Community Message from the Chief of Police: National Emergency Preparedness Month
Dear Atherton Residents,
As we enter September, it's important to recognize that this month is National Emergency Preparedness Month. This is a time to emphasize the importance of being prepared for any emergency, whether natural disasters, health crises, or other unforeseen events.
Our goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of every member of our community. Preparedness is not just about having a plan, it's about being informed, staying connected, and working together as a community. During a large-scale emergency, public safety resources become extremely limited due to a very high volume of calls for emergency service. To assist emergency first responders, and to help keep your family and neighbors safe, you need to prepare now for emergencies.
Here are a few key steps you can take to be prepared:
Make a Plan: Discuss with your family what to do in case of an emergency. Ensure everyone knows evacuation routes and where to meet if separated.
Stay Informed: Sign up for Atherton Newsflashes https://www.ci.atherton.ca.us/AlertCenter.aspx and San Mateo County Alerts https://www.smcgov.org/dem/smc-alert for local alerts and warnings. Understanding the risks specific to our area will help you make better decisions in an emergency.
Build a Kit: Prepare an emergency kit with essentials such as water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlight, batteries, and important documents. https://www.ready.gov/kit
Get Involved: Consider joining the Atherton Disaster and Preparedness Team (ADAPT) https://www.getreadyatherton.org/ a local community group focused on emergency preparedness or volunteer with organizations that provide assistance during emergencies. The ADAPT website is also an excellent source of emergency preparedness resources.
We are committed to working alongside you to ensure you your family, and our community remains safe and resilient. Together, we can be better prepared to face any challenges that come our way.
Thank you for your continued cooperation, support, and dedication to our community's safety.
Sincerely,
Steven D McCulley
Chief of Police