Emergency Preparedness

September is National Preparedness Month

National Preparedness Month is observed each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies that can happen at any time. In 2023, FEMA is focusing on emergency preparedness for older adults. If you are an older adult, or caring for one, being emergency prepared includes the basic steps with an emphasis on planning. Visit Ready.gov/older-adults for ways to help older adults prepare for emergencies.

Community Resilience

The City of Arvada has plans, protocols, and resources in place for community resilience; however, personal preparedness is the best way to ensure your safety during any type of emergency or unexpected shock. We encourage every person to develop a plan for responding to disasters.

Be Informed

Sign up for emergency notifications through LookoutAlert. The notification system is used by emergency services agencies in the area to help disseminate information regarding critical incidents. Landlines are automatically included in notifications, but cell phones are not. To add cell phone numbers, SMS (text), and email address preferences, visit the Smart911 website.

View this step-by-step video to sign up for Lookout Alert.

Fill out Your Neighborhood Talent Bank

You and your neighbors have special skill sets, talents, and tools that may be valuable in an emergency. Download, print, and fill out the Neighborhood Talent Bank (PDF) and distribute it to your neighbors. Keep it close by to use in an emergency!

Make a Plan

Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you'll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that's familiar and easy to find. Find valuable guidance for developing an emergency plan at ready.gov/plan.

Build a Home Emergency Kit

Most of the items you should include in your emergency kit are inexpensive and any one of them could save your life. For a list of items to include, visit ready.gov/kit.

Get Involved

Be active in making Arvada a resilient community. Donate blood, make emergency plans or a talent bank with your neighbors, or volunteer by joining our local American Red Cross, United Way, or Arvada CERT - these are all great ways to get involved and make a difference