While preparing for the worst may be unpleasant to think about, it is important to be ready in case a disaster strikes.
It is common knowledge that Salt Lake Valley is in an earthquake zone, but less widely known is the need to prepare for other hazards such as severe weather, power failures, wildfires, flooding, tornadoes, pandemics, drought, or man-made emergencies. And most people may not even think about what type of items to keep in a 72-hour kit, or how to replenish and maintain emergency supplies for long periods.
It can be easy to feel overwhelmed and vulnerable when you don’t have anything to keep you and your family safe during a disaster, but Salt Lake Community College Emergency Management is here to help.
September is National Preparedness Month, and SLCC will be holding four preparedness fairs to help Bruins get involved. Lisa Schwartz and Mike Gale from SLCC Emergency Management will be ready to answer any questions or concerns about how to increase preparedness efforts.
Schwartz hopes everyone at SLCC will take the opportunity to stop by and see what resources are available.
“It doesn’t matter if you are a student, staff member or a faculty member. We all are vulnerable to an emergency of some kind,” Schwartz says. “There is so much information out there on how to prepare yourself and limit your vulnerability.”
Schwartz believes the fairs will benefit anyone, and the time to prepare is now.
“It doesn’t matter what level of preparedness you are at, whether a beginner or one that has stockpiled emergency supplies; one step at a time and one item at a time will leave you in a better circumstance when an emergency happens,” Schwartz says. “When it comes to your safety and the safety of those you love, it is worth taking some time here or there to protect and prepare. Once an emergency or disaster happens, the chance to prepare has passed.”
In addition to the great advice and resources, there will be drawings for a 72-hour kit, emergency multi-powered radio-equipped flashlights, and other fun freebies that will help build your disaster readiness.
The emergency preparedness fairs will be held on the following dates:
- Sept. 18, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Jordan Campus, Jordan Health Sciences lobby
- Sept. 19, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Taylorsville Redwood Campus, Academic and Administration Building lobby
- Sept. 19, 2:30-4 p.m., Miller Campus, location to be determined
- Sept. 20, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., South City Campus, Main Street foyer
Contact SLCC Emergency Management for more on the upcoming fairs.
