EmErgEncy Survival Program

Get it Together!A Guide to Emergency Preparedness Planning

• Learn what to do to prepare your family for anyemergency.

• Create a disaster plan to be safe during and afteradisaster.

• Learn about all the different disaster kits to have inyourhomeforyourself,yourfamily,andyourpets.

• Fromdogstocatstobirdstohorses,learnwhatelseyoucandotoprotectyourpets.

• Learnhowback toschool isagreat time toupdateyouremergencyplansandkits.

• Learnthesevenessentialstepstoearthquakesafetyandplanning.

PreParedness Planning

create a Disaster PlanWilleveryoneinyourhouseholddotherightthingduringtheviolentshakingofamajorearthquake,orduringaterroristattack?Beforethenextdisaster,get together with your family or housemates toplannowwhateachpersonwilldobefore,duringandafter.

Once the earthquake or disaster is over, we willhavetolivewiththeriskoffire,thepotentiallackofutilitiesandbasicservices,andthecertaintyofaftershocks.Byplanningnow,youwillbeready.Thisplanwillalsobeusefulforotheremergencies.

Manygovernmentagencies,schoolsandbusinesseshaveplansforvarioustypesofdisastersandotheremergencies. Your family should also have one.Thesafetyandwell-beingofyourlovedonesareimportant,sotaketimeNOWtodevelopafamily

emergency plan. If you’ve already developed aplan,taketimenowtoreviewandupdateit.

Plan to Be Safe During a Disaster

h Practice“drop,cover,andholdon”tobesafeduringanearthquake.

h Identifysafespotsineveryroom,suchasundersturdydesksandtables.

h Learnhowtoprotectyourselfnomatterwhereyouarewhenadisasterstrikes.

Plan to respond after a Disaster

h Keep shoes and a working flashlight next toeachbed.

h Teach everyone in your household to useemergency whistles and/or to knock 3 timesrepeatedly if trapped. Rescuers searchingcollapsedbuildingswillbelisteningforsounds.

h Identify the needs of household membersand neighbors with special requirements orsituations,suchasuseofawheelchair,walkingaids,specialdiets,ormedication.

h TakeaRedCrossfirstaidandcardiopulmonaryresuscitation (CPR) training course. Learn

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whoinyourneighborhoodistrainedinfirstaidandCPR.

h Know the locationof utility shutoffsandkeepneededtoolsnearby.Knowhowtoturnoffthegas,water,andelectricity toyourhome.Onlyturn off the gas if you smell or hear leakinggas.

h Gettrainingfromyourlocalfiredepartment inhowtoproperlyuseafireextinguisher.

h Install smoke alarms and test them monthly.Change thebatteryonceayear,orwhen thealarm emits a “chirping” sound (low-batterysignal).

h Checkwithyourcityorcountytoseeifthereis a Community Emergency Response Team(CERT) program in your area. If not, ask iftheywillstartone.

Plan to communicate and recover after a Disaster

h Locate a safe place outside of your home tomeet your family or housemates after thedisaster.

h Designateanout-of-statecontactpersonwhocanbecalledbyeveryoneinthehouseholdtorelayinformation.

h Provideallfamilymemberswithapaperlistofimportantcontactphonenumbers.

h Determinewhereyoumight live if yourhomecannot be occupied after an earthquake orotherdisaster(askfriendsorrelatives).

h Know about the emergency plan developedby your children’s school or day care. Keepyourchildren’sschoolemergencyreleasecardcurrent.

h Keepcopiesofessentialdocuments,suchasidentification, insurance policies and financialrecords, in a secure, waterproof container,alongwithyourdisastersupplieskits.Includeahouseholdinventory(alistandphotosorvideoofyourbelongings).

Have occasional disaster “drills” to practice yourplan.Askyourbabysitters,housesitters,neighbors,coworkers, and others about their disaster plans,andshareyourplanandwiththem.

Adapted from Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country, published by the Southern California Earthquake Center and available online at www.earthquakecountry.org .

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create Disaster Supplies KitsEveryoneshouldhavepersonaldisastersupplieskits.Keeponekit in yourhome,another in yourcar, and a third kit at work or school. This is sotheycanbereachedevenifyourbuildingisbadlydamaged.Backpacksorothersmallbagsarebestforyourdisastersupplieskitssoyoucantakethemwith you if you evacuate. The kits will be usefulformanyemergencies.Includeat leasttheitemslistedinthechecklistsonthissheet.

