Prepare Yourself!
Neighborhood & Community Preparedness
2/21/2024 | 26m 46sVideo has Closed Captions
Learn about neighborhood preparedness in preparation for, and during a natural disaster.
On our final episode of Prepare Yourself! we learn all about neighborhood preparedness. Getting to know your neighbors can make your family, neighborhood, and community more resilient in the event of a disaster.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Prepare Yourself! is a local public television program presented by NorCal Public Media
Prepare Yourself!
Neighborhood & Community Preparedness
2/21/2024 | 26m 46sVideo has Closed Captions
On our final episode of Prepare Yourself! we learn all about neighborhood preparedness. Getting to know your neighbors can make your family, neighborhood, and community more resilient in the event of a disaster.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
How to Watch Prepare Yourself!
Prepare Yourself! is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio.
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship(lively dance music) (lively dance music continues) - [Announcer] Funding for "Prepare Yourself!"
has been provided by the Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management.
Actions change outcomes.
Let's get ready together.
Learn more at socoemergency.org/get-ready (audience applauding and cheering) - Hello, and welcome to this edition of "Prepare Yourself!"
Your delicious and nutritious informational multivitamin for disaster preparedness.
I'm Chase Overholt, one of your hosts for the show.
- Thanks, Chase.
And, I'm Hannah Lee.
Your other charming guide for our program.
Let's dive right in and learn what you can do to- - [All] Prepare yourself!
- Because disasters and emergencies can happen at any time.
- Now, if you've been following our show, you'll know that we've covered the ins and outs of disaster preparedness.
From packing a go bag, to hardening your home, Hannah and I have learned so much through this program.
And we hope you have, too.
- That's right.
And today, we'll be talking about a very important topic, neighborhood and community preparedness.
In any emergency, it's crucial to work together with those around you to share information, resources, and assistance.
- On this episode, we'll cover how to build connections with people in your neighborhood, what to include in a neighborhood evacuation plan, and how to take stock of resources in your community.
And so much more.
- I am so sad that this is our last episode.
I'm really going to miss you.
I had so much fun learning together.
- Oh, don't worry.
I'll still be in the neighborhood.
- I feel like that was supposed to be a pun based on your inflection, but I'm not really sure if it was.
- I'm not really sure, either.
Neighborhood puns are hard.
You try coming up with one.
- It's okay, buddy, you tried your best.
We'll be right back with our show after these messages.
Stay tuned.
- Have you heard all this buzz about preparing for disasters?
- Word on the street is that disaster preparedness is super important.
- Nah.
If there's an emergency, I can just wing it.
- I don't know.
Maybe you should listen to this.
(air swish) - [Announcer] "Now That's What I Call Disaster Hits, "Volume Five" is 48 hours of toe-tapping, knee-slapping, hand-clapping disaster songs, all complied for you on this multi-platinum album.
This special TV offer contains 10 tracks of disaster hits to get you moving and grooving.
Like "I Evacuated with the Girl Next Door," "Knock, Knock, Who's There?"
"Neighbors Helping Neighbors."
♪ We live in different houses ♪ But on the same street ♪ Now's the perfect time ♪ To get together and meet ♪ My grandma needs support ♪ And you got three cats to move ♪ ♪ Let's evacuate together ♪ What have we got to prove ♪ Neighbors helping neighbors to make it through ♪ ♪ Get to know your neighbors and they will, too ♪ ♪ Neighbors helping neighbors ♪ Oh, can't you see ♪ Neighbors making plans in our community ♪ ♪ You are my neighbor ♪ I am your neighbor ♪ We need to prepare ourselves ♪ Together ♪ We may not speak very often ♪ I may not even really like you ♪ But I think we can work it out ♪ - [Both] Sweet deal!
- Don't forget to tell all your friends and neighbors.
(air swish) - [Announcer] "Now That's What I Call "Disaster Hits, Volume Five" is not available in stores.
Order now by calling the number on your screen.
Or, send check or money order.
