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September is National Preparedness Month, a nationwide initiative that encourages everyone to take steps to be ready for all types of emergencies—whether it's a natural disaster, fire, medical emergency, or any unforeseen event. At Cathedral City Fire and EMS, we want to ensure you and your family are prepared to protect yourselves and your homes. Here’s what you need to know to create your personal preparedness plan and stay ready.
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Emergencies can happen without warning. Being prepared helps you and your family stay safe, reduces the stress of an emergency, and can even save lives. Preparedness is not just about knowing what to do; it’s about having the right tools and supplies on hand.
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Steps to Get Prepared for Any Emergency
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- Create a Family Emergency Plan
Communication: Ensure your family knows how to get in touch with each other in case of separation.
Out-of-Area Contact: Choose a family member or friend living outside your area as a point of contact. During emergencies, local communication systems can be overwhelmed, making long-distance calls easier.
Meeting Locations: Identify two meeting places:
Near Home: In case of a sudden emergency, like a fire.
Outside Your Neighborhood: For larger-scale evacuations (e.g., floods, wildfires).
Special Considerations: Include plans for pets, family members with disabilities, or elderly relatives who may need assistance.
- Assemble an Emergency Kit
A well-stocked emergency kit is essential for your home, car, and workplace.
Your kit should include:
Water: At least 1 gallon per person per day, for at least three days.
Food: Non-perishable food for at least three days (canned goods, energy bars, etc.).
First Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and prescription medications.
Flashlight and Extra Batteries.
Whistle: To signal for help.
Dust Mask: To filter contaminated air.
Plastic Sheeting and Duct Tape: For creating a shelter-in-place.
Moist Towelettes, Garbage Bags, and Plastic Ties: For sanitation.
Tools: Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, multi-purpose tool.
Local Maps: To navigate without GPS.
Copies of Important Documents: Passports, IDs, insurance papers, and medical records in a waterproof container.
Cash: Small bills, as ATMs may not be operational.
Phone Chargers and Backup Batteries.
Blankets and warm Clothing: In case of cold weather.
- Know Your Local Hazards
Every region faces different risks, from earthquakes and hurricanes to floods and wildfires. Understanding the hazards in Cathedral City will help you prepare more effectively.
Wildfires: Keep defensible space around your home, have fire-resistant landscaping, and know your evacuation routes.
Floods: Ensure you have flood insurance and know whether you live in a flood-prone area. Have an evacuation plan and move valuables to higher ground if flooding is imminent.
Earthquakes: Secure heavy furniture, prepare for power outages, and know how to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” during a quake.
- Stay Informed
Sign up for local emergency alerts through the city’s website or apps like FEMA or **Red Cross Emergency
Listen to weather and emergency updates on a NOAA Weather Radio.
Know evacuation routes and shelter locations. These may differ based on the type of disaster.
- Prepare Your Home
Fire Safety: Ensure that your smoke detectors are working and have fresh batteries. Have a fire extinguisher readily accessible, especially in kitchens or workshops.
Fire-Resistant Landscaping: Trim trees and bushes near your home, and keep gutters clear of leaves and debris to reduce the risk of wildfires spreading.
Secure Your Home: Reinforce doors and windows if hurricanes or high winds are a threat in your area. Consider storm shutters or impact-resistant glass.
- Practice Your Plan
Conduct family emergency drills to ensure everyone knows what to do and where to go. This includes fire drills, evacuation routes, and “drop, cover, and hold on” practices for earthquakes.
Teach all family members how to use a fire extinguisher and when to shut off utilities like gas, water, and electricity.
Basic Emergency Preparedness Checklist
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Basic Emergency Supplies
☐ Water (1 gallon per person per day for 3 days)
☐ Non-perishable food (3-day supply per person)
☐ Manual can opener
☐ Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
☐ Flashlight and extra batteries
☐ First aid kit
☐ Whistle (to signal for help)
☐ Dust masks
☐ Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for sanitation)
☐ Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
☐ Local maps
☐ Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
☐ Cash (small bills)
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Additional Items to Consider
☐ Prescription medications
☐ Infant formula, diapers
☐ Pet food and extra water for your pets
☐ Important family documents (copies)
☐ Sleeping bags or warm blankets
☐ Extra clothing, including sturdy shoes
☐ Fire extinguisher
☐ Matches in a waterproof container
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Get Involved: Community Preparedness
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Lastly, consider getting involved with your community’s preparedness initiatives. Join a local CERT (Community Emergency Response Team)or volunteer with organizations like the American Red Cross. Preparedness is a team effort—when we help each other, we build a stronger, more resilient community.
