As the recent wildfires locally and across the West have shown, all of us should be prepared for emergencies. This is why National Preparedness Month (NPM) is recognized each September; to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year.
The 2020 NPM theme is ‘Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today.’
Make a plan
Talk to your friends and family about how you will communicate before, during and after a disaster. Make sure to update your plan based on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations due to the coronavirus. Read more at Make A Plan.
Build an emergency kit
Gather supplies that will last for several days after a disaster for everyone living in your home. Don’t forget to consider the unique needs each person or pet may have in case you have to evacuate quickly. Update your kits and supplies based on recommendations by the CDC. Read more at Build A Kit.
Share Daily Preparedness Tips During September
Did you know the Red Cross is sharing “30 days of preparedness” during National Preparedness Month? Visit their webpage to check out small ways to get prepared every day in September.
Download emergency checklists
During an emergency, every second counts. Careful planning can help keep you safe and reduce the stress of scrambling for what you need. Visit our Wildfire Emergency Preparedness webpage to download emergency checklists.
Create a defensible space
A defensible space is the area around your home where vegetation is maintained and cleared to reduce the spread of wildfire to and from your property. Learn more here.
Power outage safety
Unplanned power outages can be caused by many things; traffic accidents, damage to power lines, and most commonly storms and high winds. All electric customers should have a plan in place following a power outage, especially if you or a loved one requires electricity for a medical device. Here are some tips to help you know what to do before, during and after a power outage occurs.
Generator safety
A backup generator for your home ensures that you and your family have electrical power should an outage occur. Learn more here.
Get alerts
In the event of a Public Safety Power Shutoff, do we have your current contact information and have you signed up for outage notifications? Learn more here and download our new SDG&E Alerts App.