Emergency. Preparedness. Guide. American Red Cross ... assistance arrives. This guide will assist you in getting ready.
American Red Cross
Emergency Preparedness Guide
Home Fires
Landslides Tsunamis
Earthquakes Wildfires
Disasters Happen. Be Red Cross Ready. When you live in Southern California, earthquakes are top of mind. But the reality is, California is a multi-hazard state. Residents should be prepared for wildfires, home fires, landslides, tsunamis, power outages and more. If the Big One or another major disaster takes place here, you should be ready to take care of yourself and your family for a minimum of three days until outside assistance arrives. This guide will assist you in getting ready.
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Table of Contents Preparing to Be Red Cross Ready Get a Kit.
6-7
Make a Plan.
8-11
Be Informed.
12-13
Preparing your Family Access & Functional Needs
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Seniors
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Children & Pets
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Preparing for Disasters Earthquakes & Power Outages
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Home Fires & Landslides
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Wildfires & Tsunamis
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Preparedness in your Pocket
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Additional Resources
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PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST Your chances of surviving a major disaster increase by being prepared - at home, in the workplace, at school and on the road.
I know what emergencies or disasters are most likely to occur in my community. My family has a disaster plan, and we have practiced it. My family has an emergency supply kit. I have a personal emergency supply kit - one for home, work and my car. At least one member of my household is trained in First Aid/CPR. I know how to shut off my water, power and gas in an emergency.
Preparing to be Red Cross Ready Get a Kit | Make a Plan | Be Informed
Get a Kit
Being prepared for a disaster doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming. Many of the items needed for a basic preparedness kit can be found within the home, and can be assembled over time. Things to note: • Depending on where you live and the disaster risks in your area, consider customizing your kit to be better prepared. •
Remember pets, elderly or disabled family members, and any medications/prescriptions.
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Consider preparing smaller kits to put under your bed, in the car, at school and/or at work.
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American Red Cross
General Kit This kit is designed to prepare families for different disasters such as earthquakes and home fires. Keep this kit by the door in case you need to evacuate your home, but also note that this can be used as a ‘shelter in place’ kit when you’re staying at home in a disaster.
At a minimum, have a 3-day supply of:
Non perishable, ready-to-eat food items
Clean water to drink and use for hygiene (1 gallon per person, per day)
First aid kit with medical supplies to treat injuries
Here are additional items that could be useful to have: •
Flashlight
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Cell phone with charger
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Battery powered/hand crank radio
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Family/emergency contact
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Extra batteries
Extra cash in small increments
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Multi purpose tool
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Gas shut off valve tool
Copies of personal documents
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Sanitation/personal hygiene items
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Emergency blanket
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Maps
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Manual can opener
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Whistle
Make a Plan
A little readiness can make all the difference in the event of a disaster or emergency. We have provided easy-to-use checklists to help you be prepared.
TALK
The first step in preparing for an emergency is simply to communicate with your family, friends and coworkers.
I have connected with my family and friends to discuss our disaster plan. I have picked an out of state contact that can be a hub for information in case of a large disaster. I have assigned my family members specific roles during an emergency. For example, during a disaster, my spouse will grab the emergency kit we have prepared. I have established two meeting places for my family. One is near our home, and one is outside our neighborhood.
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PLAN
Have a family planning party and put your plan in writing, then send it to family and friends. I have identified two exit routes in each room of my house. I have done a “hazard hunt” in my house to look for items that may fall or become fire hazards during a disaster. I have installed smoke detectors inside each bedroom, and I make sure to test them each month and replace the batteries every six months. I have at least one fire extinguisher in my home. I know how to shut off my water, power and gas. I know where my two meeting places are. I have a landline with a corded phone, and my printed emergency contact listed posted next to it.
JUST ONE THING
“I have a handwritten or printed emergency contact list in my wallet and near my corded phone.”
American Red Cross
PRACTICE
Practice is crucial in order to know what to do in a disaster.
I practice my evacuation plan with my family twice a year. We make our practice as realistic as possible by bringing our emergency kit and pets. My family and I have memorized our exit routes, and we know where our fire extinguisher and emergency kit are within our home. My kids know who to call if they cannot reach me in an emergency, and they have practiced calling those on the list. I have registered myself and my family for The Great California Shake Out at www.shakeout.org.
Be Informed
The more you understand your surroundings as well as the potential risks involved, the better prepared you are.
Do you know your risks? We are all at risk for earthquakes, house fires and power outages. However, certain residents may be at risk for other disasters as well. If you live near the coast, you should be prepared for a tsunami. Those living in the mountains or on hills may be vulnerable to wildfires and landslides.
