CHIEF’S CORNER | By Police Chief James Fryhoff
Have a Plan, Make a Kit, Stay Informed
Stay safe and look out for one another
As Californians, we realize that our state is home to several recurring natural disasters. We have earthquakes, floods, and fire and there is always a possibility of a tsunami too. Having said that, how prepared are you? Most of us take for granted that we can go to the store and get our basic needs met with relative ease. But what happens when a disaster strikes? As you may have seen on the news, areas that are significantly impacted by disaster quickly run out of supplies. Stores close because the area is either not safe or has been evacuated, and if you are left behind you have what you have… well what do you have?
The mantra for our preparedness model here in Ventura County is “Have a plan, make a kit, stay informed!”
- Do you have an emergency kit?
- Do you have a plan?
- Do you have multiple methods of communication to stay informed?
It is important to understand that in the Ojai Valley we typically have five patrol officers on duty with one patrol sergeant. That is hardly enough to be everything to everyone in a disaster considering the greater Ojai Valley is home to 35,000 people.
Where do you go to start getting prepared?
https://www.readyventuracounty.org/
Where do you check to see if there are evacuations, road closures, and updates during a disaster?
You do not need to wait to be told to evacuate if you feel unsafe. As a disaster strikes any area can be left without power or the resources which take time to mobilize and begin notifications and evacuations. Do not wait to be told to leave! You are your biggest advocate for survival. Have a plan!
If you haven’t signed up to receive notifications please do so now.
https://www.readyventuracounty.org/vc-alert/
Preparedness is all of our responsibility. Do not wait until there is a disaster to start planning. The time is now!
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