City of Palm Springs hosts workshop on how to stay prepared for summer-related challenges and heat illnesses

The City of Palm Springs wants to make sure you're prepared for summer in the desert.

The city's Emergency Management Team, along with the American Red Cross, ONE-PS and Racquet Club West Neighborhood, are all teaming up to host an informational training session on Tuesday afternoon.

"We're getting into summer months here, and in Palm Springs, we know triple digits aren't going to go away probably until October," said Daniel Deselms, the Emergency Manager for the City of Palm Springs. "So we really wanted to talk to people about how they can be better prepared for the heat, how to like be safe at home, safe in the car, and safe anywhere in the heat.”

The meeting took place inside the Council Chamber at the Palm Springs City Hall between 4:30 and 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, and Robert Farran, the Chair of Racquet Club West helped organize it. Farran says he saw a need for the informational session in his neighborhood and around the Valley in general.

"Extreme heat particularly hits a lot of seniors who are very vulnerable, you know, really anyone with a health condition," said Farran. "And here in the desert, we're kind of skewed towards seniors. But homeowners that live in the foothills, they'd be interested in learning about flooding and fires as well. So we think the topics really address anyone here in the Coachella Valley."

During the session, experts emphasized the need to take steps now in order to take the strain off emergency responders in the future.

"We can't help everyone at once as much as we want to," said Nick Toller, a volunteer Americorps Member with the American Red Cross. "And so that's one of the reasons we really focus on preparedness is, you know, in the event that something were to happen, we want to make sure you can take care of you, your family and your community.”

Officials also explained why prepping several kits, or 'go-bags' for different types of emergencies could be the difference between life and death. They gave advice one what you should pack for disasters that frequent the desert, including earthquakes, fires, and floods.

"Target three days worth of supplies," said Toller. "So think about if you're going on a three day camping trip, what would you put in there? Things you would need to have, like medication that you need to take regularly. Food, water, the really basic stuff, communications devices, solar chargers, cash money. Things you need not just to survive, but to feel comfortable.”

And of course, having a plan before you need it.

"“Whether that means I'm going to hunker down unless I have to leave my house. That's your plan. And then the next step is communicating that plan with family, friends and your neighbors," said Deselms.

Residents like Tom Stacy say the meeting was well worth his time.

"It was fantastic," said Stacy. "I encourage anybody who has a chance to attend one of these to do it, I learned so much. I'm going to work on my earthquake kit, because I learned it really needs an update.”

To book the American Red Cross for a similar safety demonstration click here.

For safety tips during emergencies click here.

To see a list of items you should pack inside an emergency 'go bag', click here.