Westchester Reporter

The recent wildfires in California serve as a stark reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness, according to Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins. He advises residents to be ready to evacuate on short notice by having an emergency Go Bag and evacuation plan in place.

Jenkins emphasizes that each household member should have a Go Bag or emergency kit containing necessary items such as clothing, medication, non-perishable food, essential documents, and other supplies. He suggests using a sturdy backpack or suitcase with wheels for easy transport. "Many people impacted by the wildfires in the Los Angeles area had to flee with little time to gather the things they would need to be away from home. Incidents like these remind us that the best time to prepare for an emergency is before time is of the essence," Jenkins stated.

Susan Spear, Commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services, highlighted that recent events like flooding, major storms, and prolonged power outages have forced some Westchester residents to leave their homes temporarily. She urged residents to develop an evacuation plan that includes communication strategies for separated family members, establishing a familiar meeting place, and planning ahead for accommodations outside their immediate area.

Spear expressed appreciation for Jenkins' leadership in promoting awareness about emergency preparedness among Westchester residents. "DES appreciates County Executive Jenkins’ leadership in making sure that Westchester residents are aware of the importance of being prepared, and that they have the information necessary to protect themselves and their families. You don’t want to start thinking about packing a go bag when you are dealing with an emergency. It’s much better to have it ready to go when you need it," she said.

Spear provided guidance on assembling a Go Bag or emergency kit tailored to each family's unique needs. Considerations include medications or specialized medical supplies for family members who require them; diapers and formula for infants; and food and supplies for pets. Important documents should be stored in fire- or weather-proof bags or digitally saved on a thumb drive or cloud storage.