Inyo County Observes National Preparedness Month: Start a Conversation, Stay Prepared

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Inyo County Observes National Preparedness Month: Start a Conversation, Stay Prepared

September is National Preparedness Month, and this year, Inyo County is encouraging residents to “Start a Conversation” about emergency preparedness. Open communication with family, friends, and neighbors is the foundation of building a resilient community, and there’s no better time to begin than now.

Throughout September, Inyo County will be sharing vital preparedness tips and resources on our social media channels and website. We invite you to join the conversation by following us on Instagram at @ReadyInyo and Facebook at Ready Inyo for weekly preparedness tips and crucial updates.

The Inyo County Office of Emergency Management recommends taking these steps to enhance personal preparedness this month:

Visit Our Website for Resources and Event Information: Explore Ready Inyo (ready.inyocounty.us) for comprehensive guidance on emergency preparedness, situational awareness, real-time emergency updates, and recovery information. You’ll also find resources tailored to Inyo County’s unique hazards, as well as a calendar of events calendar of events where you can participate in community preparedness activities.

Sign Up for Emergency Alerts: Don’t miss important updates during an emergency. Sign up for Inyo County’s emergency alert system at ready.inyocounty.us/pages/alerts to receive real-time notifications on your phone or email.

Enable IPAWS on Your Device: The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) is essential for receiving emergency notifications. Ensure you’re connected by following this guide to enable IPAWS alerts on your device.

Register for the Access and Functional Needs (AFN) Program: If you or a loved one has access or functional needs, signing up for our AFN registry at ready.inyocounty.us/pages/afn ensures that we can better assist you during an emergency. You can also register by calling our office at 760-873-7871.

Sign Up for Our Bi-Monthly Newsletter: Stay informed with our bi-monthly newsletter, available as an e-newsletter or as a paper version mailed to any Inyo County address. The newsletter is offered in English, Spanish, or any other language upon request. Sign up today to receive important updates, preparedness tips, and more.

Start the Conversation at Home: Discuss your emergency plan with your family today. Talk about evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and how you’ll communicate if you’re separated. Include your pets in these plans, and make sure everyone knows their role in an emergency.

Build or Update Your Emergency Kit: Your emergency kit should include essentials such as water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and important documents. Customize it to meet your family’s specific needs and store it in an accessible location.

Stay Informed About Community Events: We’ve planned an outreach schedule to reach each community in Inyo County throughout the year. Upcoming events include National Night Out on October 1st in Lone Pine and Fire Prevention Week in the second week of October countywide. Visit our News & Events page for more details.

Host a Preparedness Workshop in Your Community: Want to engage your neighbors in a conversation about preparedness? We can help you host a workshop tailored to your community’s needs. Contact our office at [email protected] or call (760) 878-0120 to schedule a session.

Stay Connected and Engaged: Follow us on Instagram at @ReadyInyo and Facebook at Ready Inyo to stay updated on the latest preparedness tips and resources throughout National Preparedness Month. Let’s start the conversation and work together to keep Inyo County safe and prepared.

“Start the conversation today – talk to your family, friends, and neighbors about emergency preparedness. Share what you’ve learned, ask questions, and encourage others to take action. The more we communicate, the better prepared we all will be,” said Emergency Services Manager Mikaela Torres. “For more information, visit Ready Inyo or reach out to our office directly. We recognize that all of this technology can be overwhelming, but we’re committed to helping every step of the way. Call our office or stop by, and we can assist you in getting set up with alerts, newsletters, or any other resources you need.”

News Staff