By Jeanne Meehan

In July, the Cities of Anaheim and Santa Ana, the Orange County Sheriff's Department and 18 Orange County government agencies and cities announced the launch of the ReadyOC campaign – the County’s largest public education initiative to date raising awareness of the need to be ready for any type of emergency – whether a natural disaster, health epidemic or man-made threat. The campaign also launched its website, www.ReadyOC.org, and access to “ReadyOC: Your Guide to Emergency Preparedness”, an informational brochure for businesses and residents.

At the heart of the ReadyOC campaign is a call to action for businesses and residents to be prepared with a communications plan and an emergency supply kit, be aware of emergencies that may affect Orange County and be involved in preparedness by informing neighbors and employees of the need to prepare. By working together, everyone can make a difference in creating awareness, motivating preparedness and encouraging involvement.

Funded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Anaheim/Santa Ana Urban Area Security Initiative, ReadyOC will reach out to Orange County residents through a multi-pronged approach, including: participation in community events such as the OC Fair; ethnic outreach to involve residents from diverse backgrounds; a business program that encourages local employers to disseminate materials and educate their employees; and a youth outreach program that teaches students how to prepare their schools and families.

On www.ReadyOC.org, residents and businesses can find information on how to create a communications plan and a checklist of the most important items needed for an emergency supply kit. In addition, the site is home to the most up-to-date information on the types of emergencies Orange County may face, ReadyOC campaign updates, the latest news headlines, and ways residents and business can help prepare Orange County for emergencies. Site visitors can also download and print the “ReadyOC: Your Guide to Emergency Preparedness” brochure and sign up for the ReadyOC newsletter and campaign activities. A Spanish version of the site will be launching soon.

Please visit www.readyoc.org to learn more about the ReadyOC campaign, sign up for the monthly e-newsletter, print out the ReadyOC brochure and learn how you can be ready!