Make a one-time payment of $129.95, or you can use or easy-to-use payment plan of $10.83 per month for 12 months.
Rush delivery available.
Call now.
(peaceful music) - Welcome to my neighborhood.
Recently, we've been talking a lot about being prepared for emergencies.
I got to thinking that the neighbors here in the woodland, could benefit from making a plan about who we can count on do what during a disaster.
Each of us has unique talents that the community as a whole could benefit from.
For instance, I'm good at collecting things and keeping stock of supplies.
(upbeat music) Rabbit is very experienced at provisioning.
He knows where the food is.
And how to keep it safe.
Hm, more or less.
(Rabbit chewing) - Huh?
Rattlesnake is amazing when it comes to sending out the alarm.
They can help get the word out as soon as a crisis happens.
(rattle shaking) So it seemed like a great idea for us all to meet in person.
(upbeat music) (seal barking) And for those who could not come in person, we set up a virtual connection.
(group of voices chattering) (woodrat clearing throat) Thank you everyone for taking the time to come today.
It's good to get to know everyone.
Have we decided what our responsibilities will be?
- I might consider sharing my chainsaw.
It's very good.
And I have a generator to power my burrow in an emergency.
(generator humming) It's just top-notch.
Only the best for the burrow.
- I'm making a first aid kit.
(gentle music) - [Woodrat] The planning process may take time.
Everyone might not agree on everything.
Important things for every neighborhood group to establish are an emergency meeting spot, who will supply what, and how to get in contact with each other.
(voices chattering) - The more we have a strong community, neighbors helping neighbors, I think the more prepared we will be, but also the stronger and healthier we will be.
- I would like to encourage every person, every body to be prepared.
Whether it's an earthquake, a wildfire, be prepared.
- So why we do this at a neighborhood on nearly a street level, a block level basis, is because when an emergency hits, you're going to be running outside your door, it's those five or 10 neighbors that are going to help you, and where you're going to be able to help your neighbors.
(gentle music) (quiet voices chattering) (woodrat clapping) - Okay.
Is there anything else we need to address?
Wolf?
Do you have anything to add?
(suspenseful music) (footsteps tapping) There might be bumps in the road, but getting to know your neighbors and making a plan is a great way to prepare yourself!
(dramatic music) (suspenseful music) - [Announcer] Space.
Something everyone needs sometimes.
These are the voyages of the Starship Endeavor OG1.
Its five episode mission: To explore the multiverse, and bring beings together.
To boldly go where no animal, vegetable, or mineral has gone before.
(quiet suspenseful music) - Captain's Log, Star Date 1221.12.
We're about the enter the Cataclysmic System, where irregular solar and tectonic activity is predicted to cause unprecedented destruction.
We're here to bring emergency preparedness awareness, or EPA, to all residents in the outlying territories.
- Captain Smirk, we have crossed over the intergalactic energy field, and are now entering the Cataclysmic System.
- Splendid.
Thank you, A.I.
- First Commander Aurora, what is the local time?
- The time is 1600 hours and 23 minutes.
In other words, now.
- Splendid.
Mr. Sock, what are the airspace conditions?
- Cloudy, with a chance of disaster.
Just as I suspected, severe climate disruptions are threatening to- (alarm beeping) - I am homing in on the distress signal.
It is from the second star in the Sup sector.
- Pull it up on screen.
- Star Fleet Command, this is Princess Leah calling on an emergency channel.
The weather is becoming increasingly severe.
As you can see, the wind is picking up.
The rain is getting heavier.
And we've never seen lightning like this.
(lightning crashing) I am stressed out!
If we don't take action soon, our community will experience devastating floods.
We need your assistance.
- Gracious me, that sounds treacherous indeed.
Do you need our assistance?
- Uh...yeah.
I literally just said that.
This is quickly turning into our most desperate hour.
(lightening thundering) Help us OG1.
You're our only hope.
(video glitching) - Princess!
Princess!
Are you there?
Do you read?
Sock, analysis?
- My sensors indicate we have lost the signal.
- Very astute, Mr. Sock.
