Clark County Health District urges preparedness

Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2005 | 8:47 a.m.

The Clark County Health District is asking Las Vegas Valley residents to become better prepared for natural or man-made disasters as part of September's National Emergency Preparedness Month.

The Health District's campaign, "Can It," encourages all local residents to assemble a kit of essential items that will help them survive initial days following a disaster.

Each household in Clark County will receive a readiness guide in the mail the week of Sept. 12.

The guide contains step-by-step instructions to assemble an emergency kit that fits in a new, clean trash can, including nonperishable food, bottled water, medications, clothing and provides other valuable information.

Given the disaster on the Gulf Coast, the Health District's awareness campaign takes on increased urgency and significance, said Dr. Donald Kwalick, the county's chief health officer.

The Health District encourages local residents to "take an active role" in personally preparing for disaster, Kwalick said.

The campaign will also include radio, television and print advertisements.