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National Preparedness Month is the perfect time to act. Start preparing today by planning, building a kit, staying informed, and practicing your emergency responses. Emergencies may be unpredictable, but with proper planning and preparation, you can safeguard your loved ones and minimize the impact.
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Here’s a list of reputable websites where you can find resources, guidelines, and tools to help you and your community with emergency preparedness:
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- Ready.gov
https://www.ready.gov
This is a comprehensive resource from the Department of Homeland Security. It offers information on how to prepare for disasters, build an emergency kit, and create family communication plans.
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
https://www.fema.gov
FEMA provides disaster recovery assistance, preparedness guides, and real-time updates on emergencies. The site includes resources like flood maps and guidance for specific hazards such as wildfires, hurricanes, and earthquakes.
- American Red Cross
https://www.redcross.org
The American Red Cross provides emergency preparedness checklists, disaster safety guides, and first aid instructions. They also offer mobile apps and tools to help in disasters.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Emergency Preparedness and Response
https://emergency.cdc.gov
This site offers resources on how to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies, including pandemics, bioterrorism, and natural disasters.
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather-Ready Nation
https://www.weather.gov/wrn
NOAA provides weather forecasts and resources for preparing for severe weather events like tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and snowstorms. The site also offers tips for making a weather-ready plan.
- Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
https://www.ready.gov/cert
CERT offers training on how to prepare for disasters and assist local emergency responders. They provide educational materials on disaster preparedness and community resilience.
- The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
https://www.nfpa.org
NFPA is a great resource for fire safety information. They offer advice on fire prevention, home safety, and how to respond to wildfires.
- U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Natural Hazards
https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards
The USGS provides detailed information on natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, landslides, and volcanoes, including how to prepare for them.
- National Safety Council (NSC)
https://www.nsc.org
The NSC offers various safety tips and preparedness guides for natural disasters, workplace emergencies, and home safety.
- FoodSafety.gov
https://www.foodsafety.gov
This site is helpful for learning how to store food and water safely before and during an emergency, with tips on keeping food safe during power outages and natural disasters.
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Emergency Preparedness
https://www.nih.gov
NIH offers resources on preparing for health emergencies, including guidance on pandemic preparedness, disease outbreaks, and medical readiness.
- Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS)
https://ibhs.org
This site offers information on fortifying homes and businesses against disasters, focusing on building codes, construction techniques, and other safety measures.
- National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
https://www.floodsmart.gov
NFIP provides resources on flood preparedness, including how to protect property and how to obtain flood insurance.
- National Firewise USA Program
https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Wildfire/Firewise-USA
This program offers guidelines for creating defensible space and reducing fire risk in wildfire-prone areas.
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LeAnn Rimes Concert Tickets Now On Sale, Agua Caliente Casinos Announced as the Title Sponsor of the Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival’s 10th Anniversary Event
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TICKETS NOW ON SALE: Concert tickets to see international multi-platinum-selling acclaimed singer/songwriter LeAnn Rimes at this year’s Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival are on sale here …Read more
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Esperanza Park Construction Update Presented to the City Council, Opening in March 2025
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Esperanza Park, opening to the public in March 2025, has accomplished several construction milestones this summer. A construction update was presented to the City Council at the Study Session on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. The City Council unanimously approved the permanent name for the park in May 2024. “Esperanza” means hope in Spanish. CONSTRUCTION …Read more
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Residents Encouraged to Participate in CVAG’s Emissions Survey for Regional Comprehensive Climate Action Plan
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The City of Cathedral City is working with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) and other participating cities to develop a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan that will include strategies that can be implemented locally to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By …Read more
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City of Cathedral City Announces Parks Renovation Schedule for Fall/Winter 2024
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The City of Cathedral City will be closing the following parks at various dates for maintenance, cleaning and overseeding as we move into fall and winter events season: Dennis Keat Soccer Park – CLOSED Sept. 16 – Oct. 19, 2024 Panorama Park/Dog Park – CLOSED Sept. 23 – Oct. 26, 2024 Ocotillo Park – CLOSED Sept. 30 – Nov. 2, …Read more
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CONE ZONE ALERT: Soil Removal Under Ofelia Bringas Memorial Bridge/Date Palm Drive Under Way Along Cathedral Canyon Drive
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Contera Construction Corp. started working on the soil removal under Ofelia Bringas Memorial Bridge and Date Palm Drive Bridge. These projects consist of removing soil and debris deposited under these bridges during Tropical Storm Hilary. The soil removal is intended to restore the streambed elevation of the …Read more
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Riverside County Down Payment Assistance Program Available for First Time Home Buyers
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The Riverside County American Rescue Plan Act First Time Home Buyer Down Payment Assistance Program (ARPA FTHB) is designed to provide assistance to low to moderate income persons in the purchase of their first home. Assistance may be provided for the down payment on the purchase of a home. Program Highlights: Provides down payment assistance for low to …Read more
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S.C.R.A.P. Gallery to Host Real People, Real Climate, Real Change Exhibit, Sept. 13 – Nov. 17, 2024
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It's for real. S.C.R.A.P. Gallery invites you to journey through climate change with the exhibit "Real People, Real Climate, Real Changes" from Sept. 13 through Nov. 17, 2024. This family-friendly, participatory exhibit demonstrates how climate change is changing and how those changes affect people's lives around the country and the world. The exhibit, …Read more
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Don’t Want to Come to City Hall to Do Business? No Problem. We’re Bringing City Hall to You.