Looks like weve got here just in time.
- All right, set those blasters for, (stumbling on words) No, Smirk, not again.
Set course for the primary port in the Sup sector, the Sup-port.
- Course laid in, Captain.
(buttons beeping) (engines rumbling) - We have come out of hyper speed and are approaching the Sup-port.
T-minus five minutes to landing.
- The resident signature indicates that excessive and unrelenting precipitation will breach levies in approximately 48 hours.
There is still time, but we need to act quickly.
(alarm beeping) - Captain, we are being hailed by several planets.
- Go ahead, patch them through.
- Hey, what do you want?
- Uh...you called us.
- Oh, oh, right.
Well, this morning I was taking a snooze in my burrow, and what do you know, everything started rattling around.
I think it might have been an earthquake.
It wasn't too bad, but I'm a little apprehensive that a bigger quake might come pretty soon.
- Well, you've called the right crew, Skunk.
First Commander, what advice do you have for Sunny?
- One thing I would do is check on all the other animals in your neighborhood, and get their contact information.
Have you done that?
- No.
Why would they want to talk to me, I'm a skunk!
They think I stink!
- Oh, I'm sure that's not true.
- Believe it.
- Well, when an emergency happens, the first animals who can reach you to offer help will probably be your neighbors.
So if a bigger earthquake happens, you'll want to be able to contact each other.
- Hm, I guess you have a point.
If a bigger quake does happen, and my burrow caves in, I could always call my neighbor, Badger, to come help get me out.
He's a good digger with those long claws.
- That's a great idea.
Setting up a contact list is one of the first steps to building a unified and more prepared community.
(alarm beeping) - Captain, we are receiving another distress signal.
- Patch them through.
- Sunny, hold on!
We'll be right back with you in just a few moments.
- Fine, I'll wait.
- This is Captain Smirk, from the Federation Starship Endeavor.
- Hello, hello?
Is this thing on?
This is Slater.
Over.
- Go ahead, Slater.
We hear you loud and clear.
- Okay, good.
Buck ain't here right now, and he's much better at these doohickeys than me.
I still don't understand how you all fit in this little box.
Anyway, I'm calling because a wildfire is headed for our town, and it's moving fast.
- Those sound like very dangerous conditions.
To live long and prosper, you should leave immediately.
- That's correct, have you all evacuated?
- Well, our neighbors, Ruth and Florence heard the evacuation warning on the radio.
They went and told Old Man Willy, and then he came over and warned us.
- Oh, totally.
Oh, yes, I'm very glad to hear that.
Sounds like you were very prepared.
- It's great that you know your neighbors so well and had an evacuation plan already established.
Well done.
- Why do I even bother contacting these space jerks?
Putting me on hold.
I'll put you on hold.
- Is that a talking skunk?
- Indeed.
We are helping him prepare for a potential earthquake.
- Sunny, we can all hear you, please mute yourself.
- Oh...stinkers!
- Slater, is there anything we can do to assist you at this time?
- Well, we ain't got enough water left to fight this fire beause weve been in a bad drought these last couple of years.
- Hm, what to do?
What to do?
Have you tried a fire extinguisher?
- Hello, hello?
Hello, OG1, can you hear me?
- Princess Leah!
Good to have you back.
Weve almost reached the Sup-port and will be with you shortly.
- Thank you, Captain Smirk rk rk.
I gathered the Cataclysmic Grand Council to see how we can work together to address the eminent flooding.
We can't handle this solo.
(animal howling) No, you big fur ball, I wasn't talking about Shawn Solo.
He's out there helping direct traffic with my brother, Duke Groundwalker.
- Did you all say flooding?
As in, water?
As in, you have too much of it?
We could really use some over here.
-Youre more than welcome to it.
We've got more than we can handle.
We just need a way to get it to you.
- Might I suggest our convenient interplanetary water transporting device to beam over the flood waters?
- Highly illogical.
- Do not question the technology.
(dramatic music) - Beam up the water, Snotty.
- You got it, Captain.
