Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1528127
| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | NOVEMBER 2024 | 5 By Michele Walter Here is an update on the program for September if you were unable to join us for the EPAP presentation. Janis Rice and Candace Jenkins reviewed what to have in an emergency "Go Bag." Also, Valerie Almanaz from the County of Riverside EMD spoke on the 12 steps to be prepared. e app she referred to is called the Genasys Protect App. is app helps you stay safe in an emergency and keeps you safe wherever you go. e app is available for Android and Apple users. It will give you your location zone. Ocials in our community use Genasys Protect to share safety information and instructions during emergencies. Another great resource is Ready.gov which gives you information on power outages, severe weather, ooding, building an emergency kit, FEMA mobile, and emergency alerts. e Ready Campaign aims to ensure all of our family, friends, and neighbors have the tools they need to prepare for a disaster. FEMA recommends assembling a kit of basic supplies to last at least three days. e following are some suggestions to have in your kit: • First aid kit • Bottled water/one gallon per person per day • Ready to eat food, non-perishable items/manual can opener • Personal hygiene items • Flashlights, extra batteries, portable cell phone charger • Masks, work gloves, change of clothes, heavy boots • Medications • Cash in small bills • Copies of important documents, such as insurance policies & birth certicates. Keep these in a waterproof bag, along with pencils, paper, penknife, and whistle. Community Awareness Program PLEASE REPORT ANY SUSPICIOUS INDIVIDUALS, ACTIVITIES, AND THEFTS DIRECTLY TO BANNING POLICE DEPARTMENT BY CALLING 911. ese are the types of emergencies: • Severe weather • Fire • Hazardous Materials Accident • Chemical/Biological/Radiological Emergencies • Aircra crashes • National Emergencies (war, terrorism) • Civil Disorder • Active Shooter Hopefully you will all download the Genasys app. It has come to my attention there are more mosquitoes in our area. I called Andrea Merrill, Environmental Health Technician with the County of Riverside. She advised me that they have put out traps. ey received permission from the City of Banning to spray. If you are concerned about a certain area you may call Andrea Merrill at (951) 766-9454. e mosquito is called Aedes Aegypti, also known as the ankle biter. • Appearance: they are small, black mosquitoes with white stripes on their back and legs • Behavior: they bite during the day, especially around the legs and ankles, they can bite multiple times • Prevention: to reduce the threat of these mosquitoes, you can tip out stagnant water, toss out unused containers • Apply: EPA-registered mosquito repellants to clothes and exposed skin • Active ingredient EPA registered repellants will contain one of the following active ingredients: DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), Para-menthan-doil (PMD) Questions or concerns? Contact Michele Walter at (951) 202-8009 or email crystalwater@dc.rr.com. Remember, if you see something, say something. prepared. e app she referred to is called the Genasys As the holiday season approaches, it's important to remember the dangers of scams. According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers reported losing over $10 billion to fraud in 2023, a record amount. So, to help identify and protect yourself from scams and fraud, here are a few helpful tips: 1. Slow Down: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, causing panic and rash decision making. Take a breath and resist the pres- sure to act quickly. 2. Be skeptical: Don't give your personal information to unexpect- ed contacts. If you aren't sure the "agency" is real, contact them using a website and number you know is trustworthy. 3. Don't pay up: Honest agencies and businesses don't demand payment on the spot or via strange payment methods like gift cards. Again, avoid being rushed and verify. To report fraud, please visit https://www.justice.gov/criminal/ criminal-fraud/report-fraud or contact my liaison for senior issues, David Lara-Tellez at (951) 809-1257. Supervisor's Message By Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez