9/9/15 – It was a packed house today at the Winter Preparedness Workshop 2015. Partners from utility companies, law enforcement, fire department, tribal, federal  and state came together today to discuss the upcoming El Nino winter. More than 70 attendees came from all over Navajo and Apache counties to learn more about what is expected in the upcoming winter forecast, what we are doing to get ready now.

Tony Merriman from the National Weather Service presented the latest information on the upcoming winter with predications of snow and precipitation around 30-50% on average or higher this year. Tony and the folks at the National Weather Service are able to provide forecast information weekly, daily and more if there is an urgent situation. In order to help them develop more accurate records we will be working with them to report snowfall amounts on the ground in various areas.

Other issues that were discussed included the snow removal policies for Apache and Navajo Counties. The two counties have nearly identical policies in regards to clearing the roads and making sure they are safe. Primary roads and school bus routes will be cleared first followed by minor roads and residential areas. Please note that driveway snow clearing is the responsibility of the resident. In emergency situations the Sheriff’s Office may contact the Road Yard Supervisor so they can coordinate movement of emergency vehicles (ambulance, fire trucks, etc.).  To read more the Navajo County policy can be found at http://www.navajocountyaz.gov/Departments/Public-Works/Snow-Management. For Apache County contact the Apache County Engineering Department at (928) 337-7528.

Mary Springer and Catrina Jenkins presented the Ready Navajo County mass notification system.  This new system is available to our partners in the first responder community as well as the local utility companies. For example, if there is a power outage and you are oxygen dependent or have medications that need to be refrigerated the power company can request a notice to be distributed with pertinent information. At this time this system is only available in Navajo County, however, Apache County is working on getting a system soon.

9/9/15 – Wildfire season may be over for 2015, however there are always things that can be done to prepare for next year! Start this fall by making sure to clear out dead debris in rain gutters, under decks and around the yard. Make sure that the trees and shrubs are trimmed.

Now is also a good time to check your Ready Kit. Make sure to use up items that are about to expire or dispose of anything over its expiration. Re-stalk any items needed such as batteries.

Stay tuned this month for more helpful tips on how to be prepared for any emergency not just wildfires.

9/8/15 – The Navajo County Board of Supervisor’s adopted a proclamation today at the regularly scheduled meeting declaring September as National Preparedness Month. This year “Don’t Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today.” is the theme.

We encourage all of our citizens to make a plan of action in case of an emergency. The plan should include details such as a meeting place in case family members are separated. Additionally citizens should have a 72 hour ‘Ready kit’ with enough food, medications and supplies for their family (including pets) for 3 days.

Finally, staying informed is an Important part of emergency preparedness. Listening to local radio and or television information, visiting 311info.net or other vetted and accurate websites or for Navajo County citizens, signing up for Ready Navajo County to receive urgent alerts directly.

There is much more to learn about preparedness and being ready for any emergency weather it is a wildfire, winter storm, chemical spill or train derailment. Hazards of all types can and do occur so being prepared is one way to make them less stressful and much more manageable.

Stay tuned to 311 for more information this month on the ways you, your family, friends and even co-workers can get prepared!