(blowing nose) Right away.
(dramatic music) (blowing into hose) - Well, darn tootin'.
That's just terrific, thank you much.
- You're quite welcome, young man.
It's our duty to provide- (loud rumbling) (Skunk screaming) (loud rumbling) - A part of my burrow just collapsed!
- Say, skunk man.
I bet Buck and I could give you some help with that there burrow of yours.
- You'd really do that?
- Sure thing, bud.
We'll all head over as soon as we get this wildfire situation under control.
- Hm, it seems like there are many things that planets can do to help each other during emergencies.
Once we land, I'd like to help you all set up some permanent lines of interplanetary communication, so that you can stay in touch and provide support when needed.
- Thank you, OG1.
- Thanks, I guess.
- Thanks, you all.
(Captain sighing) - Splendid.
Our work here is done.
Onto the next mission.
Engines at maximum warp!
- Negative, Captain, we are about to touch down at the Sup-port.
- Splendid!
Initiate landing gear.
Set blasters- - Captain?
I believe it's time for your nap.
May I take the helm?
(Captain snoring) - Blasters.
(triumphant music) - [Aurora] Preparedness, the next frontier.
End transmission.
- Previously on "Kid Scientist."
I have an idea for an episode starter.
I face this, and I'm, like, playing with it, and doing things with it.
And then, I say "Oh!
Hello."
(air swish) Oh, hello.
I'm Kiki, and this is Plan Ahead with me, Kid Scientist.
(air swish) (wire bouncing) (words and icons popping) (lightbulb dings) (air swish) Gather ‘round everyone, because today well be learning a very important part of staying prepared.
Knowing your neighbors and community!
When a disaster or an emergency happens, who are the first people to show up on the scene to help?
Firefighters?
Police?
EMTs?
Wrong!
Well, first responders are usually the first to respond.
It's in the name.
But in many cases, our neighbors are the first people who can reach us to offer help and support during an emergency.
Because they're nearby.
So, it's important that neighborhoods and communities come together ahead of time to prepare!
Here's some things you can do to build community preparedness.
(air swish) Number one!
Connect with your neighbors.
You might know the person living next door to you, but do you know the person all the way at the end of the street?
Well, you can organize a meet and greet so that people in your neighborhood can get to know each other.
Who doesn't love a good party?
Offer some free snacks, and you can bet that even I'll be there.
Plus, you can learn about any skills, or resources people might have that can help in a disaster.
Maybe one of your neighbors is a nurse.
Or, a firefighter.
Maybe someone owns sandbags, or a generator.
Hey, that almost rhymed.
Number two!
Get in touch.
It's important to know how to contact your neighbors in the event of an emergency!
Make a list of names, addresses, and phone numbers to share.
You can also create a community page on a website like Facebook or NextDoor, and invite your neighbors to join.
It's a great way to reach all of them at once.
Number three!
Practice evacuating together.
Planning a neighborhood evacuation drill is a great way to make sure that everyone knows what they need to pack, which exit routes to take, and where to meet up.
Don't forget to inform local public safety officials of your plans.
Afterwards, hold a meeting to discuss what everyone learned from the exercise.
What worked?
What didn't?
Is there anyone who needs additional support?
You can even use what you learned to help plan your next evacuation drill.
Grownups are always telling me... Don't talk to strangers!
But in this case, it's good to make connections with the people who live close to you, even if you don't know them.
And your neighbors shouldn't be strangers.
It might feel awkward at first, but building community is an essential part of being prepared.
(air swish) Well, that's all the time we have for today, everyone.
And remember, it's always better to be prepared for anything and have nothing bad happen, than to have something bad to happen and not be prepared at all.
This has been advice from a small child on Plan Ahead with Kid Scientist.
That's me!
Bye!
(audience applauding) - And we're back.
Thanks for joining us on this episode of "Prepare Yourself!"
We hope you enjoyed the show, and learned a little something about how you can prepare for a disaster or an emergency.
- Let's quickly go over what we covered in this episode.
