Mono County Office of Emergency Management Urges Winter Preparedness

MONO COUNTY, Calif. (NOVEMBER 9, 2023) – On Tuesday, Chris Mokracek, Director of Mono County’s Office of Emergency Management, provided a “Winter 2023 Response and Winter 2024 Preparedness” presentation before the Mono County Board of Supervisors.  The presentation outlined areas for emergency response improvement based on feedback received from a recent community survey, and highlighted the importance of adequate and thorough planning in advance of this winter storm season.  Director Mokracek encouraged all Mono County residents and visitors to take the time to prepare for the upcoming winter season by visiting READY.Mono.ca.gov.

“READY Mono is designed to provide residents and visitors with emergency readiness, response, and recovery resources, and share real-time information and critical updates before, during, and after an emergency or natural disaster,” said Chris Mokracek, Director of Mono County’s Office of Emergency Management.  “The first step in becoming prepared for an emergency is visiting our portal and signing up for emergency alerts.  The second step is to make a plan and ensure that you are as self-sufficient as possible should an emergency arise.”

Based on the feedback received from the 2023 Storm Response Survey, it is important to note the following:

• Mono County Public Works does not plow private driveways.  It is important to secure a contractor or equipment in advance of the winter storm season.
• During an emergency event, residents and visitors should be prepared to follow local evacuation and safety instructions.  Be prepared to shelter-in-place, and be sure to evacuate/leave when the opportunity presents itself.
• Mono County has an “Access and Functional Needs (AFN) Registry.”  The AFN Registry and services are for those who have special needs that qualify them for early access to incident notification or evacuation.  Residents are encouraged to sign up for the AFN Registry, and to ensure that their friends and neighbors with special needs are registered.

5 STEPS TO WINTER PREPAREDNESS

1. Get Alerts
2. Make a Plan
3. Pack a Go Bag
4. Build a Stay Box
5. Help Friends and Neighbors

1.Get Alerts

Mono County utilizes a cloud-based, public alerting and residential safety tool that allows government agencies to send geo-targeted urgent alerts to subscribers.  Residents and visitors are urged to sign up for alerts at READY.Mono.ca.gov.  Current subscribers are encouraged to update their profile annually.

2.Make a Plan

Extreme weather events and other natural disasters occur at a moment’s notice.  Mono County urges residents and visitors to “Make a Plan” in advance of potential emergency situations.  This plan should include being prepared for evacuation, extended periods of time without power/electricity, unplowed streets, road closures, etc.  Ask yourself the following questions:

• How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
• What is my shelter plan?
• What is my evacuation route?
• What is my household communication plan?
• Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?

3.Pack a Go Bag

Most disasters are unexpected and happen fast.  Pack a “Go Bag” to be prepared to leave your home in a hurry.  Be sure to pack items for each member of your household.  Items to consider include:

• Important documents
• Cash
• Map(s)
• Medication(s)
• Water
• Non-perishable food or snacks
• Portable radio
• Flashlight
• First Aid Kit

4.Build a Stay Box

In some disasters, you may be safer staying at home.  However, damage from the disaster, or extended periods of isolation might make that uncomfortable.  You may not have access to drinking water, bathing water, or the ability to flush your toilet.  Electricity may be out, impacting your ability to keep perishable food fresh, or your home heated.  Prepare for at least 7-10 days without power or electricity.  Items to consider include:

• Water: Up to 3 gallons per person
• Food: Set aside foods that won’t spoil and require no cooking
• Portable radio
• Flashlight
• First Aid Kit

5.Help Friends and Neighbors

Meet with your neighbors and friends to discuss your plan, and identify any areas of need/support in your community.  Make sure to have contact information for each other, and check-in during winter storm events.

In addition, Mono County has an “Access and Functional Needs (AFN) Registry.”  The AFN Registry and services are for those who have special needs that qualify them for early access to incident notification or evacuation.  Residents are encouraged to sign up for the AFN Registry, and to ensure that their friends and neighbors with special needs are registered.

BASIC TIPS FOR ANY DISASTER

1. Carry Identification: Families may be apart when disaster strikes – oftentimes people and pets get separated.
2. Build a Support Network: Have a backup plan in case of emergency, and communicate with your neighbors, friends, and those requiring additional assistance.
3. Have Extra Medications and Power Supply: Many people can’t go three days without medications, and most need electricity to power equipment and devices.
4. Reduce Stress: Lessen physical and mental stress by planning ahead.

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