September is disaster preparedness month and it is a great time to ask, are you ready? Being ready means preparing to protect everyone you love when faced with a disaster. I encourage you to start by making a plan before disasters and emergencies strike. Discuss with your household and loved ones how you will communicate if there is an emergency. Practice the emergency plans that you follow in the event of different types of disasters such as fires and earthquakes. Run drills and involve your entire family, including children so they are prepared and not afraid. Houses, mobile homes, high rises, and apartment buildings all have different evacuation routes and considerations. Create a plan for what you will do if you are at home, school, or work in the event of a disaster. Get familiar with your children’s school evacuation and reunification plans and talk them over with your children.
Check your emergency supplies. Create or update your supply kits. Important items to include are water, food, medications to last several days, first aid items, pet supplies, and any other life-sustaining necessities. Check the expiration date on items in your emergency kits and replace anything that’s expired. Get your kids involved and help them build their own kit with changes of clothes and comforting items like a stuffed animal or blanket. Make sure your emergency supplies are stored in an area that everyone is aware of and can get to.
Subscribe to emergency alert systems such as Alert San Diego. You can register your cell phone to get notifications from Alert San Diego by visiting readysandiego.org. To receive emergency text notifications from the Oceanside Police Department, simply text any zip code you frequent in Oceanside to 888-777. This service is free of charge, but standard text messaging rates will apply.
In the event of a large disaster, first responders will work to meet the demands of our city. You can help make a difference in Oceanside by getting involved. Visit oceansidecert.org for information on how you can receive training and be a certified leader in your neighborhood to help respond in the event of an emergency.
Throughout the month of September, we will share weekly reminders on our social media platforms to help you prepare. Follow the Oceanside Police Department on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for additional safety tips and upcoming department events. Don’t forget there are a variety of career opportunities available at the Oceanside Police Department. Visit joinopd.net to learn more about current job openings.
Thank you and be safe.
