Emergency Preparedness Fair held in Monterey

A free Emergency Preparedness Fair for the community was held on Saturday, at Del Monte Shopping Center.

The fair, hosted by Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula and more than 20 local and state emergency agencies, helped Monterey County residents prepare for the next local disaster or personal emergency.

After the devastating Soberanes fire in 2016, mudslides over the winter, and hearing about the hurricanes and earthquakes happening around the World many find themselves unprepared or thinking about what they would do if an emergency strikes.

The Community Hospital of Monterey handed out 500 starter emergency kits at the fair.

First responders say the best thing to have in the case of a disaster, is a plan.

In emergency kits you should pack food and water for three days, along with flashlights and batteries. There should be a kit for each family member inside the home along with identification or copies of some form of I.D.

First responders also want you to plan for your pets. Try to pack food, water or any medication they might need in your emergency kit. If it is a case where you can not take them with you, leave a door open so they have a chance to escape.

Fire officials also say to have a house evacuation plan. If you have children, go over the plan with them, at least once a month so they can get familiar with the escape routes. Fire inspectors also suggest having a ladder that can latch onto a window in case crews can not get to an individual on the second floor quick enough.