National Preparedness Month

Start building your plan now.

9/4/2007

Through the month of September, Irvine will participate in National Preparedness Month.  National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort held each September to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools. National Preparedness Month 2007 is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The goal of the month is to increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies and to encourage individuals to take action. Throughout September, Homeland Security will work with a wide variety of organizations, including local, state and federal government agencies and the private sector, to highlight the importance of family emergency preparedness and promote individual involvement through events and activities across the nation.

During the month of September Irvine employees will:

• Work in partnership with the Irvine Unified and Tustin Unified School districts to get the word out to families by posting "Your Guide to Emergency Preparedness" brochures to the IUSD and TUSD websites.
• Distribute "Your Guide to Emergency Preparedness" brochures through all City of Irvine Parks, preschools and apartment communities.
• Distribute "Preparing Makes Sense for Older Americans" information to all senior centers and assisted living centers in Irvine.

In addition to these preparedness pieces, the Irvine Community Television station (Channel 30 on COX) information about the city’s emergency radio system 1640 AM.

City of Irvine employees will also conduct a "DUCK, COVER and HOLD" drill during the month of September where employees and visitors will hear a recorded announcement and be asked to take shelter under a desk or table as if an earthquake were occurring. 

According to the American Red Cross, only 7 percent of Americans have taken the steps necessary to be prepared.  Take the time to protect your family.

Emergency Preparedness Information
Your Guide to Emergency Preparedness
Preparing Makes Sense for Older Americans
Create a Workplace Emergency Plan
Irvine Police Emergency Management