Behind the Badge
Back to school. Baseball pennant races. Slightly cooler (well, maybe) temps.
September is this and much more.
It’s also National Preparedness Month, which began after 9/11 to increase awareness and encourage action for emergency preparedness.
Through its Facebook and Twitter accounts (@AnaheimFire), Anaheim Fire & Rescue is dispensing tips on being ready for bad things.
During the first week of September, the agency is offering advice on how to reconnect with family and friends after a disaster. Establishing a communications plan, for example, is critical.
Knowing how to plan for specific needs is the focus of the second week.
“Planning needs may vary for children, seniors, college students as well as those with special needs and also pets,” Fire Chief Randy R. Bruegman says.
Weeks three and four will tackle how to build an emergency kit and how to practice for an emergency.
“Emergency kits are more than just food and water,” Bruegman says. “Think of it as having to take an unexpected camping trip and the gear you will need to keep you warm, fed, healthy and that will allow you to stay in contact with others.”
Anaheim Fire & Rescue offers advanced training through the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. Information regarding specific elements of emergency preparedness can be found at www.anaheim.net/prepare and CERT training information is available at Anaheim.net/CERT.