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Cathedral City is continuing to make significant strides in enhancing its offering of online services. Since December, staff have implemented many new online services, making it easier and faster for residents and businesses to access essential services twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, without ever having to leave their home or office – a plus, especially during our …Read more
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Coachella Valley Repertory Announces 2024-2025 Season in Downtown Cathedral City
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COACHELLA VALLEY REPERTORY EXECUTIVE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR ADAM KARSTEN has officially announced CVRep’s 2024-2025 Season: five sensational productions of award-winning plays and musicals never before produced by CVRep as well as the World Premiere of a new and timely work selected from the 2023 ORIGINS NEW WORKS PROGRAM. The season starts with …Read more
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Art Walk
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September 27, 2024
The highly anticipated PEREZ ART DISTRICT art walks return on the fourth Friday of every month from 4 to 7 PM beginning in September. The most exciting, creative enclave in the Coachella Valley, the district highlights over 50 established, mid-career, and emerging artists in their studios and galleries. Dubbed the “SoHo of the desert,” the district’s high-quality art attracts collectors … Read more
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Hands-Only CPR & Stop the Bleed
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September 28, 2024
🩺 Learn to Save Lives with Hands-Only CPR & Stop the Bleed! 🚑 Join us for a life-saving training event where you'll learn essential skills to act quickly in emergencies. 📅 Date: September 28, 2024 🕙 Time: 10:00 AM 📍 Location: EOC, 32100 Desert Vista Rd In this training, you'll: Recognize cardiac arrest and perform hands-only CPR Master three crucial …Read more
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The Richard G. and Anne K. Altman Craft Corner
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October 2, 2024
Exciting news! The Richard G. and Anne K. Altman Craft Corner is having a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony, hosted by Mayor Mark Carnevale. Come join us for this special occasion at the Cathedral City Senior Center. This is a great opportunity to check out the new creative space and get inspired. All are welcome! Key details: The Richard G. …Read more
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Stachetober 2024
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October 4, 2024
Get ready for the most epic event of the year! The Cathedral City Firefighters proudly present 🚒🔥 STACHETOBER 2024! 🔥🚒 Join us on October 4th at 5 PM at Luchador Brewing Company for an evening of fun, music, and community spirit—all supporting the Cathedral City Boys & Girls Club! 🎶 Music 🏆 Trophies 🎟️ Raffle 🛍️ Silent Auction 👕 …Read more
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Fall Prevention
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October 11, 2024
Join us for a FREE Fall Prevention event on October 11, 2024, at 10:00 am at Cathedral City Senior Center in Cathedral City! Learn how to stay active and reduce your risk of falls as you age. Our experts from Cathedral City Fire & EMS, Desert Care Network, and Eisenhower Medical Center will share: Safe medicine practices Tips to fall-proof …Read more
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Pancake Breakfast & Fire Prevention Open House
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October 12, 2024
🥞 Join us for a Pancake Breakfast & Fire Prevention Open House! 🚒🔥 📅 When: October 12, 2024 ⏰ Time: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM 📍 Where: Fire Station 2, 32100 Desert Vista Rd, Cathedral City Come out and enjoy a hearty pancake breakfast with the Cathedral City Fire Department and meet your local firefighters! 🚒👩🚒👨🚒 Learn about fire safety … Read more
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CCHS Homecoming Parade & Rally
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October 17, 2024
The Cathedral City High School Homecoming Parade and Rally returns to Downtown Cathedral City on Thursday, October 17th from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm. The parade route will mirror the route used last time in 2023 where it starts south of Perez Road on Cathedral Canyon Drive and continues south to Avenida Lalo Guerrero and turns left. …Read more
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Coachella Valleys Battle in the Desert 2024
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October 19, 2024
Come watch the sport of amateur boxing at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater in Downtown Cathedral City. Doors open at 4:00 pm 1st boxing match starts at approximately 5:00 pm For tickets, contact Jesus Gonzalez (760) 335-8895
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Fall Prevention
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October 24, 2024
