As September dawns upon us, so does National Emergency Preparedness Month—a timely transition from working hard to prepare for Wildfire Season in the City of Santa Rosa.
September is an ideal month to spotlight emergency preparedness due to its transitional nature. With most schools in session and a change in season Santa Rosa residents have a fresh opportunity to gear up for the unexpected and enhance their readiness for potential disasters. As summer fades into fall, the weather can be unpredictable, and various types of emergencies—such as wildfires, earthquakes, and floods—remain possible. By dedicating this month to preparedness, individuals, families, and communities can better equip themselves to face any crisis.
Encouraging Community Collaboration
Emergency preparedness isn't just an individual effort—it's a community endeavor. Neighborhoods can come together to organize drills, workshops, and information-sharing sessions. These activities foster a sense of unity and create a safety net that can prove invaluable during times of crisis. Remember, helping a neighbor in need might be just as important as helping oneself. If you or a member of your neighborhood is interested in starting a local Citizens Organized and Prepared for Emergencies (COPE) group please visit SRCity.org/COPE
Staying informed is a cornerstone of preparedness. Sign up for SoCoAlerts and CivicReady notifications to receive real-time updates about emergencies, road closures, and evacuation warnings/orders. Following official social media accounts of the Santa Rosa Fire Department and other relevant agencies can also provide vital information. For all information about emergency alerts and how to sign up, please visit SRCity.org/KnowYourAlerts
Protecting What Matters Most
While physical preparedness is crucial, mental readiness should not be underestimated. Discuss emergency plans with your family, including meeting points and communication strategies. Children should be educated about emergencies in an age-appropriate manner to ensure they know how to respond should the need arise. In partnership with the Sonoma County Library team, Santa Rosa Fire Department will be reading at three ‘story hour’ events at Santa Rosa City library locations in the month of September, including a bilingual story hour in Spanish-English at the Roseland Regional Library location. Helping to educate and support our resilient youth is incredibly important and we are ecstatic about this opportunity. To view the upcoming September firefighter story hour events for kids K-6th please click here Firefighter Story Hour
By acknowledging the unique risks the region faces and preparing accordingly, we can collectively build a more resilient Santa Rosa—one that's ready to face any challenge that comes our way. Remember that emergency preparedness is a continuous journey, not a destination. This month, let's commit to enhancing our readiness levels, sharing knowledge, and strengthening our bonds as a community. By doing so, we can ensure that Santa Rosa remains a safe and vibrant city, no matter what challenges may arise.