We live in an area that is not immune to disasters. Southern California and San Diego County can experience significant natural and man-made events including wildfires and earthquakes, as well as strong storms that could have a major impact on our homes and lives. It is incumbent on all of us to be prepared for such events. The good news is that there is a wealth of resources to help us all in this effort.
September is National Preparedness Month and now is a great time to leverage these local, state and national resources. One such resource is the ready.gov website maintained by the Department of Homeland Security.
At 6:00 PM on Tuesday, September 25th, the Encinitas Fire Department and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will present the two hour disaster preparedness program “Are You Ready” at the Encinitas Community and Senior Center, 1140 Oakcrest Drive. The free program is tailored to address disasters that are likely to affect Encinitas. Detailed steps to take before a disaster strikes will be discussed with the goal of minimizing the effects on our families and homes. Materials will be provided that outline the supplies needed to support you and your family’s needs for up to 72 hours. Home Disaster Preparedness Starter Kits will be available at a reduced price during the training session. Please email RSVP to ayr@enccert.org. Due to limited space, people are encouraged to sign up early.
Click here to download the Are You Ready September 25th Flyer
About the “Are You Ready” Program
The successful “Are You Ready” (AYR) program was created by Solana Beach CERT approximately 10 years ago and has been adapted for Encinitas residents to build a safe, prepared, and strong Encinitas community. The two hour presentation addresses the most likely events (earthquakes and wildfires) that could lead to a community wide disaster, overwhelming our public emergency response resources. The presentation is available to all area residents free of charge. Encinitas CERT presents the program to the public twice during the year and also makes it available to smaller audiences such as Homeowners’ Associations and neighborhood groups.
About Encinitas CERT (Community Emergency Response Team)
The Encinitas Fire Department started the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program in 2007 to prepare residents for a catastrophic disaster. This program teaches citizens basic emergency skills and how to respond effectively to disasters as part of a team. Training is available to residents and workers in Encinitas twice per year. The program was initially created by the Los Angeles Fire Department in 1986 and has now been established in over 1100 communities nationwide. Additional information is available online: https://www.enccert.org/about-us