Calaveras County, CA…Dear Editor, September is Emergency Preparedness Month. I usually do presentations in our community but I have to try another way this year. I have been teaching emergency preparedness since 1984. I am glad I can continue to do so, just in a different way. Our community faces wild fires,winter storms, flooding and power outages.

The press release from FEMA states disasters like floods, hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, and earthquakes are a harsh and frequent reality for much of the country. According to a recent survey conducted by FEMA, progress has been made; however, fewer than half of Americans have discussed and developed an emergency plan with their household.
Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Ad Council launched a new series of public service announcements (PSAs) to encourage families to develop an emergency communication plan before a disaster occurs. An extension of the national Ready campaign, the new PSAs launch in conjunction with the 12th annual National Preparedness Month, serving as a reminder to take action to prepare for the types of hazards that could impact where you live, work, and vacation.

“The last thing you want to be worried about during a disaster is how to communicate with your family members,” said Administrator Craig Fugate. “Have that conversation today. It doesn’t cost a thing.”

The new campaign includes English and Spanish-language TV, radio, outdoor, print and digital PSAs. Created pro bono by Chicago-based advertising agency Schafer Condon Carter, the PSAs illustrate the importance of having a family plan in the event of an emergency by showing real emergency moments and asking the question, “when is the right time to prepare?” The viewer is encouraged to develop a family emergency communication plan through the clear message, “Don’t wait. Communicate.” The PSAs direct audiences to Ready.gov/communicate for tools and resources to help develop and practice a family emergency communication plan.
“Through the Ready campaign, we’ve made a lot of progress educating and empowering Americans to prepare for all types of emergencies but there are still so many families that don’t have a plan, said Lisa Sherman, President and CEO of the Ad Council. “Having these conversations is really important and can have a big impact on our families’ safety in the event of a disaster.”
“SCC is honored to work with the Ad Council and FEMA on the Ready campaign,” said David Selby, President and Managing Partner of SCC. “This new campaign provides powerful imagery and a critically important call-to-action that we hope will cause individuals and families to pay attention, lean in and, ultimately, take action.”
Localized television and radio PSAs were created and will be available for 27 states, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Washington D.C., and New York City as part of an ongoing collaboration with state and local emergency management partners. These PSAs drive audiences to their local organization’s website for resources and information pertinent to their area.
As an extension of the national Ready campaign, versions of the PSAs were created for Ready New York, a local initiative that was launched in partnership with the New York City Office of Emergency Management in 2009. Tailoring the message to the unique challenges faced by people living in New York City, audiences are directed to call 311 or visit NYC.gov/readyny, where they can find preparedness resources, including 11 Ready New York guides in 13 languages and audio format.

Managed and sponsored by the Ready campaign, National Preparedness Month is designed to raise awareness and encourage Americans to take steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, schools, organizations, businesses, and places of worship. National Preparedness Month is an opportunity to share emergency preparedness information and host activities across the country to help Americans understand what it truly means to be ready.

The Department of Homeland Security has some great information for any one who wants to call and get it.
There isn’t a charge for anything you need. They pay the postage too.
Their phone number is 1 (800) BE-READY (1-800-237-3239)
They have information about many topics. Their phone people can guide you to what you need with just a few simple questions.
The best book to ask for is “Are You Ready”
Publication #IS-22
https://www.ready.gov/are-you-ready-guide

For those who want to download information, here is the link to the download page.
https://www.ready.gov/publications
They have brochures for Individuals and Families.
They have Business Resources.
They have Ready Kids Publications.
They have Tribal Material.
There are many more publications you may ask for. People with disabilities, special needs and pets are a few examples
of what is available.

Last year I received 100 books during the Butte Fire. I had them in my car and between church and Big Trees Market the
100 books were gone in a week. There have been many tough lessons from the Butte Fire. By getting the book “Are You Ready?”
you and your family members can be ready for almost any challenging disaster.

Thank you for your time, in all things important–be well
Peggy Rourke-Nichols, R.N.
Disaster Preparedness Instructor since California Quake Safe in 1984