Home, safe, home | April 29

[aesop_character name=”Lori Woods” caption=”Signal Hill Mayor” align=”center”] Assuming that most of you are just like me, you feel a tinge of guilt or say again to yourself, “I really do need to do that,” every time the phrase “disaster preparedness” is heard on the radio or mentioned in the news or any variety of media. The task seems daunting. Where should I start? What things will I need most? Aren’t emergency supplies really expensive?
Look no further! As mayor of the City of Signal Hill, I have chosen emergency preparedness as a theme to focus on this year.
Let’s work together on making our city more resilient in the face of any disaster by preparing our homes and families for any emergency challenge that we may face.
The question: How do you eat an elephant? Answer: One bite at a time!
In an attempt to break down emergency preparedness into “bite-sized pieces,” The American Red Cross has created the program 21 Weeks to Prepare. This simple, straightforward and practical program is just what you’ll need to finally have peace of mind knowing that you and your family are prepared.
The Signal Tribune has graciously offered to allow me to share the 21 Weeks to Prepare program right here in this “Home, Safe Home” feature article that will be published each Friday following the Signal Hill City Council meetings (the second and fourth Fridays of each month).
This column will also include other useful tips and programs that Signal Hill is developing, like our Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training and the new Map Your Neighborhood (MYN) program.
Cut out this next section, or take a picture with your smartphone and take it with you on your next regular shopping trip.
These are the suggested items needed to sustain a family of four for three to five days following a disaster.
Today’s article includes Week 1 and Week 2 to get us started.
[aesop_image imgwidth=”500px” img=”http://www.signaltribunenewspaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Screen-Shot-2016-04-28-at-3.33.48-PM.png” align=”center” lightbox=”on” captionposition=”center”] It’s that simple! For the full list of 21 Weeks to prepare, visit cityofsignalhill.org or redcross.org .
This practical breakdown of emergency-preparedness ideas will help you and your family and the entire community be more resilient in the face of a disaster. To make it even easier, just text “21 weeks” to (562) 477-1287 to receive the weekly shopping list right on your smartphone.
Looking ahead: My next article will feature the Week 3 shopping list and a list of potential hazards to look for around your home.