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6 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | SEPTEMBER 2025 | What Should WE Do? By Janis Rice, EPAP PIO You have moved into Sun Lakes Country Club; a wonderful, gated community. And an extra benefit… there is a well-organized Emergency Preparedness Organization established here. Very few HOAs or neighborhoods around the PASS area have an EPAP like ours. WE ARE PREPARED! We hope you are aware that the EPAP Volunteers (District Delegates, Alternate Delegates, EPAP Coordinators, Zone Captains, Patrol, and Radio Coms Unit) have committed, if able, to assist their Districts in an emergency event, such as power outage, earthquake, chemical spill, fire, or other natural disasters. Our Volunteers will keep you informed by communicating relevant information being given to us from the local authorities (Banning Police, CalFire Sheriff, CHPS…) help with giving directions on what to do or where to go (in the event of an evacuation), physical and emotional support, administer basic 1st aid, and/or other basic assistance. But, there is a particular support EPAP Volunteers CANNOT DO for you. We cannot rescue or remove you from your bed, chair, and/or home. Sun Lakes is a 55+ Active Living Community. We are not an Assisted Living Community. We understand many of our residents may need assistance. And for those residents, we strongly suggest they contact their family, care giver, or a neighbor, who can help them immediately. We will make every effort to assist individuals, BUT our primary responsibility is to aid all residents. In July, most of Sun Lakes was put under a Level 2 (Set) evacuation warning. It became confusing because some people were saying not to worry because the "the fire isn't that close", "the wind is blowing east", or "we'll have time to get out if we have to." But all these statements were irrelevant to the real meaning. A Level 2 evacuation, "Be Set," is declared when there is significant potential for danger from a fire, and residents should prepare for a sudden or short-notice evacuation. It's a crucial stage, as conditions can deteriorate rapidly, potentially leading to a mandatory Level 3 "Go" evacuation order. For some of our residents, one of the most important aspects to a Level 2 warning is, Need for extra time to evacuate: People who require additional time to evacuate, such as those with disabilities, limited mobility and/or medical conditions, are advised to leave at this stage. In essence, a Level 2 evacuation serves as a strong warning for residents to finalize their plans, gather necessary items, and be ready to leave at a moment's notice. EPAP wants to ensure that ALL our residents are informed, know exactly what they need to do, and most of all can leave IF the time comes. Please remember… If a Level 3 – GO evacuation warning is issued, the EPAP Volunteers will "do the greatest good for the greatest number," BUT we need to take care of ourselves and our families just as you need to take care of yourselves and your family. BEING PREPARED WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE.

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