NEW!  Check out SKC's video tutorials on how to build a Go Bag & Stay Box, below (or click here).

Salinas Fireman Josh Hostetter visited Special Kids Connect on Friday, July 31! View his visit, here:

5 MINUTES.  3 DAYS. 

If you were given 5 minutes to evacuate your home, would you be able to grab everything you need?  Emergency readiness experts recommend that you have enough food, water and other supplies to last you and your family for at least 3 days (72 hours).  

The California Fire Foundation offers tips on developing a 5-minute plan for your home. CLICK here to learn more!

 

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED.  

If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us one thing, it is that the world, as we know it, can change in an instant.  And, any emergency can be even harder on families who have individuals with special needs.  Are you prepared for the next emergency?  

Listos Calfiornia has a Disaster Ready Guide, suitable for printing, that can provide guidance on emergency preparedness.  CLICK here to download a Disaster Ready Guide.  Don't have a printer? Call Special Kids Connect at (831) 372-2730 or email your address to [email protected] and we'll send you a printed version of this guide at no cost.  

 

 

 

 

 

TAKE AT LEAST ONE SAFETY STEP TODAY.

There are some simple ways you can get prepared, right now, with very little effort.  Even if you do only ONE THING TODAY, you'll be better prepared than yesterday!

There are three categories in which you need to be prepared.  

Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area and make a plan for each.  In Monterey County, we tend to think of earthquakes, wildfires, power outages, and pandemics.  But, Monterey County is also susceptible to flooding, hazardous materials incidents, explosions, active shooter incidents and more.  

There are FOUR steps to making a plan:

1. Discuss the following questions with your family, friends or household:

• How will I receive emergency updates & warnings?
• What is my shelter plan?
• What is my evacuation route?
• What is my family/household communication plan?
• Do I have an up-to-date emergency preparedness kit?

2. Consider the specific needs of your household.  Do you have:

• Family members with special needs who require equipment or extra care?
• Dietary needs?
• Pets or service animals?

3. Fill out a Family Emergency Plan ~ Here's a guide!

4. Practice your plan with your family/household. 

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days.  Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last your household for at least 72 hours.  Watch the videos, below, to learn how to get your kit ready!

Prepare an Emergency Go-Bag (English Video):

Prepare an Emergency Stay Box (English Video):

Prepare an Emergency Go-Bag (Spanish Video):

Prepare an Emergency Stay Box (Spanish Video):

Prepare an Emergency Go-Bag (Triqui Video):

Prepare an Emergency Stay Box (Triqui Video):

Prepare an Emergency Go-Bag (Mixteco-Bajo Video):

Prepare an Emergency Stay Box (Mixteco-Bajo Video):

Recommended items to include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:

• Water ~ 3 gallons per person
• Food ~ A three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Can Opener (if kit contains canned food)
• Battery-powered OR hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask
• Plastic sheeting & duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes
• Garbage bags & plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

• Alert Monterey County is Monterey County's emergency alert program.  It's amazing!  You can get text, phone, and email notification on specific addresses you care about: your home, your children's schools,, your work, and more.  CLICK here to register for alerts.  You can opt out at any time!
• The Monterey County Office of Emergency Services is a great online resource for information on training and resources geared to empower individuals and communities to be ready for our big emergency.  Visit their website here.