Give the gift of preparedness for the holidays - Complete a family disaster plan

Looking for a different type of holiday gift? Give the gift of disaster preparedness. The County Office of Emergency Services urges all residents of San Diego to think about disaster preparedness this holiday season by assembling and donating a disaster supply kit to a family member or neighbor.

According to a recent survey conducted by The Ad Council, 91 percent of Americans agree that a little preparation can help protect their families in the event of an emergency. However, only 55 percent had taken at least three steps recommended by the US Department of Homeland Security’s “Ready Campaign,” including the assembly of an emergency supply kit, completion of a family disaster plan and researching possible emergencies that could occur in their community.

Each kit should include supplies necessary to self-sustain for a minimum of 72 hours. In addition to assembling a kit, every family in San Diego should complete a family disaster plan. The plan discusses actions to take before, during and after a disaster.

A family disaster plan includes:

• A list of emergency contact numbers for family members

• An out-of-area contact for family members to call following a disaster

• Pre-identified meeting areas near and away from home, in case family members become separated

Copies of the family disaster plan are available in five languages and can be obtained by calling the San Diego County Office of Emergency Services at (858) 565-3490 or visiting http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/oes/community/be_prepared/preparedness/families.