DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

FAMILY PREPAREDNESS

FAMILY DISASTER PLAN: All family members should discuss what actions will be taken following an earthquake or other disaster, regardless of where they may be when the disaster occurs. The Family Disaster Plan should be posted on the refrigerator, by the phone, or in some other conspicuous place. All family members should be familiar with it and should be prepared to take appropriate actions if they are at home alone when the disaster occurs. The following issues should be addressed when developing the Family Plan.

Evacuation

• Identify all exits and alternate escape routes from your house or apartment and keep them clear.
• Establish a safe meeting place outside of the house where all family members will meet.
• Maintain one-half tank of gas in your car at all times and identify an evacuation route which is most likely to remain open and passable following an earthquake. (Avoid bridges, freeways, underpasses, and overpasses.)
• Identify the nearest Red Cross-designated shelter to your home and workplace. Note: Limited medical assistance will be available at all shelters.
• If you must evacuate your home
  • post a message indicating where you have gone
  • take vital documents and emergency supplies and equipment, including medications with you
  • confine pets in basement, garage, or bathroom with plenty of water

Family Reunification

• Establish I or 2 reunion locations (i.e. Red Cross shelter, relative or friend's home) in the event of separation. Note: The Red Cross will compile a list of missing persons.
• Designate an out-of-state or area contact for family members to notify of their location and condition.

Communications

• Do NOT use the telephone, except for emergencies.
• Disaster information and emergency instructions will be announced on radio station KCBS (740AM) only.
• Identify nearest source of emergency two-way radio communication (i.e. amateur radio operator, fire or police department. hospital) for requesting emergency aid.
• Inform friends and relatives of the phone number for your out-or-area contact person.

Children, Elderly, and Disabled

• Authorize a neighbor or relative to pick-up and care for children) in your absence.
• Provide the elderly or disabled with a whistle or other method to call for help.
• Arrange for a neighbor or friend to check on elderly or disabled family members in your absence.
• Identify a method for evacuating disabled family members.

Pets

Note: Pets will not be allowed in shelters

• Maintain current ID tag, license and method to restrain (i.e. leash, carrier)
• Provide enough dried food and water for 3 days, if confined at home

School Plan

• Familiarize yourself with your child(ren)'s school plan, including the release policy following disasters. Note: All schools conduct regular earthquake drills and most are prepared to shelter students until they are picked up by a parent or authorized representative.
• Authorize a relative, friend or neighbor to pick up your child(ren) in case you are unable to get to the school following a disaster.
• Ensure that school authorities have made arrangements to provide for any special needs (i.e. medications) that your child(ren) may have.

Work Plan

• Have portable supplies in your car or at work in case you cannot return home for several days.
• Store a pair of sturdy walking shoes in your vehicle.
• Have maps or guides of alternate routes to get home from work in case your normal route is impassable.
• Include a flashlight and a small portable radio in your work emergency supplies.
• Have a copy of your family's emergency plan and contact telephone numbers in your vehicle.