Ambulance service updatesFalcon Fire Protection District personnel are continuing to work diligently on implementing the districtís Advanced Life Support ambulance transport service. Delivery of two four-wheel drive ambulances is expected in October following a manufacturing delay. Required licenses and certifications are being or have been obtained. Polices and procedures are being drafted and finalized. Transport service is expected to begin by the end of 2019.September is National Preparedness MonthEl Paso County has seen its share of natural disasters and emergencies in recent years, ranging from wildfires to flash floods to blizzards. Successfully preparing for disasters goes beyond stockpiles of food and water, however. It is also about having a preparedness mindset.September is National Disaster Preparedness Month. This yearís theme is ìPrepared, Not Scared.î Preparing a family for a serious emergency can be a daunting prospect, especially for those with small children, elderly people or special needs family members. But planning for the unexpected does not have to be difficult or time-consuming. Enlist the entire family to help so that everyone knows what to do and where to go in the event of an emergency. Break the project into smaller chunks by completing a few tasks every week.Here are some suggestions from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. For complete lists, go to: https://ready.gov/septemberSept. 1-7: Save early for disaster costs
- Most homeownersí and rentersí insurance does not cover flood damage. Learn more about flood insurance at https://FloodSmart.gov
- Snap photos of important documents and personal belongings to help with insurance claims.
- Keep some cash on hand in case of emergencies, since ATMs and credit card readers wonít always be available. Cash can help pay for immediate expenses like lodging, food and gas: https://ready.gov/financial-preparedness
- Make an emergency plan today and practice it: https://ready.gov/plan
- Practice evacuating animals so they are familiar with the process when it is time to evacuate.
- Learn how to turn off residential utilities such as natural gas, water, and electricity: https://ready.gov/safety-skills
- Be prepared for extended power outages by having enough food, water, and medications to last for at least 72 hours: https://ready.gov/kit
- Teach children what to do in an emergency if they are at home or away from home. https://ready.gov/kids
- Have a family meeting to review emergency communications plans with the kids.
- Get children involved in building their own emergency kit: https://ready.gov/kids/build-a-kit
- Community Emergency Response Teams train volunteers to prepare for the types of disasters that their community may face. For more information on the Pikes Peak CERT and upcoming classes, go to https://publicworks.elpasoco.com/office-emergency-management/cert/
- Take classes in lifesaving skills such as CPR/AED and first aid.
- Check in with neighbors to see how everyone can help each other before and after a storm.
