STOCKTON — Floods are a fairly common occurrence in parts of San Joaquin County.
There are also occasional wildfires such as the one that burned a large swath of the Diablo Range and rural area south of Tracy earlier this year.
Count among potential emergencies and disasters include things such as the 1989 train derailment near Manteca High that led to the evacuation of nearby neighborhoods.
It is against that backdrop the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors proclaimed September as Community Preparedness Month.
Community Preparedness Month encourages community members to participate in the emergency planning process by being prepared for emergencies and disasters.
In partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Preparedness Month Campaign, this year’s theme will focus on empowering Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities to act today to prepare for future risks and disasters.
National Preparedness Month is observed each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies.
"The County’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) has taken a proactive leadership role to ensure that San Joaquin County is prepared for emergencies and disaster," said Miguel Villapudua, Chair of the Board of Supervisors.
"Public safety is a top priority of our Board, and we appreciate the dedication of the men and women of OES who do this work throughout the year to make sure that our organization and our residents have the information and tools they need to be ready for an emergency.”
Community members are encouraged to participate in Community Preparedness Month by being Ready in 3 steps:
*1. Sign up for SJReady Alerts by going to www.sjready.org. SJReady Alerts is the County’s official emergency alert and warning system. This is an opt-in service.
*2 Make a plan with their family by mapping out several evacuation routes and in opposite directions, mark meetup points and emergency resources along the way, and have a family communications plan.
*3.Build an emergency supply kit. Pack a Go Bag in case an evacuation is required and build a Stay Kit in case of a shelter in place is required.
"We are committed to safeguarding all who live, work, and play in San Joaquin County. The safety and well-being of our community members are paramount in everything we do at the Office of Emergency Services," said Sierra Brucia, Director.
The Community Preparedness Month Campaign will shine a light on partners who are integral to the AANHPI community. Little Manila Rising, a community-based organization, is working alongside the Office of Emergency Services to provide vital emergency resources to vulnerable populations in San Joaquin County.
Community members are encouraged to go to www.sjready.org to learn more about how they can prepare for emergencies and disasters.
