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14 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | MARCH 2023 | Did you know Sun Lakes has a very detailed Emergency Preparedness Plan? This Plan is completely outlined in the EPAP Manual, updated and ready for you to read. The EPAP Manual contains the Emergency Action Plan and important information to assist our residents in how to be prepared for an emergency and what actions should be taken if an emergency situation should arise. You can find the EPAP Manual posted on the Sunlakescc.com website on the EPAP page, at the Main Clubhouse front desk, or by requesting a copy from the EOC by calling (951) 845-2965. The EPAP Manual was written by a dedicated group comprised of the EPAP Executive Team, District Delegates, Sun Lakes HOA, and Board of Directors. The Plan is designed to deal with situations where normal public resources are no longer available to respond and assist. The comprehensive Plan includes all elements needed to deal with an emergency situation within Sun Lakes. "The situations this plan is designed to cope with are those events that would have a catastrophic effect on the community (and possibly neighboring communities) to the extent that local police, fire and other emergency services may not be able to meet all our needs." The Sun Lakes Emergency Action Plan states: "As most of us are aware we, the residents of the Sun Lakes are no less susceptible to the devastating effects of both natural and man-made disasters than any other community. It is also a fact that any emergency event large enough to be potentially catastrophic, will overtax the resources of our local emergency services and utilities for the first few hours, at least. During that period, it will be critically important that we be prepared and equipped to care for ourselves. It would be irresponsible, even foolish, to fail to be prepared. "Although no one can predict if or when a catastrophic event affecting our community will occur, we are confident that an effective emergency survival and recovery plan is our best insurance against the devastating effects of a major disaster. Such a Plan was developed by Sun Lakes Emergency Preparedness Organization and approved by the Delegate Assembly and Master Board of Directors in 1991. The Plan has been revised frequently in order to remain effective as changes in conditions, availability of emergency services, and changes to our Club membership occur. EPAP was established as a Permanent Standing Committee by the Master Board of Directors in 2018. As such, the Plan can be implemented with increased support and awareness from all levels of the HOA including residents, District Delegates, Organization operations staff, management, and the Master Board of Directors. Like any other Plan, this one is only as good as the people who work to maintain it and stand ready to implement it when necessary." In order for the Plan to be efficiently and effectively carried out, the all-volunteer EPAP Executive Team members (Candace Jenkins, Sonia Nigra, Teri Gullen, EPAP Consultant Richard Spaulding, EPAP Public Information Officer Janis Rice, District Delegate Assembly Chairperson Joe Formino, and SLCCHOA Master Board of Directors, President Bob Walter) have worked with the District Delegates to continually review, update, maintain and stand ready to implement it when necessary (more information on the Executive Team can be found in the manual on page 6, SECTION 2. EMERGENCY ORGANIZATION. The EPAP Executive Team meet monthly. The EPAP Manual is divided into five sections. Each section contains vital information on how to prepare for an unforeseen catastrophic event. There is another very important group associated with the EPAP Team. This group of volunteers, from each of the Sun Lakes' 23 Districts, consist of the District Delegate, District Alternate Delegate, Zone Captains, EPAP Coordinators, and MRTs. These volunteers are a vital part to the Sun Lakes community. They circulate important information, keep tabs on residents, and participate in yearly drills. The EPAP Coordinators take part in monthly radio checks to ensure that during an emergency situation, communication will take place. Over the next several months, the Lifestyles EPAP articles will focus on the EPAP Coordinators from each district. The EPAP Executive Team hopes the articles will help our residents get to know the people in the in their districts and understand how dedicated they are to providing assistance during the event of an emergency. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Wed., March 15, 10:30 am to 12 noon in the Main Clubhouse Ballroom. Join us to welcome Pharmacist Clark Botha from Loma Linda Highland Springs Medical Center who will discuss the importance of having extra medication and how to order it for upcoming trips or your EPAP Go Bag. Subject to change. Please check the EPAP website, Channel 97 or call the Clubhouse front desk for date change information. Our next meeting is scheduled for March 20 at 10 am in the Main Clubhouse Multipurpose Room. We do not have a guest speaker scheduled at this time but I still hope to see everyone there. Reminder: Coyote mating season started in February and continues through mid-March. Please do not leave your pets unattended. We live with wildlife and pets should always be accompanied when outside. Info., Sandra Burgon, (909) 855-0226.

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