September is National Preparedness Month, and the Southern Marin Fire Protection District (SMFD) is proud to launch a five-week campaign: Preparedness Starts at Home. This year’s theme focuses on back-to-basics emergency readiness to help community members take simple, effective steps to be ready before disaster strikes.
Each week, SMFD will share practical tips and local resources to build resilience and strengthen community. We'll start by sharing the first two weeks of the five-week series:
Week One: Know Your Risk
Preparedness begins with awareness. The first step in keeping you and your loved ones safe is understanding the types of disasters most likely to affect your area. In Southern Marin, this can include wildfires, earthquakes, floods, power outages, and severe storms. At smfd.org, you’ll find resources to understand these hazards, including wildfire severity zone maps, evacuation routes, and tips on defensible space and home hardening programs.
Action Steps:
- Explore Ready.gov to learn about various hazards and strategies to mitigate them.
- Use SMFD's wildfire maps and evacuation planning tools to identify primary threats to your property.
- Identify three local risks and create a simple action plan for each.
- Review ReadyMarin.org for local resources, including classes and videos on surviving the first week after a disaster.
Week Two: Make a Family Emergency Plan
When disaster strikes, having a well-thought-out plan keeps everyone calm and focused. Smfd.org offers family escape plans, evacuation checklists, and guidance to ensure everyone in your household knows what to do and where to go.
Your plan should include:
- How you will communicate if cell networks are down.
- Where to meet if separated.
- Roles for each family member, including pet care and emergency supply responsibilities.
Action Steps:
- Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and family plan templates from Smfd.org.
- Practice evacuation drills with your family.
- Update your plan annually or after any major life changes.
