The Goleta City Council will proclaim September as National Preparedness Month at its September 6 Council meeting. This year’s National Preparedness theme is “A Lasting Legacy: The life you’ve built is worth protecting. Prepare for disasters to create a lasting legacy for you and your family.” 

Goleta’s Neighborhood Services Director Jaime Valdez advises, “Now is the perfect opportunity to make sure you are prepared for an emergency. Make sure you are signed up to receive emergency alerts, double check family plans and create or update your Go-Bag for your garage, car or closet.

Here are some important safety tips:

• Be sure you are signed up for local emergency alerts with both Santa Barbara County (ReadySBC.org) and City of Goleta (http://tinyurl.com/goletaemergency).
  
  
• Think about gathering supplies that will last for several days after a disaster. Make sure you have enough for everyone living in your home and don’t forget to consider the unique needs of each person or pet. Think about dietary restrictions, prescription medications, important documents and pictures! Create a Go-Bag, a bag meant to be stored away somewhere safe but can be accessed at a moment’s notice. Learn how to build a kit at Ready.gov/kit.
  
  
• Start the new school year by talking to your kids about emergencies that could happen at home and away. Talk about meeting spots in case you are separated and make games to help them memorize family phone numbers. Help them know how to stay safe and navigate potentially scary situations. Resources for kids, teens, and the whole family are available at Ready.gov/kids.

Learn more about National Preparedness Month, and how to make sure you and your family are prepared, at https://www.ready.gov/september.