Long Beach Recognizes September as National Preparedness Month, Relaunches Program to Connect Neighborhoods to Disaster Planning Resources

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PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach is recognizing National Preparedness Month by promoting educational campaigns throughout the month of September to promote personal, household and community emergency preparedness and raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time.

"National Preparedness Month serves as a great reminder that taking small steps now makes a big difference in being prepared for the next emergency or disaster," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "We all have families, pets, neighbors and communities that we are responsible for before, during and after a disaster. By taking certain actions now, you can enhance both your safety and the safety of those you care about."

This year's theme, Preparedness Starts at Home, urges residents to take four key actions to prepare for a disaster or major emergency:

• Know the different types of hazards that could impact your area and the appropriate responses to stay safe.
• Make a family emergency plan (Spanish) so you know what to do, and where and when to go if you have to evacuate.
• Build an emergency supply kit so you can be self-sufficient for at least 5 days.
• Get involved in your community by preparing with your neighbors to respond to a disaster or major emergency.

To commemorate National Preparedness Month and to help residents get involved, connect neighbors and encourage disaster planning at the neighborhood level, the Department of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications will relaunch its Ready Your Long Beach Neighborhood (RYLBN) program, which was paused in 2020 due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the program, City Disaster Preparedness staff will provide resources, support and training to neighborhood group representatives and equip them with the skills to lead their neighbors through the development of a Neighborhood Response Plan. The Plan will outline actions neighbors should take to stay safe immediately after a disaster before first responders may arrive, inventory neighborhood skills and equipment, and create a confidential neighbor contact list to remain connected and informed.

In addition, the City is partnering with Listos California to make their Neighborhood Block Party Kits available to residents who participate in RYLBN. These kits, designed for neighborhoods of up to 20 units, provide activities, games and prizes to help neighbors connect and prepare in fun, family-friendly ways. The first RYLBN training, which will take place later this month, will be announced to neighborhood groups in the coming weeks, with subsequent trainings to be offered on a quarterly basis. Neighborhood groups interested in getting involved in RYLBN are encouraged to email [email protected] or call 562.570.9250.

As part of National Preparedness Month, an educational and interactive social media campaign will also run all month long and will include disaster preparedness guidance and tips, including how to build an emergency kit and sign up for emergency alerts. Community members are encouraged to follow the Department of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications on Facebook, Instagram and X at @LBDisasterPrep.

"The horrendous fires the region experienced earlier this year, the threat of a tsunami, and now the recent extreme heat wave emphasize the need for our residents to prepare now for a disaster," said Reggie Harrison, Director of the Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications Department. "When making your plans, be sure you consider the unique needs of those you care for, whether it be medical conditions, loved ones with disabilities, your pets and your neighbors who might need assistance in getting prepared."

Preparedness does not end in September-READY Long Beach Disaster Preparedness Expo, a free citywide outreach effort promoting emergency preparedness and readiness to the whole community, as well as the annual Great ShakeOut earthquake drill, are set to return in October. More information about these events will be announced by the City at a later date. Residents are also encouraged to stay alert by signing up to receive emergency notifications from Alert Long Beach and learn lifesaving skills such as basic emergency medical procedures, CPR and first aid techniques.

More information about the RYLBN program and how to prepare for disasters and major emergencies is available on the department webpage at longbeach.gov/disasterpreparedness.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture, and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, the award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. For more information about the City's disaster preparedness topics and resources, visit longbeach.gov/disasterpreparedness and follow @LBDisasterPrep on Facebook, Instagram and X.

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