Do you know how to shut off your water, power and gas? Do not shut off the gas unless you know a gas line has ruptured or you smell gas. Your local utility will have to turn the gas back on. 12
American Red Cross
Do you know how you’ll be notified? The Emergency Alert System will broadcast on KNX 1070 AM and KFI 640 AM. County officials also use a “reverse 911” system, which will call you if your area is at risk. Landlines are already registered. To register cell phones and email, visit http://www.lacounty.gov/emergency/alert-la/
Do you know your nearest resources? Call 211 to find your nearest fire station, police station and hospital. Keep their non-emergency phone numbers by your telephone and stored in your cell phone.
Do you know how to save a life? • CPR and First Aid - At least one person per household should know both of these life-saving skills. Call 1-800-RED CROSS to sign up for a class. • Donate Blood - Call 1-800-RED CROSS to make an appointment. • Volunteer - To volunteer with the Red Cross, visit redcross.org • CERT - Learn basic disaster response skills by joining your local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). To learn more, go to www.citizencorps.gov/cert.
JUST ONE THING
“My family and I have planned our evacuation route and have two meeting places set.”
American Red Cross
Preparing your Family Access & Functional Needs | Seniors | Children | Pets
PREPARING YOUR FAMILY
Access & Functional Needs Individuals who are vision, hearing or mobility impaired should take additional steps to prepare for disasters. I have completed an honest assessment of my abilities and needs (i.e. Would you be able to climb out a window if necessary?). I know I will need special assistance from first responders, so I have registered with SNAP (Specific Needs Awareness Planning) at www.snap.lacounty.gov. I have a written emergency contact card that also includes important medical information (i.e. medications taken, allergies, sensory or mobility impairments). I have identified two accessible escape routes. If I use a wheelchair, I have a tire patch kit and/or a nonpowered backup chair. I have formed a support team with at least three people. We have exchanged house keys and keep in touch often. If I’m hearing impaired, I have strobe light smoke detectors installed in each room of my home. If I’m vision impaired, I have marked my emergency supplies with Braille.
Visit www.accessibleemergencyinfo.com for preparedness information in Braille and videos in ASL.
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PREPARING YOUR FAMILY
Seniors Whether you live alone or depend on a caregiver, it is vital to have a plan for what to do before, during and after a disaster. I have created an emergency plan by answering the following questions: Do I live alone? Do I drive? Do I own a car? How good are my senses - smell, hearing, vision? Do I use any medical equipment? Do I have a caregiver? I have discussed emergency plans with my family, friends and neighbors. I have stored my emergency supplies in a container or bag that has wheels for easy transport. I have labeled any equipment I may need, such as wheelchairs, canes or walkers, with my name, address and phone number. I keep my hearing aid(s), glasses and assistive devices near my bedside. I have assessed my household and removed items that may be hazardous when evacuating.
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PREPARING YOUR FAMILY
Children Experts say that children as young as age three can begin to understand earthquakes, floods and other disasters. These simple tips will help your kids be prepared: I have created a written emergency contact card for my child that includes their name, address and phone number as well as emergency contacts and medical information. I have coordinated with other parents to create a buddy system. My child has a “buddy” in their class/playgroup that they know to stay close to during an emergency. My child knows who to call in a disaster if he/she cannot reach me. I have designated someone locally and out-ofstate to be point of contact. My children helped create a shopping list for the family’s disaster preparedness kit.
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PREPARING YOUR FAMILY
Pets If you are a pet owner, it is important that your disaster plan include your pets. Being prepared can save their lives.
We include our pets in emergency drill practices so they get used to it. I know where my pet can stay during a disaster.* I have an emergency kit for my pets that includes medications, leashes/harnesses, food and water. I have a pet rescue sticker affixed in the window so rescue workers know that pets are inside.
*The Red Cross cannot allow pets in their disaster shelters.
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JUST ONE THING
“I know that California is a multi-hazard state and I am aware of the disasters that may occur in my area.”
Preparing for Disasters Earthquakes | Power Outages | Residential Fires | Landslides | Wildfires | Tsuanmis
PREPARING FOR DISASTERS
Earthquakes BEFORE •
Be aware of fire evacuation and earthquake safety plans for all of the buildings you occupy regularly.
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Pick earthquake safe places in each room of your home, work and/or school. A safe place could be under a piece of furniture or against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases or tall furniture.
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Keep a flashlight and sturdy shoes by each person’s bed.
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Bolt and brace water heaters, gas appliances, bookcases, and other tall furniture to wall studs. Brace overhead light fixtures.
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Hang heavy items, such as pictures and mirrors, away from beds, couches and anywhere people sleep or sit.
