Long Beach Recognizes September as National Preparedness Month, Relaunches Program to Connect Neighborhoods to Disaster Planning Resources
The Californer/10326174

Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - As National Preparedness Month kicks off, the City of Long Beach is taking action to promote emergency preparedness and raise awareness about the importance of being ready for disasters and emergencies. Throughout the month of September, the city will be launching educational campaigns to encourage personal, household, and community preparedness.

Mayor Rex Richardson emphasized the significance of taking small steps now to make a big difference in being prepared for future emergencies. "We all have a responsibility to our families, pets, neighbors, and communities before, during, and after a disaster," he stated. "By taking certain actions now, we can enhance our safety and the safety of those we care about."

This year's theme, "Preparedness Starts at Home," focuses on four key actions that residents can take to prepare for disasters or major emergencies. These include knowing the different types of hazards that could impact their area and how to respond safely, creating a family emergency plan, building an emergency supply kit that can sustain them for at least five days, and getting involved in their community's disaster planning efforts.

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To further promote community involvement in disaster preparedness, the Department of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications will be relaunching its Ready Your Long Beach Neighborhood (RYLBN) program. This program was paused in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but will now provide resources, support, and training to neighborhood group representatives. These representatives will then lead their neighbors through developing a Neighborhood Response Plan that outlines necessary actions after a disaster strikes.

As part of this program, the City is also partnering with Listos California to make their Neighborhood Block Party Kits available to participating residents. These kits are designed for neighborhoods with up to 20 units and include activities, games, and prizes to help neighbors connect and prepare in fun ways.

The first RYLBN training session will take place later this month with subsequent trainings offered quarterly. Neighborhood groups interested in getting involved can contact the Department of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications for more information.

In addition to these efforts, the City will also be running an educational and interactive social media campaign throughout the month. This campaign will provide disaster preparedness guidance and tips, such as how to build an emergency kit and sign up for emergency alerts. Community members are encouraged to follow the Department of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications on social media for these resources.

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Reggie Harrison, Director of the Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications Department, stressed the importance of being prepared in light of recent disasters in the region. "The horrendous fires earlier this year, the threat of a tsunami, and the recent extreme heat wave all highlight the need for our residents to prepare now," he stated. "When making your plans, be sure to consider the unique needs of those you care for."

While National Preparedness Month ends in September, there are still opportunities for residents to get involved in disaster preparedness efforts. The READY Long Beach Disaster Preparedness Expo and annual Great ShakeOut earthquake drill will take place in October. More information about these events will be announced by the City at a later date.

Residents are also encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications from Alert Long Beach and learn lifesaving skills such as basic emergency medical procedures, CPR, and first aid techniques.

For more information about the RYLBN program and how to prepare for disasters and major emergencies, visit longbeach.gov/disasterpreparedness.

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