication strategies during an emergency. Establish an out-of-area contact person who can serve as a central point for information. Plan how to report safety statuses to one another if separated. Prioritize documenting your home and property before disaster strikes. Take photographs and create a detailed record of all belongings. This inventory will be invaluable for insurance claims and recovery efforts in the aftermath of an incident.
Step 3: Build an Emergency Supply Kit
Get ready for any emergency by assembling a Go Bag and Stay Kit. A Go Bag is a must-have emergency supply kit designed for quick evacuations. Include personal items, non-perishable foods, water, batteries, flashlights, phone chargers, prescription medications, important documents, and a paper contact list. A Stay Kit is for sheltering in place during emergencies. Be sure to stock it with essentials supplies that will last for 7 days.
Step 4: Help Others
Ensuring the safety of others begins with your own preparedness. Organize a neighborhood emergency planning meeting to discuss topics such as evacuation routes and safe meeting points. Identify and create a comprehensive contact list of allied services and resources to share within your community. In times of crisis, your personal safety takes precedence. Always check your surroundings and make sure you are out of harm's way. If it is safe to do so, extend a helping hand to others, or call 9-1-1.
For more information on emergency preparedness and disaster readiness, please visit www.preparescc.org.
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About the Office of Emergency Management
The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is at the forefront of ensuring the safety and resilience of the Santa Clara County community. At OEM, our unwavering commitment is to protect lives, property, and the environment across all phases of emergency management: preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. We understand the dynamic nature of emergencies and disasters and strive to create a safer and more resilient community for all.
OEM Website: www.preparescc.org
Emergency Preparedness Fair Webpage: www.PrepareSCC.org/Fair
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