September is designated as National Preparedness Month, a reminder to people about the importance of having an action plan for emergency situations. A simple conversation can go a long way toward creating such a plan.
“What we really stress to people is to take the time to sit down and talk about what needs to happen if there was a disaster,” Diana Allen, public information officer for the Westminster Fire Department, said. “Families need to discuss how they will contact each other and what kinds of actions are needed to take during an emergency.”
Allen said other than a plan, a 72-hour kit is one of the most important tools people can have during an emergency. The kit should have the essentials, including enough water, food, first-aid supplies, tools, clothes, bedding and medications to last at least 72 hours. Allen said the kit should be in a designated area where it can be grabbed quickly if needed. Information on 72-hour kits can be found online at www.readycolorado.com.
“Neighbors should talk to each other about a plan, as well as to people in the workplace,” she said. “You may be at work when a disaster hits, so it’s important for businesses to have a plan for their employees as well.”
The Westminster Fire Department and Westminster Police Department are teaming up with Target to offer a safety event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16, to give families the opportunity to enjoy free and fun events while learning valuable safety tips. This fair was originally scheduled for May 19, but was canceled due to weather. The event will focus on helmet and Internet safety, first aid and stranger-danger tips. Families will learn the importance of wearing a helmet during any kind of activity that involves the risk of falling.
The safety fair will be at the Target in the Walnut Creek shopping center near Highway 36 and Church Ranch Boulevard. For more information, call 303-658-4500.