[Editor’s Note: Ms. Parra’s commentary on disaster preparedness is a monthly feature.]
September is recognized as National Preparedness Month, a reminder that we must all take action to be prepared. Not just for today but for tomorrow, next week, next month and next year.
Disasters happen whether we are ready for them or not. This year’s theme “Don’t Wait, Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today” reaffirms the importance of not only having disaster supplies but, having a plan, too.
Many ask, “If I have my disaster supplies, why is it important to also have a plan?” Your family may not be together when disaster strikes. Having a plan in place will address certain situations in advance, such as:
- How your family/household will receive emergency alerts and warnings
- How you will get to a safe location for relevant emergencies
- How you will get in touch with one another if cell phone, internet or landlines aren’t working
- How you will let loved ones know you are safe
- Where you will meet after an emergency
To answer the first question, the city of Culver City will alert and post warnings in several different ways.
We will send out messages using our emergency notification system, Nixle, we will record information and make it available on our local radio station, AM1690, we will post critical information on our city’s website at www.culvercity.org, City Facebook page and on Twitter.
You now have the information you need to complete the emergency alerts/warnings section of your Emergency Plan.
If you are not signed up with Nixle, you may do so by visiting www.nixle.com
and selecting “Resident Login” and then by selecting the green “Sign Up” button.
You may also sign up by texting your zip code to 888777. However, using this option does not allow you to also include your email address and home phone number.
For more information on how to prepare a Family Disaster Plan, please visit www.culvercity.org/emergencyprep. You will find checklists and editable templates to create your plan.
Ms. Parra, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for the city of Culver City, may be contacted at Christine.parra@culvercity.org