We learned why building community is a key aspect of disaster preparedness.
- We also learned how to build resilience and social support in your neighborhood.
- And that your neighbors are usually the first people who can reach you in the event of a disaster, because they're closest to you.
- That's right.
Wow, being on the show has been an incredible experience.
It's hard to believe that we're already at the end.
- Right?
I might even miss all your corny jokes.
- Sounds like you haven't emotionally prepared yourself for the end of the show.
- All right, never mind.
I'm definitely not going to miss that.
That one was barely even a joke.
- Oh come on, I know you secretly love it.
(chuckling) But all jokes aside, thank you all so much for watching the show and joining us on this eclectic disaster preparedness journey.
It's been real.
- It has.
We hope that the stories and humor in our program have helped you remember why it's so important to plan ahead, and that it can even be fun to- - [All] Prepare yourself!
- Now, we've said this a lot.
But it can be difficult to plan ahead for situations we never want to encounter.
- Yes, siree.
And part of emergency preparedness is acknowledging that disasters happen.
And that can take a toll on our mental health.
- If you've ever felt stressed and overwhelmed by preparing for a disaster, we want to let you know that you're not alone.
- So to help us process these feelings- - Through music and dance!
- We have a very special guest with us today to close out our show.
- Please put your hands together for- - [Both] Sky Palace!
(music begins) (all cheering) ♪ So you're anxious tonight ♪ And you might not know what to do ♪ ♪ Take a breath, baby ♪ And trust me, I got you ♪ I see the look in your eyes ♪ And I'm feeling it too ♪ Let's talk about mental health ♪ ♪ And what you might be going through ♪ ♪ Well, it can take a lot to process all your thoughts ♪ ♪ I know oh, oh ♪ But you're not alone, oh, oh ♪ And it's safe, babe ♪ Sharing your emotions can be a scary notion ♪ ♪ Indeed ♪ Just know there's a community ♪ ♪ We're on call, yeah ♪ You can say no, no, no, no, no, no ♪ ♪ Or yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah ♪ ♪ Take your time and let us know ♪ ♪ When you're ready, we'll be ready ♪ ♪ 'Cause its stressful, alright ♪ ♪ And the fear and trauma is true ♪ ♪ The way it affects me, babe ♪ Might be different than it is for you ♪ ♪ We're not here to provide ♪ A solution, or fix, for you ♪ We're here to listen, babe ♪ Just say what you need to - I feel anxious every time it's a hot summer day, and there's a gust of wind.
I used to love a cool breeze, but now it just puts me on edge.
- I'm sad all the time, and I can't stop crying, even though it's been two years since my family lost our home.
- Little things feel like insurmountable tasks.
Trying to pack just a few things in an emergency go bag is a huge mental struggle.
♪ So, you're opening up ♪ And you're telling us how you feel ♪ ♪ It's valid, babe ♪ Your emotions are completely real ♪ ♪ You might want to hide ♪ Or you might want to conceal ♪ It's hard, baby ♪ But this is how we learn to heal ♪ ♪ Reduce your stress with the disaster distress ♪ ♪ Hotline ♪ It's there any time ♪ Try it out, yeah ♪ Call 1-800-985-5990, oh, oh ♪ ♪ Give it a go, oh, oh Or text "TalkWithUs" to 66746.
♪ And let them know, know, know, know, know ♪ ♪ What you're go, go, going through ♪ ♪ 'Cause they're professionals ♪ Are you ready, 'cause they're ready ♪ ♪ Yeah, you heard it right ♪ Weve got so much love for you ♪ We hear you, babe ♪ And we hope this gets you through ♪ ♪ Please remember this song ♪ Don't forget the resources, too ♪ ♪ We care, baby ♪ And we're here supporting you ♪ (music ends) (all cheering) (cheering continuing) (lively dance music) (lively dance music) (classical orchestra music)
- Home and How To
Hit the road in a classic car for a tour through Great Britain with two antiques experts.
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Prepare Yourself! is a local public television program presented by NorCal Public Media