Emergency Preparedness

Be Ready! Emergencies are a fact of life and can happen without warning. With a few basic preparations, it can go a long way to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones. It’s easier than you think. It just takes a little pre-planning so let’s begin!

HAVE A PLAN

Ensuring everyone is aware of what the plan is including children, caregivers, etc. is key!
  • Identify a local and out of state emergency contact that will act as a central connection point for your family.
  • Select emergency meeting locations to reunite you with loved ones.
    • Near home
    • Out of the neighborhood
    • Workplace evacuation site
    • School/Daycare evacuation site
  • Evaluate hazards at home and in your workplace. Work toward moving and/or securing items that can potentially harm you in an emergency.
  • Know what to do in various emergencies:
    • Earthquake: Drop, Cover, Hold On
    • Hazardous Materials Release: Shelter-in-Place
  • Take classes to increase your awareness and life saving skills.

To fill out a simple, customized family disaster plan, please visit CaliforniaVolunteers.

MAKE A KIT

Building a kit doesn't have to be expensive. The truth is, you likely have everything you need at home already. The key is putting all the items in a central location in case you have to leave in a hurry. When starting a kit, plan for at least 3 days but ideally aim for 7-10 days. Also consider making kits for your home, car and work. Grab a backpack, duffle bag, or covered trash container and start packing!
Store items in sealed plastic bags to preserve them.
  • Water: Store one gallon per person per day. Include allotment for pets if applicable.
  • Food: Non-perishable food items that do not require refrigeration or cooking and utensils. (Remember a non-electric can opener if packing canned goods.)
  • First Aid Kit: Items such as adhesive bandages, gauze, gloves, antiseptic wipes, anti-bacterial ointment, aspirin, tweezers/scissors, cold packs, etc.
  • Medicine & Specialty items: Prescription medication, eye glasses, denture needs, hearing aids/batteries, contact lenses, etc. Keep a written list of all your medications in a Vial of Life. To request a Vial of Life, contact Andrea Barte or call at (510) 215-3110.
  • Communication: Portable/crank radio, cell phone charger.
  • Supplies: Flashlights, whistles, batteries, extra cash (no ATMs), shut-off wrench for utilities and other supplies/tools will be very useful in an emergency, especially if there is no electricity.
  • Infants and Children: Toys and activities, comfort items, formula, diapers, bottles, and other necessary items for your infants.
  • Pets: Food, water, leash, toy, carrying case, etc.
  • Other Things to Consider:
    • Sanitation supplies: soap, toilet paper, personal hygiene items, etc.
    • Clothing: one complete change of clothing per person, rain gear, sturdy shoes, etc.
    • Special items: books, games, coloring books for children, etc.
Remember to monitor your kit. Replace your stored food, water and medicine as they expire. Also be sure to evaluate your kit needs and add things as necessary.

STAY INFORMED

It has become a societal expectation to have information instantly. Following a disaster, emergency information will be pushed out to the public as soon as possible. Please don’t call 911 unless you are seriously injured or in need of immediate care.

If you are seeking information following an emergency:
  • Listen to our designated radio emergency broadcast station: KCBS 740 AM
  • Tune in to the television: Local news channels 2, 4, 5, 7
  • Check the City website and social media outlets
  • Contact 211 for available emergency services
There are many way to stay informed. Registering for services in advance will help ensure you are notified.


Below are additional resources to help you prepare for emergencies:



Are you in the zone? Fault zone that is.

With the online tool, available at www.quake.ca.gov/gmaps/ap/ap_maps.htm (DEAD LINK), property owners can determine if their parcel is in a fault zoned region by typing in its address. If the property is not in a zoned quadrangle, then there's no disclosure requirement. If property is located in an earthquake fault zone, that fact must be disclosed to a potential buyer. And undeveloped property may require a fault study before a home can be built.