Electrical,water, transportation,communications,and other vital systems can be disrupted forseveral days after a large earthquake or otherdisasters. Emergency response agencies andhospitals could be overwhelmed and unable toprovideyouwith immediateassistance.Knowingfirst aid and having supplies will save lives, willmakelifemorecomfortable,andwillhelpyoucope

afterthenextdisaster.Inadditiontoyourpersonaldisastersupplieskits,storeahouseholddisastersupplieskit inaneasilyaccessible location (inalargewatertightcontainerwithwheelsthatcanbeeasilymoved),withathree-dayto10-daysupplyoftheitemslistedonsidetwoofthisFocusSheet.

Personal Disaster Supplies Kits

h Medications,prescriptionslist,copyofmedicalcard,doctor’snameandcontactinformation

h Medicalconsentformsfordependents

h Firstaidkitandhandbook

h Examinationgloves(non-latex)

h Dustmask

h Spare eyeglasses or contact lenses andcleaningsolution

h Bottledwater

h Whistle(toalertrescuerstoyourlocation)

h Sturdyshoes

h Emergencycash(smallbillsandcoins)

h Roadmaps

h List of emergency out-of-state contact phonenumbers

h Non-perishable foodandsnackfoods,high inwaterandcalories

h Manualcanopener

h Workingflashlightwithextrabatteriesandlightbulbs,orlightsticks

h Personalhygienesupplies

h Premoistenedtowelettes

h Comfortitemssuchasgames,crayons,writingmaterials,teddybears

h Toiletriesandspecialprovisionsyouneed for32

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make Disaster Kits

yourself and others in your family includingelderly,disabled,smallchildren,andanimals.

h Sealableplasticbags

h Extraclothes

h Copies of personal identification (driver’slicense,workidentificationcard,etc.)

Household Disaster Supplies Kit

h Flashlightwithextrabatteries

h Wrenchestoturnoffgasandwatersupplies

h Sturdyworkglovesandprotectivegoggles

h Heavydutyplasticbagsforwaste,andtoserveastarps,rainponchos,andotheruses

h Portableradiowithextrabatteries

h Additionalflashlightsorlightsticks

h Drinkingwater(minimumonegallonperperson,perday)

h Cannedandpackagedfoods

h Manualcanopener

h Firstaidkitandhandbook

h Charcoal or gas grill for outdoor cooking andmatchesifneeded

h Cookingutensils

h Petfoodandpetrestraints

h Comfortable, warm clothing including extrasocks

h Blanketsorsleepingbags,andperhapsevenatent

h Copies of vital documents such as insurancepolicies

h Fireextinguisher

h Sealableplasticbags

h Essentialmedications

Useandreplaceperishableitemslikewater,food,medications, first aid items, and batteries on ayearlybasis.

Pet Disaster Supplies Kit

h Medicationsandmedical records (stored inawaterproofcontainer)

h Firstaidkit

h Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and/or carriersto transport pets safely and ensure that youranimalscan’tescape

h Current photos of your pets in case they getlost

h Food,potablewater,bowls,catlitter/pan,andmanualcanopener

h Information on feeding schedules, medicalconditions, behavior problems, and the nameand number of your veterinarian in case youhavetofosterorboardyourpets

h Petbedsandtoys,ifeasilytransportable

Adapted from Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country, published by the Southern California Earthquake Center and available online at www.earthquakecountry.org and from “Pets and Disasters: Get Prepared”, published by the American Red Cross and the Humane Society of the United States.

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Whenyoudevelopedyourfamilyemergencyplan,didyouincludeplansforyourpets?It’simportantto include provisions for your pets because theydepend on you for care. Pets also can providepsychologicalcomfortafteranearthquakeorotherdisaster.

Plan: What Will you Do in an Emergency?

h Create an evacuation plan now and reviewwith your family. Research appropriate lodgingin advance. Know where you and your pet willbe going after an emergency. Please note thatsome emergency shelters will NOT acceptanimals.Researchapet friendlyhotel or someotheralternativeasmorethanlikely,youmaybedirectedtoanotherlocation.

h Developalternateplansandkeep them inyourwallet. Have pre-planned boarding information

foryourpetsincaseyouaresick,injuredorhavetoevacuateduringadisaster.

h Keepcurrentdocumentation.Itisagoodideatomaintaincurrentrecordssuchasmedicalhistoryandidentificationforeverypet.Duringdisastersthisinformationisusefulintheeventyourpetismissingoristakentoashelter.Also,youshouldconsider having a microchip implanted in youranimalbyyourpet’sveterinarianincaseyougetseparated.

