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September is National Preparedness Month, a nationwide initiative that encourages everyone to take steps to be ready for all types of emergencies-whether it's a natural disaster, fire, medical emergency, or any unforeseen event. At Cathedral City Fire and EMS, we want to ensure you and your family are prepared to protect yourselves and your homes. Here's what you need to know to create your personal preparedness plan and stay ready.
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Emergencies can happen without warning. Being prepared helps you and your family stay safe, reduces the stress of an emergency, and can even save lives. Preparedness is not just about knowing what to do; it's about having the right tools and supplies on hand.
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Steps to Get Prepared for Any Emergency
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Create a Family Emergency Plan
Communication: Ensure your family knows how to get in touch with each other in case of separation.
Out-of-Area Contact: Choose a family member or friend living outside your area as a point of contact. During emergencies, local communication systems can be overwhelmed, making long-distance calls easier.
Meeting Locations: Identify two meeting places:
Near Home: In case of a sudden emergency, like a fire.
Outside Your Neighborhood: For larger-scale evacuations (e.g., floods, wildfires).
Special Considerations: Include plans for pets, family members with disabilities, or elderly relatives who may need assistance.
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Assemble an Emergency Kit
A well-stocked emergency kit is essential for your home, car, and workplace.
Your kit should include:
Water: At least 1 gallon per person per day, for at least three days.
Food: Non-perishable food for at least three days (canned goods, energy bars, etc.).
First Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and prescription medications.
Flashlight and Extra Batteries.
Whistle: To signal for help.
Dust Mask: To filter contaminated air.
Plastic Sheeting and Duct Tape: For creating a shelter-in-place.
Moist Towelettes, Garbage Bags, and Plastic Ties: For sanitation.
Tools: Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, multi-purpose tool.
Local Maps: To navigate without GPS.
Copies of Important Documents: Passports, IDs, insurance papers, and medical records in a waterproof container.
Cash: Small bills, as ATMs may not be operational.
Phone Chargers and Backup Batteries.
Blankets and warm Clothing: In case of cold weather.
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Know Your Local Hazards
Every region faces different risks, from earthquakes and hurricanes to floods and wildfires. Understanding the hazards in Cathedral City will help you prepare more effectively.
Wildfires: Keep defensible space around your home, have fire-resistant landscaping, and know your evacuation routes.
Floods: Ensure you have flood insurance and know whether you live in a flood-prone area. Have an evacuation plan and move valuables to higher ground if flooding is imminent.
Earthquakes: Secure heavy furniture, prepare for power outages, and know how to "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" during a quake.
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Stay Informed
Sign up for local emergency alerts through the city's website or apps like FEMA or **Red Cross Emergency
Listen to weather and emergency updates on a NOAA Weather Radio.
Know evacuation routes and shelter locations. These may differ based on the type of disaster.
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Prepare Your Home
Fire Safety: Ensure that your smoke detectors are working and have fresh batteries. Have a fire extinguisher readily accessible, especially in kitchens or workshops.
Fire-Resistant Landscaping: Trim trees and bushes near your home, and keep gutters clear of leaves and debris to reduce the risk of wildfires spreading.
Secure Your Home: Reinforce doors and windows if hurricanes or high winds are a threat in your area. Consider storm shutters or impact-resistant glass.
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Practice Your Plan
Conduct family emergency drills to ensure everyone knows what to do and where to go. This includes fire drills, evacuation routes, and "drop, cover, and hold on" practices for earthquakes.
Teach all family members how to use a fire extinguisher and when to shut off utilities like gas, water, and electricity.
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Basic Emergency Preparedness Checklist
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Basic Emergency Supplies
☐ Water (1 gallon per person per day for 3 days)
☐ Non-perishable food (3-day supply per person)
☐ Manual can opener
☐ Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
☐ Flashlight and extra batteries
☐ First aid kit
☐ Whistle (to signal for help)
☐ Dust masks
☐ Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for sanitation)
☐ Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
☐ Local maps
☐ Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
☐ Cash (small bills)
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Additional Items to Consider
☐ Prescription medications
☐ Infant formula, diapers
☐ Pet food and extra water for your pets
☐ Important family documents (copies)
☐ Sleeping bags or warm blankets
☐ Extra clothing, including sturdy shoes
☐ Fire extinguisher
☐ Matches in a waterproof container
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Get Involved: Community Preparedness
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Lastly, consider getting involved with your community's preparedness initiatives. Join a local CERT (Community Emergency Response Team)or volunteer with organizations like the American Red Cross. Preparedness is a team effort-when we help each other, we build a stronger, more resilient community.