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Install strong latches or bolts on cabinets. Large or heavy items should be closest to the floor.
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Learn how to shut off the gas valves in your home.
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Keep an emergency supplies kit in an easy-to-access location.
DURING •
Drop, cover and hold on. Move as little as possible.
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If you are in bed, curl up and hold on. Protect your head with a pillow.
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Stay away from windows to avoid being injured by shattered glass.
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Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit. When it is, use stairs rather than the elevator.
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If you are outside, find a clear spot (away from buildings, power lines, trees, streetlights) and drop to the ground. Stay there until the shaking stops.
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If you are in a vehicle, pull over and stop. Avoid bridges, overpasses and power lines if possible. Stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops.
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American Red Cross
AFTER •
Stay alert and be prepared for potential aftershocks, landslides or even a tsunami. Each time you feel an aftershock, drop, cover and hold on.
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Look quickly for damage in and around your home and get everyone out if your home is unsafe.
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Look for and extinguish small fires. Fire is the most common hazard after an earthquake.
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Clean up spilled medications, bleach, gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately.
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Listen to a portable, battery-operated or hand-crank radio for updated emergency information and instructions.
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If you were away from home, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so.
Power Outages DURING •
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours if the door remains closed.
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Turn off and unplug all unnecessary electrical equipment and appliances (like stoves). When power comes back on, surges or spikes can damage equipment.
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Leave one light turned on so you’ll know when the power comes back on.
PREPARING FOR DISASTERS
Home Fires BEFORE •
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms. Change batteries every six months.
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Keep flammable items at least three feet away from anything that gets hot, such as space heaters or stoves.
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Ensure that all household members know two ways to escape from every room of your home, and where to meet outside in case of fire.
DURING •
During a home fire, remember to get out, stay out and call 911.
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If doors or handles are warm, use your second way out. Never open doors that are warm to the touch.
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Crawl low under smoke.
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Go to your outside meeting place and then call for help.
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If smoke, heat or flames block your exit, stay in the room with doors closed. Place a wet towel under the door and call 911. Open a window and wave a brightly colored cloth or flashlight to signal for help.
Landslides DURING •
If you suspect imminent danger, evacuate immediately.
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Listen for unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together.
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If you are near a stream or channel, be alert for any sudden increase or decrease in water flow and notice whether the water changes from clear to muddy. Such changes may mean there is debris flow activity upstream so be prepared to move quickly.
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Be especially alert when driving.
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PREPARING FOR DISASTERS
Wildfires BEFORE •
Identify and maintain an adequate water source outside your home, such as a small pond, cistern, well or swimming pool.
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Set aside household items that can be used as fire tools: a rake, axe, hand saw or chain saw, bucket and shovel.
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Regularly clean roofs and gutters.
DURING •
Be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. Listen to local radio and TV stations for updated emergency information.
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Always back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape.
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Confine pets to one room so that you can find them if you need to evacuate quickly.
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Arrange for temporary housing at a friend or relative’s home.
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Keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors.
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Do not return home until local authorities declare it safe.
Tsunamis DURING •
When the earthquake stops, gather members of your household and move quickly to higher ground away from the coast. A tsunami may be coming within minutes.
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Avoid downed power lines and stay away from buildings and bridges from which heavy objects might fall during an aftershock.
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Preparedness in your Pocket Red Cross mobile apps offer the vital information you need to prepare and respond to emergencies—big and small.
To download, visit redcross.org/apps, text ‘APPS’ to 90999 or search ‘American Red Cross’ in your mobile app store.
The Red Cross Emergency App has more than 35 different severe weather and emergency alerts. •
Earthquakes
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Tsunamis
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Winter Storms
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Floods
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Volcanoes
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Hurricanes
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Wildfires
Severe Thunderstorms
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Tornadoes
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Extreme Heat
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Landslides and more…
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Additional Resources www.preparesocal.org Learn more about disasters and preparedness
www.redcross.org Learn more about the American Red Cross and how you can help
1-800-RED CROSS Sign up for a Red Cross CPR/First Aid class
www.citizencorps.gov/cert Train with your local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
www.earthquakecountry.info Earthquake Country Alliance
www.ready.gov Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
www.calema.ca.gov California Emergency Management Agency
www.shakeout.org The Great California ShakeOut
www.earthquakeauthority.com California Earthquake Authority
www.totallyunprepared.com Totally Unprepared
PrepareSoCal PrepareSoCal is an American Red Cross multi-region campaign designed to address the needs of individuals and families to prepare for disasters, small and large, by providing tips, tools and training, and to promote community resiliency with a focus on Southern California’s most vulnerable communities. www.preparesocal.org
@preparesocal
Revision Date: 11/2015
