National Preparedness Month 2023

Preparedness for Earthquakes and more makes for a more resilient Riverside County

September is National Preparedness Month, and the County of Riverside Emergency Management Department is encouraging all residents to take steps to prepare for emergencies, including earthquakes. The Ready Campaign's 2023 National Preparedness Month campaign will focus on preparing older adults for disasters, specifically those from communities that may need additional support. Everyone can benefit from being prepared for emergencies, and earthquake preparedness is especially important in Riverside County. Each resident can play a part in preparing our whole community by helping family, friends, co-workers and neighbors to be ready for emergencies.

Why Earthquake Preparedness is Important

Major earthquakes could come from any of the three major faults here in Riverside County; the San Andreas fault, the Elsinore fault or the San Jacinto fault. Earthquakes can strike without warning and cause significant damage to buildings, roads, and other infrastructure. They can also cause injuries and fatalities. Being prepared for an earthquake can help you and your family stay safe and minimize damage to your property.

Here are some steps you can take to prepare for an earthquake:

• Create an emergency kit: Your emergency kit should include enough food, water, and supplies to last for at least three days. You should also include a first aid kit, a flashlight, and a battery-powered radio.
• Make a plan: Create a family emergency plan that includes a meeting place and contact information for family members. Make sure everyone knows what to do in case of an earthquake.
• Secure your home: Secure heavy furniture and appliances to prevent them from falling during an earthquake. You should also make sure your home is up to code and can withstand seismic activity. Older adults should pay extra attention to securing items that might fall in an earthquake and make moving in the home more difficult. Additionally, those taking medications should ensure they have a plan have enough medication to last 3-7 days. Power companies often have programs to assist those with powered medical devices with batter back up equipment.
• Stay informed: Sign up for the Alert RivCo notification system to receive emergency alerts and warnings. You should also stay informed about earthquake risks and preparedness by following the County of Riverside Emergency Management Department on social media and attending preparedness training and events.

Sign Up for Alert RivCo Now to Get Alerts for Local Emergencies

The Alert RivCo notification system is a vital tool for staying informed about emergency events in Riverside County. The system is used by local public safety agencies to rapidly alert and warn residents of emergencies requiring action for their address, such as earthquakes, wildfires, and hazardous materials incidents.

Signing up for Alert RivCo is easy and free. You can register online at https://rivcoready.org/alert-rivco/ or by calling (951) 358-7100. Don't wait until it's too late - sign up for Alert RivCo today and stay informed about emergency events in your area.

National Preparedness Month is an excellent opportunity to take steps to prepare for emergencies, including earthquakes. By creating an emergency kit, making a plan, securing your home, and staying informed, you can help protect yourself and your family. Remember to sign up for Alert RivCo to receive emergency alerts and warnings. If you have older adults in your life, reach out to see if you can help them with their own preparedness. With a little preparation, you can be more resilient when emergencies occur. For more preparedness tips, go to RivCoReady.org.