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National Preparedness Month is the perfect time to act. Start preparing today by planning, building a kit, staying informed, and practicing your emergency responses. Emergencies may be unpredictable, but with proper planning and preparation, you can safeguard your loved ones and minimize the impact.
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Here's a list of reputable websites where you can find resources, guidelines, and tools to help you and your community with emergency preparedness:
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Ready.gov
https://www.ready.gov
This is a comprehensive resource from the Department of Homeland Security. It offers information on how to prepare for disasters, build an emergency kit, and create family communication plans.
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Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
https://www.fema.gov
FEMA provides disaster recovery assistance, preparedness guides, and real-time updates on emergencies. The site includes resources like flood maps and guidance for specific hazards such as wildfires, hurricanes, and earthquakes.
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American Red Cross
https://www.redcross.org
The American Red Cross provides emergency preparedness checklists, disaster safety guides, and first aid instructions. They also offer mobile apps and tools to help in disasters.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Emergency Preparedness and Response
https://emergency.cdc.gov
This site offers resources on how to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies, including pandemics, bioterrorism, and natural disasters.
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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather-Ready Nation
https://www.weather.gov/wrn
NOAA provides weather forecasts and resources for preparing for severe weather events like tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and snowstorms. The site also offers tips for making a weather-ready plan.
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Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
https://www.ready.gov/cert
CERT offers training on how to prepare for disasters and assist local emergency responders. They provide educational materials on disaster preparedness and community resilience.
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The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
https://www.nfpa.org
NFPA is a great resource for fire safety information. They offer advice on fire prevention, home safety, and how to respond to wildfires.
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U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Natural Hazards
https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards
The USGS provides detailed information on natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, landslides, and volcanoes, including how to prepare for them.
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National Safety Council (NSC)
https://www.nsc.org
The NSC offers various safety tips and preparedness guides for natural disasters, workplace emergencies, and home safety.
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FoodSafety.gov
https://www.foodsafety.gov
This site is helpful for learning how to store food and water safely before and during an emergency, with tips on keeping food safe during power outages and natural disasters.
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National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Emergency Preparedness
https://www.nih.gov
NIH offers resources on preparing for health emergencies, including guidance on pandemic preparedness, disease outbreaks, and medical readiness.
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Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS)
https://ibhs.org
This site offers information on fortifying homes and businesses against disasters, focusing on building codes, construction techniques, and other safety measures.
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National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
https://www.floodsmart.gov
NFIP provides resources on flood preparedness, including how to protect property and how to obtain flood insurance.
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National Firewise USA Program
https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Wildfire/Firewise-USA
This program offers guidelines for creating defensible space and reducing fire risk in wildfire-prone areas.
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S.C.R.A.P. Gallery to Host Real People, Real Climate, Real Change Exhibit, Sept. 13 - Nov. 17, 2024
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It's for real. S.C.R.A.P. Gallery invites you to journey through climate change with the exhibit "Real People, Real Climate, Real Changes" from Sept. 13 through Nov. 17, 2024. This family-friendly, participatory exhibit demonstrates how climate change is changing and how those changes affect people's lives around the country and the world. The exhibit, …Read more
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Coachella Valleys Battle in the Desert 2024
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October 19, 2024
Come watch the sport of amateur boxing at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater in Downtown Cathedral City. Doors open at 4:00 pm 1st boxing match starts at approximately 5:00 pm For tickets, contact Jesus Gonzalez (760) 335-8895
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Quarterly Art Exhibit
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November 9, 2024
The Quarterly Art Exhibit in Cathedral City showcases a variety of artworks by talented local artists. This free community event takes place every three months, with each exhibit featuring new pieces to discover. Come out and support the arts while exploring the unique culture of Cathedral City.
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Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival
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November 22-24, 2024
The City of Cathedral City is excited to announce Agua Caliente Casinos, the award-winning premier destination for entertainment in the Coachella Valley, as the title sponsor for the 10th-anniversary event, which will take place Friday, Nov. 22 - Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. The festival will feature live food truck vendors from Southern California, a beer and wine garden, tethered balloon rides…Read more
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