It is important that Association members be prepared for possible disasters or emergencies which can strike at any time. Cities are mandated to prepare disaster emergency plans to allocate and dispatch emergency services such a fire, police, rescue services etc. However, in the case of major emergencies there is little that any local or national government agencies, such as the Fire Department, Police / Sheriff’s Department, Red Cross or National Guard will be able to do during the first 24-72 hours because of disruptions in communications, roads, and infrastructure as well as the time required for assessment and activation of resources.

Experts say most help will come at the community level where neighbors will help neighbors provided they are prepared to give that help during the first few days after any major disaster. 

For several years, the Nellie Gail Emergency Preparedness Committee has been working on behalf of our community to help organize and prepare. The EPC has established an Emergency Command Center that is functional having primary responsibility for acquiring a neighborhood overview or “big picture” status of the disaster. Communicating the needs of our community to first responders in order to obtain the most rapid and efficient deployment of any available emergency services such a fire, police, rescue services etc. during the earliest stages of a disaster or emergency.

The EPC is working continuously to form teams of residents and identify specific skills and capabilities so that Nellie Gail Ranch residents can help each other. We seek volunteers to support emergency communications, basic first aid needs, as well as the unique needs of our equestrian community safeguarding both large and small animals.

As a major portion of this program, we are looking for volunteers to work as “Area Coordinators” AND “Block Captains.” 

Each “Area Coordinator” will support the specific needs of approximately 10-12 local “Block Captains” and communicate that information to and from the Emergency Command Center.

Each “Block Captain” will work directly with their nearest 10-15 neighbors coordinating any special needs thru the “Area Coordinators” to obtain the best available support and to share available resources and skills when possible. These efforts to organize neighbors to help each other will make a significant positive impact on our ability to survive and remain safe during any disaster or community emergency.

If you are interested in additional information, joining the committee or one of these teams, or a tour of the Emergency Command Center please contact Dennis Blough at 949-677-0457 OR by sending an email to EPC@nelliegailranch to request a contact from any member of the Emergency Preparedness Committee.

Every resident should have an emergency preparedness kit on hand along with safe drinking water. The EPC members can provide you with detailed information on the recommended contents, storage and rotation schedule to ensure you are always ready.

Additional information on emergency preparedness can be found in every edition of the monthly Pony Express magazine in addition to training and other support efforts provided by your EPC VOLUNTEERS throughout the year. Please be sure to sign up on the Nellie Gail Ranch Owners website to receive correspondence and important notices.

Put your emergency kits together now! Make it fun. You may need it as soon as tomorrow.