September is National Preparedness Month

Health District promotes emergency planning activities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 9, 2024

LAS VEGAS – September is National Preparedness Month, a time to spotlight the critical importance of being ready for unexpected disasters. Potential emergencies in Southern Nevada could include natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, wildfires, extreme heat, and storms as well as Intentional acts. The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) encourages everyone to assess their personal and community readiness for emergencies that could strike at any time.

The SNHD Disaster Supplies & Preparedness Calendar can help families develop their plans and gather supplies over the course of a year. Kits should be developed to meet the needs of individual families, especially if they include older adults, infants, people with special needs, and pets. To access the calendar, visit Supply Calendar – Southern Nevada Health District.

In collaboration with local municipalities, the SNHD Office of Public Health Preparedness (OPHP) works to ensure public health and safety during crises. The OPHP and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest the following steps to help you get prepared:

Create a disaster plan: Develop a detailed plan for your family that includes evacuation routes, emergency contacts and essential supplies.
Assemble a disaster kit: Put together a kit with vital supplies like food, water, first aid items, a flashlight, a battery-powered radio and a change of clothes. The disaster kit should last for at least 72 hours, and it should be checked and updated twice a year; perhaps at the beginning and end of Daylight Savings Time.
Stay informed: Keep up with local weather alerts, emergency notifications and community resources. Sign up for emergency alerts and follow official government channels for the most accurate information.

The CDC notes that individuals with disabilities or special needs may face extra challenges during emergencies. First responders might not be able to reach them promptly, and medical services could be stretched thin. It’s important for disaster preparedness plans to cover aspects like transportation, evacuation strategies, and other relevant concerns. For more details, visit Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities.

Pet owners should make sure their pets are part of their emergency preparedness plans. Your disaster kit should contain essential items for your pet, such as food and water, a crate or carrier, a leash, medications, a copy of their veterinary records, and recent photos. Ensure your pet wears a collar with ID and emergency contact information, and consider having them microchipped as an extra precaution. Per a recent city ordinance, all dogs or cats over the age of four months residing in the city of Las Vegas must have a microchip.

Additionally, the Southern Nevada Community Preparedness App can help you prepare and plan for a disaster. The app allows you to:

Share your status with your selected contacts with the push of a button.
Receive critical emergency alerts via push notification.
Locate Southern Nevada’s emergency shelters.
View up-to-date evacuation route maps.
Get the latest news and weather for Southern Nevada.
Create a personalized Emergency Preparedness Plan by answering five basic questions.

To download the app, visit Office of Public Health Preparedness – Southern Nevada Health District. For more information on National Preparedness Month, visit National Preparedness Month | Ready.gov.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.