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National Preparedness Month
updated: Sep 10, 2012, 4:15 PM
Source: Office of Emergency Management
On the 11-year anniversary of the September 11th
terrorist attacks, the Office of Emergency Management is reminding residents that the month of September is
"National Preparedness Month" in the United States. Being prepared for all emergencies and
disasters - not just terrorist attacks - prepares individuals and families for faster recovery and
helps to keep families and communities together.
According to Michael Harris, Emergency Operations Chief for Santa Barbara County, "Since
that terrible September morning eleven years ago, there have been dozens of major emergencies
and disasters in this country. While we need to always be prepared to respond as a nation to
those who want to harm us, we must not forget that maintaining basic preparedness helps
everyone be ready for any disaster."
According to Harris, emergency managers want residents to achieve the very basic level of
preparedness by addressing four areas:
1. Store one gallon of water per-person-per-day for five days
2. Obtain a hand-crank radio to monitor local media stations and the National Weather Service
for emergency information
3. Store about five days worth of canned and other foods with a long shelf-life that can be easily
rotated and used
4. Have a plan - Know who you are going to contact out of state through a quick call or text,
know where your family members are going to meet and have a conversation about what you
will do when the next disaster strikes.
It is estimated that only 10-12% of residents are prepared for our next emergency. Basic levels
of preparedness will help residents navigate the first three to five days until local emergency
services can reach many stranded residents and until state and federal resources arrive.
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