Prepare: make a Pet Disaster Kit

You should have the following items assembledandreadytotakeinacrisis(keepinaduffelbagorsturdycontainerinaspotwhereit’shandytograb):

h Wirecageorcarrierwithgoodaircirculation,alongwith beddingand cover for sun, rain, ash, etc.,and/orsturdy leashesandharnessesorcollars,withagroundmountingdeviceor carabiner fortyingpetsuptemporarily.

h Food,water (forseveraldays),bowls,cat litter/pan,andamanualcanopener.

h Several days supply of medications (includinganti-stress remedies) recommended by yourveterinarian.Listdosinginstructionsincaseyouareseparatedfromyourpet.

h Name, telephone number and address of yourveterinarian; information on feeding schedules,vaccination dates, medical and behavioralproblems, and any other special issues yourpetmayhave(attachtothecageorcarrier inawaterproof,chew-resistantbag).

h Find protective booties for dogs and/or catsbecause after a disaster broken glass and other

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Pet Preparedness

debris can harm a pet’s paws. Booties are alsohelpfulinharshweatherconditionssuchassnow.

h Currentidentificationtagsonanimalcollarsand/ormicrochip.

h Animalfirstaidkitandsuppliessuchasgauzerollsforbandagingandmakingmuzzles,towels,andblankets.

h Currentphotosofyouwithyourpettohelpclaimownershipandphotosofyourpetaloneincaseyou need to put up signs or posters if the petgetslost.

h Outside contact information: Your own, plussomeonewhocan takecustodyofyourpets ifyouareunable todoso (attach to carrier), aswellasanout-of-statecontact.

h Pet beds and toys to reduce animal’s stress, ifeasilytransportable.

h Plasticbagsandscoopers topickupandstorepetwaste.

respond: What to Do if your Pet is lost

h Immediatelycallorvisitthenearestanimalsheltertoreportyourpetmissing.

h When it issafe, return toyourneighborhood topostordistribute“LostPetPosters”.Besuretoinclude your name, home address, and homeandworkphonenumbers. It’salwayshelpful toincludeacurrentphotographofyourpet.

h When it issafe,continuetosearchtheareaforyourmissingpet.A frightenedanimalmaystayhiddenfordays.

animals other than Dogs and catsh Horses and livestock need their own unique

evacuationplan.Establishpre-designatedplansbeforeanemergency.

h Birds should be transported in a secure travelcagewithablanket for coldweatheroraplantmisterforhotweather.

h Snakes can be transported in a pillowcase butmustbetransferredtomoresecurehousingwhenyoureachtheevacuationsite.Takeawaterbowl

large enough for soaking, and a heat source.Bringfoodiftheyneedtoeatoften.

h Small mammals and chickens should betransportedinsecurecarrierssuitableforanimalsto live in while they are being sheltered. Takebedding materials, cage liners, food bowls andwaterbottles.

h Ask your pet’s veterinarian about possibleidentificationmeansforyouranimalifamicrochipisnotanoption.

after the Disaster

After the crisis has passed, it may be some timebeforeyoucanreturntoyourhome,sobepreparedfor a stay of several days or even a week or two.Keep inmind thateven if yourhouse is intactandyouareallowedtoreturn, theareamaynotyetbesafeforyourpets.

Risksafterafire includeburnedorcutpaws,eatingor inhaling toxic substances or residues, escapingbecauseofdowned fencesorotherdamage, lossofshelterandshade,andalackofwatersupply,powersupply,andotherservices.Manysimilarriskswillbepresentafteranearthquakeorotherdisaster.

Keepinmindthatwhenanimalsreturntoachangedlandscape,theymaybeupset,disoriented,andeasilystressed. Give them as much calm and normalcyas you can, and follow similar rituals wheneverpossible.

