September is National Preparedness Month, so now is the time to make sure you have a plan in case of an emergency or a natural disaster.

The American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming said there are three steps you can take to help keep your family safe:

• First, build your emergency kit with a gallon of water per person, per day; nonperishable food; a flashlight; and a battery-powered radio. Also include a first aid kit, medications, supplies for infants or pets, a multipurpose tool and personal hygiene items. Don’t forget to add copies of important papers, cellphone chargers, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information.

• Next, plan what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and need to evacuate. Make sure to coordinate your plan with your child’s school, your work and your community’s emergency plans.

• Finally, find out what disasters or emergency situations may occur where you live, work and go to school; how local officials will contact you during a disaster; and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders.

Find more information at redcross.org/prepare.

County officials said that now is a good time to make sure you are signed up for Peak Alerts. Notifications will be sent to you by public safety agencies in El Paso and Teller counties through the software called Everbridge.

“Peak Alerts will notify you of emergencies and natural or man-made disasters, such as wildfire evacuation notices, missing persons, law enforcement activity, and more,” said El Paso County officials in a news release. “Download the Pikes Peak Prepared App. The app delivers vital information and tools, including digital guides, videos, news articles, checklists, and FAQs to help individuals prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies in the area. Pikes Peak Prepared can be downloaded at the Apple App Store or Google Play.”

You can find more information at elpasoco.com/ready.

Also, construction is now underway for new housing for older adults in our community. Silver Key Senior Services held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new apartment complex that is being built along South Murray Boulevard in Colorado Springs. It will house 50 seniors and a wait list will be available in late summer of 2025. Organizers told me this will help fill a need in our area.

“The reason why this is so important for the community is because there’s so many older adults, actually there’s so many people, that are just struggling with housing options. And the fact that we are being able to bring forward a 50-unit affordable housing project for older adults, it certainly doesn’t solve the issue, but it’s a step toward a solution,” said Jason DeaBueno, president and CEO, Silver Key Senior Services.

Find more information at SilverKey.org.

Finally, the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado is holding the 29th annual A Night of Excellence. The gala will take place 4-7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at the Flying W Ranch in Colorado Springs. Find more information and purchase tickets at anightofexcellence.org.

Katie Pelton (copy)