"As we seek to increase our love for God and strive to love our neighbor, the light of the gospel will surround and uplift us.

In the event of a widespread disaster, local organizations such as churches, nonprofits, and businesses can work together to help neighbors and provide relief. Strengthening relationships now can improve communication and coordination following an event.

Ways that organizations can improve community preparedness include:

• Review Pueblo County’s emergency response plan.
• Encourage members of your organization to participate in local emergency preparedness fairs, drills, and surveys. Research shows that individuals who hear about emergency preparedness are more likely to take action to prepare themselves. Get to know neighboring organizations. Know the names of leaders and phone numbers. Make a plan to coordinate. Drill the plan.
• If you are a faith leader, review FEMA’s faith-based resources.

Ways that individuals and families can improve community preparedness include:

• Get to know individuals and families that live nearby. Take note of individuals that may be more at risk following a disaster. Examples include neighbors that are elderly, single parents with young children, neighbors with serious medical conditions, chronic illness, or disability, and those who speak English poorly or not at all. During/after a disaster it is especially important to check on these neighbors.
• Help neighbors sign up for emergency evacuation assistance if it might be needed due to mobility, transportation, medical, or other special needs. Note: this should not replace 911 for immediate emergencies.
• Donate blood, especially in the summer months when blood donations drop but accidents are at a seasonal high.
• Become a Red Cross Volunteer.
• Participate in local Neighborhood Watch programs.
• Serve in your community. Visit the Just Serve website for upcoming service opportunities that are available in your community.

Did you know that you can volunteer for planning teams and emergency response teams? Click on the links below to learn more.

• Volunteer for a Pueblo County Emergency Response team under direction of the Sheriff’s office