Prepare for Emergencies - Get Engaged
Prepare for Emergencies - Get Engaged
Why?
When you are starting a new topic, it's great to find fun, informative, and impactful ways to get engaged.
If you are leading a Team, this is a great place to start when planning your Team Gathering.
Take stock at home for insurance
If you have renter's or homeowner's insurance, you may think that’s all you need to do – you’re covered, right? But in the event of a disaster such as wildfire, flooding, or even a home robbery, you may lack an essential record of what you’ve lost.
For starters, a written home inventory helps you track your belongings and valuable items. It’s also a good idea to take photographs and videos. A variety of resources are available to help you do this, including an app from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
Taking these steps may not only speed any insurance claims you make, but also maximize your claim payments.
NAIC: Home Inventory Guide
Forbes: You Really Need a Home Inventory
FEMA: Document and Insure Your Property
Watch/read/listen to learn more
YouTube Playlist
Cool Petaluma has curated content for you. Check out the Prepare for Emergencies playlist for educational and inspiring videos.
PODCAST: The Big One - Season One
When The Big One hits, it'll take fewer than two minutes for more than 10 million Southern Californians to lose internet, power, and a sense of security. Host Jacob Margolis and Producer Misha Euceph take you on a journey to understand what the catastrophic earthquake will mean for Los Angeles, the U.S., and the world. This is what you need to know to survive.
PODCAST: The Big Burn - Season Two
As the world enters a new age of wildfires, science reporter Jacob Margolis dives deep into personal stories that illuminate the history of how we got here, why we keep screwing things up, and what we can do to survive and maybe even thrive while the world around us burns.
MOVIE: A Village Called Versailles
(1 hour 26 minutes)
In a New Orleans neighborhood called Versailles, a tight-knit group of Vietnamese Americans overcame obstacles to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina, only to have their homes threatened by a new government-imposed toxic landfill. A Village Called Versailles is the empowering story of how the Versailles people turn a devastating disaster into a catalyst for change and a chance for a better future.
Build neighborhood supply box
This will also take time and planning, but could be a lifesaver in an emergency. Throw this idea out to your group and see if anyone is interested. It can be as simple as a waterproof box stashed in a yard filled with basic shared emergency supplies, like a gas shutoff wrench, water, first aid kit, crank radio, emergency contact numbers, etc.
Use your voice
VOTE! PLEASE, VOTE!
Tired of year after year of firestorms, atmospheric rivers, heat domes, polar vortexes, and megadroughts? THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO IS MAKE CLIMATE A TOP VOTING ISSUE!!! Tell your representatives that this is not an acceptable future for our children and grandchildren. Vote like the lives of everyone you love are at risk, because they are.
Write letters
We can't prevent all emergencies. But our local, state, and federal officials can take steps to minimize risks and come to the aid of residents after an emergency. For example, allowing building in floodplains doesn’t make sense for many reasons. Know who your representatives are and don’t be shy about letting them know what you expect from them.
And remember to also lead with gratitude, sending words of encouragement and thanks to representatives who have done good things. This is just as important.
Here is contact information for your government officials:
Assembly Member Damon Connolly
California Senator Alex Padilla
California Senator Dianne Feinstein
Talk to friends & family
Use the things you are doing and learning in this program as conversation starters. Even a little small talk around the water cooler at work might influence someone to follow your lead and do something to prepare for emergencies.
Help others take action
Not everyone has the resources or ability to take key emergency prep steps. Offer a helping hand by gathering supplies, assembling go bags, or sharing contact information, for example. After all, we are stronger together, Sonoma County! We have learned this the hard way, through fires and floods.