September is National Preparedness Month, and this year's theme is "Disasters Don't Wait. Make Your Plan Today." CVWD encourages the community to be prepared when disaster strikes, remembering the critical supplies needed for COVID-19.
Talk to your friends and family about how you will communicate before, during, and after a disaster. Make sure to update your plan based on the Centers for Disease Control recommendations due to the Coronavirus.
Gather supplies that will last for several days after a disaster for everyone living in your home. Don’t forget to consider the unique needs each person or pet may have in case you have to evacuate quickly. Update your kits and supplies based on recommendations by the CDC for COVID-19.
Limit the impacts that disasters have on you and your family. Know the risk of disasters in your area and check your insurance coverage. Learn how to make your home stronger in the face of storms and other common hazards and act fast if you receive a local warning or alert.
Talk to your kids about preparing for emergencies and what to do in case you are separated. Reassure them by providing information about how they can get involved.
Get Tech Ready
Technology has made it easier than ever to prepare for emergencies, but it can be unreliable in an emergency if you haven't kept your gadgets protected and powered up. Consider investing in a solar charger or extended battery to charge your devices.
Here are some tools to make sure you are tech-ready:
Be Informed
Download the FEMA app. Get weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States.
Sign up for FEMA text messages to get updates from FEMA (standard message and data rates apply).
Here are basic commands to get started:
To sign up to get preparedness tips: text PREPARE to 43362.
To search for open shelters (for disaster survivor): text SHELTER and ZIP code to 43362.
To get a list of all keywords you can subscribe: text LIST to 43362.
To unsubscribe (at any time): text STOP to 43362.
Before a disaster, follow local government on social media to stay up-to-date with official information before, during, and after a disaster. Sign up for Twitter alerts from trusted government agencies to get notified when critical information goes out.
Find out how you can get involved and be prepared by clicking here. More information can be found at Ready.gov.