Are You Prepared for an Emergency Like Japan's?

In light of the tragedy affecting Japan, it is more important than ever that Milpitas, as a community, be reminded of the vital steps necessary to prepare for a disaster. 

In the event of a large disaster, it is likely that you and your neighbors will need to care for yourselves for up to five days before help arrives. However, there are some excellent ways you can prepare yourself for these five critical days. 

• First, build a disaster kit. Start with food, water, clothes, important contact information and medication. You can then add things that would be special to your own circumstances, such as a cane or walker. Visiting the Milpitas Emergency Preparedness website can help you with the creation of this kit.

• Second, get involved. Join Strategic Actions For Emergencies (SAFE) in Milpitas. This is our local group of Community Emergency Response Teams.  As a part of the SAFE Team, you will learn everything from neighborhood preparedness, to fire safety and beyond. The course is free to all Milpitas citizens and business partners and can be viewed here.

• Lastly, please visit the city of Milpitas Emergency Preparedness website, where you will find information ranging from shelter site locations and help with developing your disaster plan, as well as ways to get involved in community disaster preparedness. 

Please be sure to sign up for ALERTSCC.com.  It is free and provides you with emergency information to your home phone, cell phone or e-mail.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Sean Simonson with the Milpitas Office of Emergency Services at ssimonson@ci.milpitas.ca.gov or 408-586-2810.