Solano County Agencies Support National Preparedness Month, Provide Free Disaster Preparedness Starter Kits to Veterans and Seniors – Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE8/26/20
Media Contacts:
Linda Jacobs, CEO415.479.5710 x300ljacobs@cvnl.org
or
Katelyn Willoughby-Bagley, Director of Marketing & Communications415.448.0330kwilloughby@cvnl.org

Solano County Agencies Support National Preparedness Month, Provide Free Disaster Preparedness Starter Kits to Veterans and Seniors

9/24/20, Solano County: In honor of National Preparedness Month, Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL), Solano Volunteers, and BrandGov will be providing disaster preparedness starter kits to veterans and seniors this Saturday, September 26th, at two pop-up locations in Solano County. Kits will include essential items such as hand sanitizer and personal protective equipment (PPE).

“Being prepared in advance is so important for our community,” said Rhonda Smith, Program Coordinator for Solano Volunteers. “We are especially concerned about our higher risk and socially isolated populations. This weekend we will focus on reaching out to our veterans and seniors.”

CVNL, Solano Volunteers, BrandGov, and others have been working together since 2019 under the state’s new emergency preparedness initiative known as Listos (Ready) California. The goal is to build resiliency in vulnerable communities at high risk for wildfires and other disasters. Far too often, the people and communities hit hardest by these disasters or public health emergencies are those least equipped to survive them.

National Preparedness Month encourages Americans to begin planning for emergencies now and throughout the year, since pre-planning can help ease the impact of a crisis when one arises. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 80 percent of individuals say they have gathered enough supplies to last three or more days; however, less than half said they had a family emergency plan in place.

“One reason National Preparedness Month is held in September is that it is the start of peak wildfire season,” said K. Patrice Williams, CEO of BrandGov. “This year has been an especially active season and it does not seem to be slowing down. What makes it even more challenging are concerns about COVID-19 and the need for social distancing.”

The group encourages residents to make a family communications plan and update their emergency supplies as soon as possible. The CDC recommends that individuals include items in their emergency supply kits that will help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, other viruses, and the flu, including cloth face coverings, soaps, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.

Along with disaster preparedness kits, pop-up locations will provide Disaster Preparedness Guides in English, Spanish, and Tagalog and will also assist veterans and seniors with 2020 Census registration.

Emergency Preparedness Drive through Pop-up locations and hours:

For Veterans: The Veterans Hall (in front)
420 Admiral Callaghan Lane, Vallejo
Hours: 10am-12pm

For Seniors: Solano Vista Senior Apartments (in front)
40 Valle Vista Ave, Vallejo
Hours: 12pm-2pm

Note: Community safety is our utmost priority. Participants will not have to exit their vehicles, and locations will adhere to strict social distancing guidelines.

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About CVNL: For nearly 60 years, Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) has advanced nonprofits and volunteerism by strengthening leadership, encouraging innovation, and empowering individuals in their communities. Passion alone isn’t enough when it comes to creating strong nonprofits. That’s why we work with aspiring and established leaders every day to help them build the skills and connections that can take their impact to the next level. Together we offer comprehensive programs that support nonprofits and volunteers including training, executive search, customized consulting solutions, volunteer matching, and corporate engagement. Heart of Marin™ and Heart of Napa™ events support nonprofits of every size and mission through recognition and cash awards. Other programs and services include the Sonoma Human Race, Secret Santa, Court Referral Program, and Volunteer Wheels. We provide disaster preparedness training and serve as an Emergency Volunteer Center (EVC), overseeing spontaneous volunteers and donations for Napa, Marin, and Sonoma Counties in the aftermath of a disaster. We believe that with confident and prepared leaders, our nonprofits will be better equipped to create healthy, happy communities. Visit cvnl.org to learn more.