Be Informed
Information is perhaps one of the most crucial elements in regards to disaster preparedness. As a result, it is vital that individuals understand what information is relevant to the local area as well as how to obtain accurate and up-to-date information in the event of a disaster or emergency. Described below are some of the key elements to consider when taking the first step in disaster preparedness:
Know the Hazards
A number of natural disasters or man-made emergencies could impact Klamath County and it is essential that both citizens and emergency response personnel understand the risks associated with these events. In addition to having a distinct set of risks, each of these hazards poses a unique set of challenges to consider when preparing for their occurrence. Subsequently, you should possess a basic knowledge of all the hazards that could potentially impact your community. Review the Klamath County Hazard Analysis to learn more about disasters or emergencies that could affect Klamath County.
Know How to Get Information
As well as understanding the hazards that could affect local communities, you should also familiarize yourself with nationally available emergency notification systems. One such system is the Emergency Alert System (EAS). This system requires all broadcasting services to be capable of providing the President with the ability to address the nation in the event of a national disaster, emergency, or threat. Another nationally available emergency notification system, NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR), functions as a nationwide radio network that continuously broadcasts official weather and emergency information.
In addition to understanding national emergency notification systems, you should also be aware of the emergency broadcasting capabilities within the county. Currently, Klamath County employs the EVERBRIDGE mass notification system to immediately notify citizens in the event of a disaster or emergency. To learn more about the EVERBRIDGE system and to sign up to receive emergency notifications please visit the EVERBRIDGE page.
Know When and Where to Evacuate
Some hazards may require the evacuation of either a limited or significant portion of the county. In the event that an evacuation notice is issued, the amount of time that residents have to evacuate will vary greatly depending on the specific emergency. For example, weather events such as winter storms can be monitored and may allow one to two days of preparation while catastrophic events such as wildfires may require citizens to evacuate their homes immediately. Consequently, you should plan ahead and practice so you can evacuate both quickly and safely in any emergency.
In the event of a disaster or emergency, you should monitor all forms of media to ensure that they receive accurate, up-to-date information along with possible evacuation notices. If a local official advises residents to evacuate, it is of the utmost importance that citizens understand how and where to evacuate. Knowing how and where to evacuate will help you to ensure not only your personal safety, but also the safety of your family and fellow citizens. Resultantly, it is essential that you have a plan in place that addresses how and to where you will evacuate. For additional information on evacuations, visit Ready.gov.