Prepare Pueblo

The Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP) funds the PreparePueblo educational campaign, an emergency preparedness readiness effort for the citizens of Pueblo County.  With an emphasis on the citizens working and living near the U.S. Army Pueblo Chemical Depot, our efforts are to prepare families for an emergency.  We ask the questions that get people talking about what they would do in an emergency.  

  • Fire     What is your families re-unification spot?
  • Flood   Do you have two routes to get to and from your home?
  • Chemical Event   Do you know how to Shelter-In-Place?

Because being ready for something that may never happen - makes every difference when it does.

fall 2020 billboard1When a disaster or emergency occurs, the first priority is life safety. 

One of the ways to ensure you and your family remain safe is to be prepared by developing and practicing your family emergency plan. Critical to every emergency plan is an evacuation plan as many emergencies can require you to leave your home. In some cases, you may have a couple of days to prepare for an evacuation while other situations require you to immediately evacuate. Make sure to plan ahead so no matter when you have to evacuate you can do so safely and smoothly.

Don’t wait for a disaster or emergency to happen to make your evacuation plan --- do it today.

Begin by researching and learning what types of disasters are most likely to occur in your community. If there is flood, do you know where to go to get higher ground? What about wildland fires, do you know where ways to get out of your neighborhood? 

Plan ahead for emergencies. Sign up today to receive emergency alerts. Then plan evacuation routes by mapping ways to get out of your home, routes to leave your neighborhood and roads that lead out of your city/town. You should plan alternate routes, just in case your preferred route is blocked or closed. If you do not have a vehicle, plan routes that you can leave on foot. Make sure all members of your family are included in the planning of the evacuation plan and then practice it.

Identify places you can go should you have to leave your home. Check with family and friends to see if they would be able to accommodate you and your family should you have to leave home. Learn what shelter options are available in your community and what restrictions they may have. If you have pets, make sure to find out if the community shelters will allow them in. If not, consider alternate locations for your pets.

Make sure to assemble a 72-hour kit and have it readily available in the event you are required to evacuate. Make sure to include items in your emergency kit to protect you and your family from the coronavirus. Put masks, soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and general household cleaners in your kit. 

If you have a vehicle, make sure it has gas as gas stations could be closed during an emergency.

During an evacuation, make sure to listen to the radio to hear instructions on where and how to evacuate. Make sure to follow the evacuation instructions. In the event of an inclement weather evacuation, make sure to leave early to avoid getting caught in bad weather. Keep alert to any hazards that may exist along the way including washed out roads, downed power lines and debris on the road. 

If you have time before leaving your home, make sure to unplug all electronic equipment such as TVs, radios and small appliances. Leave a note indicating where you are going and what time you left. Lock and close all doors and windows at your home before leaving. Check with neighbors to make sure they have a way to evacuate. 

After an emergency, make sure to find out when it is safe to return to your home. 

Plan ahead for emergencies, map your evacuation route today.

 

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When an emergency or disaster hits, getting life-saving information is important. One of the easiest and fastest ways to get information during an emergency is on your cell phone. Information such as alerts, notifications and directions of what you need to do, or where to go can be disseminated right to your phone. Emergency officials can identify specific areas that affected by the emergency/disaster and can prepare and send messages pertinent to the emergency. But you need to have your cell phone registered to receive the alerts.  Don’t wait for an emergency to register, do it today!! Registering your phone is simple. Click on the following link  http://portalv4.swiftreach.com/portal.aspx?c=202228 and follow the directions to register your phone.Make sure your family registers their phones as well. Remember, if we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you.

Without prior knowledge of the location of the emergency zones and what the specific instructions may be required of those residing or working the zones may come across as confusing. It’s important to pre-plan and know what instructions, such as “evacuate” or “shelter-in-place”, mean for you and your family. Families living in the designated emergency zones should discuss a plan in the event that there is an emergency and orders.

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We encourage Pueblo to learn more about the best way to protect yourself this season! When it comes to threats associated with natural disaster, we are fortunate in Pueblo County to not have the coastal risks that effect many other US communities.  Even the threats of earthquake or tornado are relatively low here in Pueblo.  Some of our biggest threats are often forecast or come with some warning.  Snow or thunder storms, and even wild land fires give residents time to leave or "hunker-down" as the threat approaches.  You have opportunity to prepare your family for those risks and educate yourself on the steps to take before, during, and after the event.

Make a disaster plan to protect your property, your facilities and your animals. Create a list of emergency telephone numbers, including those of your employees, neighbors, veterinarian, state veterinarian, poison control, local animal shelter, animal care and control. Include a contact person outside the disaster area. Make sure all the information is written down and that everyone has a copy. Make sure every animal has durable and visible identification Ensure that poultry have access to high areas in which to perch, if they are in a flood prone area as well as to food and clean water. Reinforce your barn and outbuildings. Perform regular safety checks on all utilities, buildings and facilities on your farm.

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