Pet Tip

Rememberthatpetsmaybeconfusedandupsetwiththepossiblechangestotheirroutineduringandafteradisaster.Wesuggestthatpetsgetusedtotheirpetcarriersbylettingthemsleepinthem(opened)fromtimetotimesothattheycanequateittosomethingpleasant.Also,ifpossible,teachthepetsomebasicobediencecommandsorgotoobediencetrainingsothattheycanlooktoyouforguidanceandthattheycanpossibly control their urge to runawayafter adisaster.Cratetrainingandobediencetrainingwillalsomakeiteasieronthepetiftheyhavetobeinasheltersituationawayfromyouorotherfamilymembersforanylengthoftime.

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a Safe Place to learn

Thereisalotthatcanbedonebyschoolofficialstoplanfordisasters,tolimittherisk,toprotectthesafetyofstudentsandteachers,andtoensurethatschoolsrecover quickly. However, the clock is ticking. Thetimetoprepareisrightnow.

Manystatesnowrequirespecificdisasterpreparednessactivities in their school systems. In California, forexample, schools are required to have a disasterplan, to hold periodic “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”drillsandtoholdeducationalandtrainingprogramsforstudentsandstaff.Whethermandatedornot,allschools should have an emergency response planthataddressesthefollowing:

h Identification of hazards and steps to reducetherisk

h Evacuationplansandroutes

h Needsofstudentsandstaffwithdisabilities

h Onsiteshelterplans

h Emergencysuppliesandequipment

h Plansforreleasingstudentsandschoolpersonnel

h Communication

Parentsshouldknowthepoliciesandproceduresoftheirchildren’sschoolduringtimesofdisasterorcrisis.Parentsshouldalsomakesure theschoolhas theirupdated emergency contact information. Keep yourchildren’sschoolemergencyreleasecardcurrent.

While planning for a future disaster may seemoverwhelming,itisnotimpossible,andthebenefitsfaroutweighthetimeandtroubleittakestoprepareaschoolplan.

Itisalsoimportantforschoolstoplaninadvancetodealwiththeproblemofpsychologicaltraumaafteradisaster.Signstolookforincludewithdrawnand/or more aggressive students, those acting overlyresponsible or parental, children who are edgy,jumpy,quicktoanger,outofcontrolorwithanon-caringattitude.Encourageteacherstodiscusstheseandotherchangesinbehaviorwithparents.

What you can Do nowParents have an important role in assuring thesafetyoftheirchildrenwhetheratschoolorathome.Prepareaschoolemergencysupplieskitforeachofyourchildren.Letthemhelpyouputthekittogether.Whattheyhaveonhandwhenadisasteroccurscouldmakeabigdifference in theirsafetyandsurvival.Alistofsomeoftherecommendeditemsthatcouldbeincludedineachchild’semergencysupplieskitisasfollows:

v Emergencydrinkingwater(3-daytoone-weeksupply)76

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coloring PageEarthquakesdohappenallovertheWorld!

v Non-perishablefood(3-daytoone-weeksupply)

v Firstaidkitandbook

v Essentialmedications

v Lightstickoraflashlightwithextrabatteries

v Identificationcard

v Familyphotos

v Towelettes

v Blanket

v Medicalreleasecard

v Emergencytelephonenumbers

v Changeofclothing

v Favoritetoy

Teachyourchildrenwhattodoinanemergencyandmake sure they know their own names, addresses,andtelephonenumbersaswellasthefullnamesandcontact information for parents and a second adultemergencycontact.

a Special note about children

If earthquakes scare us because we feel out ofcontrol, thinkhowmuchmore true thismustbe forchildrenwhoalreadymustdependonadultsforsomuchoftheirlives.Itisimportanttospendtimewithchildren in your care before the next earthquaketo explainwhyearthquakesoccur. Involve them indevelopingyourdisasterplan,preparingearthquakebags, and practicing “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.”Consider simulating post-earthquake conditions bygoingwithoutelectricityortapwaterforafewhours.

After the earthquake, remember that children willbe under great stress. They may be frightened,their routine will probably be disrupted, and theaftershocks won’t let them forget the experience.Adults tend to leave their children in order to dealwith the many demands of the emergency, butthis can be devastating to children. Extra contactandsupportfromparents intheearlydayswillpayoff later. Whenever possible, include them in therecoveryprocess.

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The following steps are excerpted from “Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country.” The fulltext can be viewed and print copies ordered atwww.earthquakecountry.org/roots.

