Fires, floods, mudslides and earthquakes—at times—have wreaked havoc across California, causing many citizens to lose their homes and even their loved ones. Emergencies can happen at any time.
It is important to be prepared for a disaster so that injuries and loss of life are minimal.
Do you know what to do or have a plan in case of an emergency? Fire, police and emergency medical services may be delayed in responding. Being prepared will help you take care of yourself, your family and your community.
Please take a few minutes to review some of the ways you and your family can be prepared in case there is an emergency. As always, it is a pleasure to be of service to you.
Gather contact information for individuals, medical providers, fire department, poison control, police, the local office of emergency services, home and medical insurance and more. Other information to gather:
Safety
Insurance
Know where to get information
In the event of an emergency, answers to these questions will need to be automatic:
Put your answers to these questions into a family disaster plan. Be sure to:
Download a printable Family Disaster Plan with an emergency checklist to help you through an emergency.
Prepare a kit that you can take should you need to evacuate. Check your kit at scheduled intervals for expired supplies. Your kit should be lightweight (without the food and water), portable and should contain the following:
Non-perishable Food and Water for Three Days:
First Aid Kit
Assemble a kit for your home and one per car. A kit should include: bandages of various sizes; alcohol based sanitizer or germicidal/antiseptic wipes; non-latex gloves; adhesive tape; anti-bacterial ointment; cold pack; small scissors; tweezers; CPR breathing barrier; and other items specific to your needs.
Tools and Supplies
Disposable plates, cups and utensils; battery operated radio and flashlight with extra batteries; utility knife; matches in a waterproof container; extra cash and coins; feminine products; glasses or contact lenses; maps with evacuation routes clearly marked; and a fire extinguisher.
Clothing and Bedding
One complete change of clothing and footwear per person, along with blankets or sleeping bags.
Special Items
IMMEDIATE EVACUATION
Find all family members
(are they all home?)
Get Emergency Kit and any special items
Find your pet(s)
Bring cell phone and radio if not in your kit
Get important family documents and pictures
Get prescription medication for you and your family
Remember your family's escape route
Find your family meeting place
1.) outside the home, or
2.) outside neighborhood
LESS IMMEDIATE
Turn off utilities if necessary
Leave note for others if you will not be returning
Turn on radio for reports
Sources: The American Red Cross, Governor's Office of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, FEMA.
Links
[1] https://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300
[2] http://www.redcross.org
[3] http://www2.earthquakeauthority.com/Pages/default.aspx
[4] http://www.bepreparedcalifornia.ca.gov/
[5] http://www.caloes.ca.gov
[6] http://www.ready.gov
[7] http://www.emergency.cdc.gov
[8] http://www.firesafecouncil.org