Join us for a FREE Fall Prevention event on October 24, 2024, at 10:00 am at Canyon Mobile Home Park in Cathedral City! Learn how to stay active and reduce your risk of falls as you age. Our experts from Cathedral City Fire & EMS, Desert Care Network, and Eisenhower Medical Center will share: Safe medicine practices Tips to …Read more
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Howl-O-Ween
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October 26, 2024
The Cathedral City Parks & Community Events Commission presents Howl-O-Ween 24 Dog Costume Contest from 9-10:30 a.m. at Panorama Park Dog Park, 28905 Avenida Maravilla, Cathedral City, CA 92234. Sponsored by: 1st place prize; Small/Large Dog - $75 from Denny’s on Vista Chino 2nd place prize; Small/Large Dog - $50 from Mary Pickford Theaters 3rd place prize; …Read more
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Cathedral City Fire Department Open House
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October 26, 2024
🚒 Cathedral City Fire Department Open House! 🚨 Join us for a fun, family-friendly day and get an up-close look at the life-saving work of our firefighters! 📅 When: October 26, 2024 ⏰ Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM 📍 Where: 68950 Buddy Rogers Ave, Cathedral City What to Expect: ✅ Interactive Displays ✅ Meet the Firefighters ✅ Fire Engines …Read more
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Halloween Spooktacular 2024
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October 27, 2024
Presented by State Farm Agent, Phil Goodge Cathedral City’s Halloween Spooktacular features trick or treating with over 50,000 pieces of candy! Join friends, neighbors, and family for a Spooktacular time including activities such as Halloween costume contests (two bikes given away each hour), police and fire exhibitions, music, and family games. Halloween Spooktacular provides you with information about the police … Read more
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8th Annual Memorial Ride
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November 9, 2024
The 8th Annual Memorial Ride, organized by the Palm Springs Police Officers Association and supported by the Cathedral City Police Officers Association, is set for Saturday, November 9, 2024. This event combines a police-escorted motorcycle ride with a memorial service and community gathering. Participants can register between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM at Palm Springs Motor Sports, located at 72750 …Read more
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Quarterly Art Exhibit
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November 9, 2024
The Quarterly Art Exhibit in Cathedral City showcases a variety of artworks by talented local artists. This free community event takes place every three months, with each exhibit featuring new pieces to discover. Come out and support the arts while exploring the unique culture of Cathedral City.
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Join Cathedral City's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training!
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November 16, 2024
Are you ready to handle emergencies like earthquakes, fires, power outages, or public health crises? Prepare yourself with CERT training this November! 📅 Class Schedule: November 16: 8 AM - 5 PM November 23: 8 AM - 5 PM November 30: 8 AM - Noon (Attendance at all sessions is required for certification) 👩🚒 Learn essential skills in: Fire Suppression …Read more
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Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival
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November 22-24, 2024
The City of Cathedral City is excited to announce Agua Caliente Casinos, the award-winning premier destination for entertainment in the Coachella Valley, as the title sponsor for the 10th-anniversary event, which will take place Friday, Nov. 22 – Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. The festival will feature live food truck vendors from Southern California, a beer and wine garden, tethered balloon rides…Read more
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SnowFest
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December 14, 2024
Snow-Fest, scheduled from 4-8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, captures all the holiday spirit and places it at one event with holiday music, Santa and Mrs. Claus, a holiday tree lighting ceremony, and so much more. The annual event also includes Santa's Arrival Snow Fest Express – Free Train Rides Real Snow in the Park! Elf Workshop for Kids …Read more
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Employment
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CITIZENS ON PATROL (COP)
FACILITIES MAINTENANCE WORKER I
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LAND DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER
POLICE CADET
POLICE OFFICER - LATERAL/ACADEMY GRADUATE
POLICE OFFICER RECRUIT
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PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER - PART-TIME
PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER II
RESERVE POLICE OFFICER
STREET MAINTENANCE WORKER I
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