Full Notification

September 2014 marks the 11^th Annual National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the US Department of Homeland Security.

Throughout September, more than 3,000 organizations – national, regional, and local public and private organizations – are supporting emergency preparedness efforts and encouraging all Americans to take action.

Join the effort now by following these four steps:

1. Get a Kit
2. Make a Plan
3. Be Informed
4. Get Involved

Get an Emergency Kit: If disaster strikes our community, you may not have access to food, water, or electricity for some time. By taking time now to prepare emergency water supplies, food supplies and a disaster supplies kit, you can provide for your entire family. Review a list of recommended items to include in an emergency supply kit here: www.bt.cdc.gov/preparedness/kit/disasters/

Make an Emergency Plan: Make plans with your family and friends in case you're not together during an emergency. Discuss how you'll contact each other, where you'll meet, and what you'll do in different situations. Read how to develop a family communication plan here:  www.bt.cdc.gov/preparedness/plan/

Be Informed: Being prepared means staying informed. Check all types of media – websites, newspapers, radio, TV, mobile and land phones – for global, national and local information. During an emergency, the City of Los Altos Emergency Operations Team will provide information on such things as open shelters and evacuation orders.

Get Involved: Look into taking first aid and emergency response training, participating in community exercises, and volunteering to support local first responders. The City of Los Altos offers FREE Personal Emergency Preparedness training monthly, for more information visit www.losaltosca.gov/PEP.

The United States Department of Homeland Security promotes emergency preparedness all year round via the Ready America campaign. Checklists, brochures, and videos are available online at www.ready.gov and by phone at 1-800-BE-READY.