September is National preparedness Month, so here is some helpful LOCAL information from the City of Temecula:
National Preparedness Month, observed in September, is around the corner and is a great time to raise awareness that a vital aspect of emergency preparedness starts at home. Did you know that every household should maintain emergency supplies to endure power outages and water supply disruptions for a minimum of three days?
City of Temecula staff and our City Council will be sharing information and hosting events related to Emergency Preparedness. We suggest all residents take some time over the next month to complete the following six steps:
1. Create an emergency supply checklist: Make a list of essential items that your family will need during an emergency, such as non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, medications, personal hygiene items, cash, and important documents. Turn to page 5 of the City's Emergency Preparedness Guide for a list of supplies to help you get started.
2. Stock up on supplies: Purchase or gather the items from your checklist and store them in a designated area at your home. Make sure to include enough food and water to sustain each family member for three days, accounting for any dietary restrictions or unique needs your family may have such as infant formula, pet supplies, or medical equipment. Also, put together a 3-minute "go bag" when you need to evacuate quickly. A preparedness backpack (a "go bag") is available to purchase at cost, online at the City of Temecula E-Store or at City Hall.
3. Store water safely: It's crucial to have an adequate supply of safe drinking water. You can store clean water in containers specifically designed for long-term storage or purchase commercially bottled water. Aim for one gallon of water per person per day.
4. Rotate and check supplies regularly: Check your emergency supply kit periodically to ensure that all items are in good condition and have not expired. Remember to rotate perishable items like food, medication, and batteries regularly to maintain their effectiveness.
5. Prepare for power outages: In case of power outages, it's essential to have alternative light sources like flashlights, lanterns, and extra batteries. Keep your phones charged and consider having a portable charger.
6. Understand local forms of communication: The City posts "Alerts" on our website and Facebook page first, and if an incident escalates to a larger citywide emergency event, then other forms of communication will be used:
- Website: TemeculaCA.gov - Look for an "Alert" at the top of the page during emergencies.
- Social Media: Follow us @CityofTemecula on Facebook and Instagram.
- Phone Alerts: Sign up at TemeculaCA.gov/Alerts. *You must use an address within the City boundaries. If you do not have one, use your place of business if within the City, City Hall, or a City Park address. Also, it is a good idea to add 951-506-5111 to your phone contacts so the Phone Alert does not appear as "potential spam" on your screen.
- Recorded Message: Dial 951-506-5111 (this number may also be used to call/text citizens who signed up for Phone Alerts).
- Temecula TV: TemeculaCA.gov/TV
- Wireless Emergency Alerts: Auto text to cell phones (no need to sign up). The City of Temecula is an authorized sender of Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) which sends a text warning directly to mobile devices in the case of significant event or disaster. You do not have to sign up for this system.
- Emergency Alert System: Radio & TV interruption for information. Emergency Alert System (EAS), The County of Riverside has the capability to interrupt radio and television broadcasts across the media market to deliver safety instructions. The National Weather Service is the agency that most often activates the EAS system within Riverside County. Currently, this system can only refine the alert area to the entire County of Riverside, not specifically Temecula.