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| Four Seasons Hemet Herald | JANUARY 2018 | 11 Welcome to the new year! As you consider your new year resolutions, please consider adding this one: DO NOT BE COMPLACENT! There is a term used by First Responders and the military: "Situation Awareness!" This is taken to mean as much as is possible, be aware of your surroundings and possible threats that could result in danger. Another term that was stenciled above the opening that led to the flight deck of our aircraft carriers was "Complacency Kills!" This was a reminder that when you take familiar things for granted, or don't pay close attention to what you are doing, that's when you are vulnerable to catastrophic results! In addition to the possible emergencies caused by natural events, the possibility of a man-made catastrophe seems to be increasing. So, please consider adding another new year resolution. Make this a year to become more involved in your personal emergency preparation and consider becoming a Street Captain for your block or area! Please check the Four Seasons' calendar for meeting days and times (generally the last Monday of the month at 10:30 am in the Card Room). This won't involve a large commitment of time (about one to two hours a month), but will provide valuable service to your neighbors and will improve your personal preparedness skills and knowledge. As a reminder, start the new year right by reviewing and updating your emergency information, including: health directive; medical history and prescription(s) listing; emergency contact information (including local and remote friends and family members!). Also, check all of the following: a two week supply of critical medications; some small denomination of cash (in case ATMs are not working); smoke and CO2 detector batteries; fire extinguisher charges and locations; flashlights and batteries (as a note, LED flashlights last much longer and are not as fragile as incandescent bulbs, and non-rechargeable batteries usually outlast rechargeable ones!); emergency water (one gallon per day per person); and non- perishable food stuffs (note that dehydrated foods require additional water to reconstitute). Try to keep your vehicles fuel level above half full as much as possible, and ensure that you have a "Go Bag" in your vehicle with several water bottles, energy bars, flashlight and extra batteries; paper towels and tissues; two days of critical medications; a small amount of cash; walking shoes and socks; and a jacket. Daunting as all of this may seem, you will be thankful if an event occurs and you are prepared! We of the Emergency Preparedness Committee and all of our Street Captains, would like to wish you a happy, healthy, and safe coming new year! Emergency Preparedness Committee