Emergency preparedness is an everyday business at Be Prepared 911. One of Murrieta’s newest storefronts is ready to help Southwest Riverside citizens be ready for anything. Six months in, owners Alan and Diana Serry continue to offer support and education to customers on earthquake readiness, CPR, and October’s Great California Shakeout.
Be Prepared 911: Emergency Preparedness Products & Supplies is located at 26019 Jefferson Ave. Suite A1, Murrieta. (Courtesy photo)
Read: Rash of rumbles prompts earthquake safety plan reminders
Q: How long have you lived in the area?
A: Both Alan and I are Southern California natives, and have lived in Southern California all of our lives. We currently live in the small, beautiful mountain community of Palomar Mountain.
Q: Who is a typical customer of Be Prepared 911?
A: Emergency preparedness applies to everyone. Many of our customers are young families who are in various stages of emergency preparedness. A good number of customers are active or retired first responders who thank us for being here and for the services we provide.
Our best selling items are water storage, and water treatment products, like Aquapail. Another popular item is freeze-dried food. We are proud to carry delicious THRIVE food products with many products that have a 25-year shelf life, and some with as much as a 30-year shelf life.
Q: What do you say to Californians who might just give a cursory nod to emergency preparedness?
A: We remind people that Southern California has a number of significant faults that are all long overdue for a large magnitude earthquake. First responders (fire, police, and other emergency responders) have told us that citizens need to prepare to be self sufficient for a minimum of one month. Many services that we might take for granted will likely be compromised for a long period of time.
Q: What would you tell someone who is fearful about not being prepared enough?
A: We tell people not to become overwhelmed. Take preparedness one step at a time, starting with water. Make provisions for each family member to have at least one gallon of water per day, and more if possible.
Q: When you saw a need in the “brick and mortar” emergency preparedness business, you filled it. Now, you have the added classes. Tell us a little about them.
A: We are happy that Be Prepared 911 has ample space for community members to participate in learning about preparedness. It was part of our criteria when we selected our location that we would have space to hold seminars, meetings and classes.
In October and November HAM Radio licensing classes are scheduled through Golden Triangle Amateur Radio Club. Our goal is to have monthly earthquake preparedness seminars and CPR/First Aid certification classes.
Our next earthquake preparedness seminar is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Oct. 17.
Victoria Frizzell has also spoken with a practical approach to emergency preparedness. Her presentations are interesting and informative. Victoria is the Food Storage Specialist for her local church.
People look forward to the classes, guest speakers and demonstrations at Be Prepared 911. This reminds us that we are doing the right thing, which is very personally rewarding.
Q: What is your favorite story about owning your store this year?
A: We had a very nice lady who visited our store soon after we opened who asked if we had dehydrated water. She was a bit embarrassed after she realized what she had said, and we all agreed that dehydrated water would be a great invention.
Q: You mentioned it isn’t earthquakes that worry you, but what comes after. What is your standard recommendation to families of Southwest Riverside, as far as being prepared?
A: We remind people that we all need to be as self sufficient as possible. Start taking steps now. Don’t wait for something to happen as it will likely be too late.
Q: Any final thoughts for our readers?
A: We hope that more and more community members have taken steps to learn and become prepared for an emergency. There is a great deal of peace knowing that one is prepared for themselves and their families.
Be Prepared 911, Emergency Preparedness Products & Supplies is located at 26019 Jefferson Ave. Suite A1, Murrieta.
Call: 951-304-1245, or visit online for events schedule and newsletter sign up: BePrepared911.com and BePrepared911.ShelfReliance.com.
Ashley Ludwig is a local writer and regular contributor to SWRNN.
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Very interesting article. Thanks for the information about this business.