Emergency Preparedness Fair Returns To San Martin This Month

SAN MARTIN, CA — September is Community Preparedness Month in Santa Clara County, and local agencies will team up to host the second annual Emergency Preparedness Fair later this month in San Martin.

"With the increasing frequency of natural disasters such as wildfires and severe weather events, along with the constant awareness of the potential for the next big earthquake, the need for preparedness has never been more critical," the county wrote Monday. "A key focus of this year's commemoration revolves around empowering older adults to be resilient i the face of disasters, with special attention given to communities that bear a disproportionate burden during various emergencies."

County officials encourage neighbors of all ages to attend the fair which will provide direct insight from the Office of Emergency Management and partner agencies including the American Red Cross.

Santa Clara County's 2nd Emergency Preparedness Fair

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023
• Time: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Location: County of Santa Clara Animal Services (12425 Monterey Road, San Martin)
• More information is available here.

The county also shared four steps residents can take now to prepare for emergencies and natural disasters:

Step 1: Signup for AlertSCC

Signup at www.AlertSCC.org, the official emergency alert and warning system for Santa Clara County. With AlertSCC, community members can receive local alerts directly on mobile devices, landlines, or email. Community members have full control over their notification settings, allowing personal customization according to preferences. Opt-out at any time. Stay informed and stay safe with AlertSCC.

Step 2: Make a Plan

Planning is paramount! Plan and map out several evacuation routes in various directions. Identify safe meeting locations along these routes, and mark emergency resources and services available along the way on a paper map. Engage family in discussions about communication strategies during an emergency. Establish an out-of-area contact person who can serve as a central point for information. Plan how to report safety statuses to one another if separated. Prioritize documenting your home and property before disaster strikes. Take photographs and create a detailed record of all belongings. This inventory will be invaluable for insurance claims and recovery efforts in the aftermath of an incident.

Step 3: Build an Emergency Supply Kit

Get ready for any emergency by assembling a Go Bag and Stay Kit. A Go Bag is a must-have emergency supply kit designed for quick evacuations. Include personal items, non-perishable foods, water, batteries, flashlights, phone chargers, prescription medications, important documents, and a paper contact list. A Stay Kit is for sheltering in place during emergencies. Be sure to stock it with essentials supplies that will last for 7 days.

Step 4: Help Others

Ensuring the safety of others begins with your own preparedness. Organize a neighborhood emergency planning meeting to discuss topics such as evacuation routes and safe meeting points. Identify and create a comprehensive contact list of allied services and resources to share within your community. In times of crisis, your personal safety takes precedence. Always check your surroundings and make sure you are out of harm's way. If it is safe to do so, extend a helping hand to others, or call 9-1-1.