A 2018 nationwide poll by YouGov Omnibus, revealed that while three-quarters of Americans say they are worried about natural disasters or serious incidents affecting their communities, forty-one percent also say they are not prepared.
National Preparedness Month, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) annual disaster readiness campaign, is intended to promote family and community disaster planning and awareness now and throughout the year.
“Severe winter weather, wildfires and floods have affected Douglas County and our neighboring communities over the past decades,” said County Commissioner and Board Chair Roger Partridge. “As we approach our winter weather season and are still in wildfire season, now is a good time to remind our communities that a few simple steps and shared responsibility for readiness can make a big difference.”
“As our communities also continue to respond to COVID-19, there is no better time to be prepared should a disaster strike close to home,” said Tim Johnson, Director, Douglas County Office of Emergency Management.
If you do not have a plan or an emergency kit, taking the following steps can create a more orderly and rapid response during a disaster:
- Take personal responsibility for being aware of local weather conditions.
- Sign up for CODE RED and receive local, public safety alerts via telephone, text message, and email directly from Douglas County. Consider signing up for additional notification means to further maximize your safety.
- Develop an emergency communication plan for you and your family.
- Build a kit. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other needed supplies to last for several days.
- Download the County’s Disaster Preparedness Guide for more helpful tips to prepare you and your family — including your pets and livestock.