September is National Preparedness Month

During National Preparedness Month, recognized annually in September, every community member is encouraged to take a few steps towards being better prepared for the next disaster.

Preparing can start with these important steps:

• Make or Update Your Disaster Plan: Creating a disaster plan is as easy as having a conversation with your household about what you will do before, during, and after an emergency. Remember to include your pets in your plan!

• Build or Refresh Your Disaster Supply Kit: Tailor your disaster supply kit to your household. Be sure to include basic items your household may need as well as any items for household members with medical needs or comfort items for kids. Make it an activity with your loved ones and see how many items you can find around your home and place in a bin in five minutes.

• Sign Up For ReadySBC Alerts or Update Your Contact Information: To receive these emergency notifications from the County, you must sign up for alerts. If you're already signed up, confirm or update your account information this month.

• Attend a Training: Learn more about preparing your family and community for disaster by participating in a Community Disaster Education, CERT or Listos training.

• Meet Your Neighbors: During a disaster, knowing your neighbors and any special considerations they may have can be lifesaving.

• Follow the City Office of Emergency Services on social media: During National Preparedness Month, we'll be sharing information about preparing. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.