Skip to main content

Disaster Preparedness

Fires, floods, mudslides and earthquakes have wreaked havoc across California, causing many citizens to lose their homes and 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 do you have a plan in case of an emergency? Fire, police and emergency medical services may be delayed in responding. Being prepared will protect you, your family and your community.

Please take a few minutes to review how you and your family can be prepared for an emergency. Consider the following tips:

BEFORE A DISASTER

1. GATHER INFORMATION

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

  • Know what types of disasters are common in your area and plan accordingly; and
  • Know CPR - it could save a life

Insurance

  • Check that natural disasters are covered by your policy;
  • Take pictures of your belongings.

Know where to get information

  • Know where to listen for announcements from local authorities on TV, local radio or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather stations or channels.
  1. CREATE A FAMILY DISASTER PLAN

In the event of an emergency, answers to these questions will need to be automatic:

  • Where will you meet loved ones if your home is unavailable?
  • Who should your children trust if you cannot get to them?
  • How will you know where to go should you evacuate?
  • What should you bring with you?
  • Consider having one out-of-town family member as your primary contact to help avoid busy phone lines.

Put your answers to these questions into a family disaster plan. Be sure to:

  • Teach your children how to call 9-1-1 and whom to contact in the event of an emergency;
  • Practice evacuation from your home and your route to escape the emergency.
  1. GET OR BUILD A KIT

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:

  • Store at least one gallon of water per person per day.
  • Store ready-to-eat canned food (with can opener), staples, and high-energy foods.

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

  • Keep important documents, such as insurance policies, birth certificates, passports, bank account numbers, prescription information and credit card numbers in a waterproof, locking firebox or other portable container; and
  • Some families have special needs for the elderly or young children;
  • Make sure to stock up on supplies for your pets.

DURING A DISASTER

IMMEDIATE EVACUATION

  • Find all family members (are they all home?)
  • Get an emergency kit and any special items
  • Find your pet(s)
  • Bring a 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 the neighborhood

LESS IMMEDIATE

  • Turn off utilities if necessary
  • Leave a note for others if you will not be returning
  • Turn on the radio for reports

AFTER A DISASTER

  • Make sure it is safe before you return to your home—contact local police, fire departments, or disaster relief agencies for information;
  • Register as "Safe and Well" with the American Red Cross so your family and friends will know your status and can obtain your contact information. Utilize the Red Cross and local services to locate lost loved ones. Visit www.redcross.org for more information;
  • Contact your insurance provider to make a claim for damaged property; and
  • After life has returned to normal, evaluate what happened during this emergency for what worked well and what should be changed or altered when preparing for the next potential disaster.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Download my “Disaster Preparedness” Brochure with an emergency checklist to help you be prepared:

Download Brochure



View these helpful pages:

Sources: The American Red Cross, Governor's Office of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, FEMA.