Know What to Plan For
The first step in planning for disasters is knowing what you need to plan for. One great source of information about the emergency events San Diego is most at risk for is under the “Preparedness” tab of the County’s AlertSanDiego.org website. Use this as a starting point to discuss with your family what actions you need to take to prepare for disasters including wildfire, extended power outages, earthquakes and extreme heat.
Stay Informed
Access to current information is critical during any emergency. Here are four things you can do now to ensure you have what you need, when you need it:
1. Download the Poway CityApp. This free app lets you report and track incidents around the city. But that’s not all! It provides quick access to information specific to Poway during an emergency event.
2. (New!) Download the Genasys Protect app. In the event of an emergency, Genasys Protect is THE place to get detailed evacuation information. It will notify you of an evacuation in your pre-determined evacuation zone(s), such as your home or work.
3. Register your email and mobile number with Alert San Diego using your current address. Land lines are automatically included in the county’s reverse 911 system, but this allows you to get the information relevant to your current place of residence no matter where you are at the time the alert goes out.
4. Download the SD Emergency app on your mobile phone and/or tablet. Designed for San Diego County residents, the app has a section for emergency planning, a section with information and maps during the emergency, and a section with recovery resources for after.
Have a Plan
Make a family evacuation plan for your home and for your neighborhood. Know two ways out and identify a meeting place outside your home, as well as a meeting place outside of your neighborhood, in case your family becomes separated.
Make a Kit
Each family member should have a “Go Bag” with essential items in the event you need to quickly evacuate. Your Go Bag should include a change of clothes, a pair of sturdy shoes, a flashlight, and a basic first aid kit. Gloves, eye protection, face mask, and whistle are all good items to include as well.
Want to learn more?
The Poway Fire Department is hosting a free preparedness workshop on Saturday 10/19 covering emergency preparedness, home fire safety, wildfire and evacuation awareness, and home hardening/defensible space. Advance registration is required.