Canyon Lake group focusing on helping in emergencies

With September being National Preparedness Month, the Canyon Lake Emergency Preparedness Committee is focusing on this year’s theme of Helping Older Adults. Older Canyon Lake adults can be at higher risks of extreme weather events and emergencies within the city. Many older adults are living alone, have low income, or have a disability or health challenge. Canyon Lake Emergency Preparedness Committee member Charlie Magnan has prepared these tips to help prepare everybody, including the older adults, for emergencies.

“Do you know an older adult in your neighborhood?” Charlie said. “Share these tips with them.”

1. To prepare their house for a disaster, people can:
2. Secure heavy furniture and objects to prevent them from toppling during an earthquake.
3. Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home.
4. Reinforce windows and doors to withstand strong winds and debris.
5. Clear gutters and drains to prevent flooding during heavy rainfall.
6. Retrofit the house for earthquake safety.
7. Create a safe room or designated area where family members can take shelter during severe weather events.
8. Label utility shut-offs for water, propane, and electricity for quick access.
9. Maintain an updated inventory of possessions for insurance purposes.
10. Store important documents and irreplaceable items in a water/fire proof container.
11. Keep a sufficient supply of emergency food, water, and other essentials in a designated location.

Residents seeking more information are welcome to attend the Canyon Lake Emergency Preparedness Committee meetings held 6:30 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at City Hall or can contact Charlie at membership4CLEPC@yahoo.com.