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is article is based on NON-life-threatening events. If you or your loved one are experiencing an emergency or life-threatening incident ALWAYS CALL 911! There have been several situations in the past couple of months that may have made you ask, "who do we call?" It is a question that is not always easy to answer. In May and in June, some Sun Lakes residents experienced a power outage. Many residents reported the outage to Securitas/ Main Gate, which you may think would be the correct call, but in reality, it is not. Securitas is limited to the service they can provide. Their primary duty is to provide general security and safety. They will take your call and information, call Banning Police Department to report an incident and possibly share information they receive, but that is about all they can do. Instead, the resident should call The City of Banning* or Banning Police non-emergency line (24/7). They will dispatch the appropriate department to handle the situation. However, there is another very important number you can or should call and that is The Sun Lakes' EPAP Emergency number. One of our volunteers is available 24/7 to take your call. By reporting the incident to EPAP, we can then report the incident for you, and relay important information as we receive it. Also, if the power is out for an extended period of time, EPAP will open their Emergency Operations Center and keep in communication with the EPAP Coordinators in each district. We will share the most up-to-the- minute information as we receive it. If the power outage continues into the night, EPAP has generators that will be set up at the Main Clubhouse. The Bus Room will be opened for those who need power for their medical devices. is is what we train for … Being Prepared! BUT WAIT! How can you call if you have NO phone service? This is yet another issue that may arise during an electrical outage. Most landlines will not work unless you have a modem battery back-up**. Your internet/Wi-Fi will be down as well. For this reason, a "smart" cell phone has many advantages. You can call, text, email, and check social media postings for updates. You can upload apps to follow emergency postings. Several wireless companies have services to fit our "mature" needs, such as Consumer Cellular (supported by AARP) and Lively from Best Buy. Important Phone Numbers: Banning Police Non-Emergency: (951) 922-3170 Sun Lakes EPAP: (951) 524-3126 Main Gate: (951) 845-2163 *City of Banning Utility: (951) 922-3185 *City of Banning Water Leak: (951) 922-3281 *Only during business hours. Currently the City of Banning does not have an after-hours reporting system, app or update system. **Spectrum Customers: To allow your modem to operate in the event of a power outage, you can purchase battery backup and receive professional installation for a one-time fee. Without backup power, you'll lose your voice service (including access to 911 services) during a power outage, and it may also be unavailable in the event of a network outage. Customers can upgrade anytime by calling customer service at (855) 757-7328. ~ Janis Rice, EPAP PIO 10 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | AUGUST 2024 | EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS WHO YA GONNA CALL? EPAP! EPAP ANIMAL RESCUE GROUP meets at 10 am in the Multipurpose Room on the third Monday of the following five months each year: September, November, January, March, and May. We strive to bring interesting and informative guest speakers to our meetings to help you keep your animals safe and healthy. For more information, contact Sandy Burgon at (909) 855-0226. This month I wanted to make you aware of the Office on Aging's Area Plan on Aging, 2024 - 2028 "Aging in Motion." In 1965, the Older Americans Act (OAA) was passed by Congress in response to concern about a lack of community social services for older persons. Reauthorized in 2016, the OAA is considered to be a major vehicle for the organization and delivery of social and nutrition services older adults and their caregivers. The OAA stipulates that a multi-year, comprehensive Area Plan be developed for each planning and service area. This plan is updated each year and submitted to the California Department of Aging for review and approval. The Area Plan requires staff to coordinate with community service organizations, engage in program development, provide training and technical assistance to service providers, and serve as the quality assurance component for contracted services. You may learn more about the Area Plan by contacting the Office on Aging or my liaison on senior issues, David Lara-Tellez / DLTellez@rivco.org. Respectfully your county supervisor, Yxstian Gutierrez Supervisor's Message By Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez

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