Step 1: Fix potential hazards in your homeh Installlatchesonkitchencabinetsh SecureTVs,stereos,computers,etc.withVelcro

straps.Useputtyorwaxadhesiveforsmalleritemsh Hangmirrorsandartworkfromclosedhooksh Secure top-heavy furniture and appliances to

wallsh Installflexibleconnectorsongasappliancesh Strapwaterheaterscorrectlytothewallh Storeflammableorhazardousmaterialsonlower

shelvesoronthefloor

Step 2: create a disaster planh Practice“drop,cover,andholdon”h Keepshoesandaflashlightnexttoeachbed

h TakeaRedCrossfirstaidandCPRcourseh Knowhowandwhentoshutoffutilitiesh Learnhowtoproperlyuseafireextinguisherh Selectasafeplaceoutsideofyourhometomeet

yourfamilyorhousematesaftertheearthquakeh Designateanout-of-statecontactpersonwhocan

becalledtorelayinformationh Keepyourchildren’sschoolreleasecardcurrent

Step 3: create disaster supplies kitsKeepapersonal disaster supplies kitinyourhome,inyourcar,andatwork,withatleastthefollowing:h Medicationsandimportantmedicalinformationh Firstaidkitandhandbookh Spareeyeglassesorcontactlensesh Bottledwaterandsnackfoodsh Whistle(toalertrescuerstoyourlocation)h Emergencycash,insmallbillsh Listofout-of-statecontactphonenumbersh Workingflashlightwithextrabatteriesandbulbsh Personalhygienesuppliesh Copiesofpersonalidentificationh In addition to your personal disaster supplies

kits, store a household disaster supplies kitwith a three-day to one-week supply of itemsneeded to live without normal services (water,electricity,etc.)

Step 4: Fix your building’s potential weaknessesIf your building needs the following retrofitting, youlikelyneedtoconsultaprofessional:h The framing of your house should be bolted at

leastevery6feettotheperimeteroftheconcretefoundation(every4feetinamultistorybuilding)

h Homeswithacrawlspaceshouldhaveplywoodconnectingthestudsoftheshort“cripple”walls

h Larger openings in the lower floor, such as agaragedoor,shouldbeproperlyreinforced

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h Masonry walls and chimneys should bereinforced

For thosewho rent:Youcontrolwhichapartmentorhouseyourent.Askthelandlordthesequestions:h Whatretrofittinghasbeendoneonthisbuilding?h Have water heaters been strapped to the wall

studs?h CanIsecurefurnituretothewalls?

Step 5: During earthquakes and aftershocksDrop!Cover!andHoldOn!h Duringearthquakes,droptothefloor,takecover

under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on to itfirmly

h Ifyouareinbed,holdonandstaythere,protectingyourheadwithapillow

h The area near outer walls is very dangerous.Donottrytogooutsideduringshaking

h Ifoutside,movetoaclearareaifyoucansafelydoso;avoidpowerlines,trees,andotherhazards

h Ifdriving,pullover to thesideof theroad,stop,andstayinyourcaruntilshakingstops

Step 6: after the earthquake, check for injuries and damageCheck for injuries:h If a person is bleeding, put direct pressure on

thewound.Usecleangauzeorcloth,ifavailableh Administerrescuebreathingifnecessaryh Carefullycheckchildrenorothersneedingspecial

assistanceh Do not move seriously injured persons unless

theyareinimmediatedangeroffurtherinjuryh Getmedicalhelpforseriousinjuries

Check for damage:h Ifpossible,putoutsmallfiresimmediatelyh Shutoffthemaingasvalveonlyifyoususpecta

leak.Waitforthegascompanytoturnitbackonh Shutoffpoweratthemainbreakerswitchifthereis

anydamagetoyourhousewiring.Unplugbrokenlightsorappliancesastheycouldstartfires

h Hazardousmaterialssuchasbleach,chemicals,and gasoline should be covered with dirt orcatlitter

h Stayawayfromchimneysorbrickwallswithvisiblecracks. Don’t use a fireplace with a damagedchimne

h Stayawayfromdownedpowerlinesandobjectsincontactwiththem

Step 7: When safe, continue to follow your disaster planThefirstdaysaftertheearthquake…Untilyouaresuretherearenogasleaks,donotuseopenflamesoroperateanyelectricalormechanicaldevicethatcancreateaspark.Neverusethefollowingindoors: camp stoves, gas lanterns or heaters, gasor charcoal grills, or gas generators. These canreleasedeadlycarbonmonoxideorbeafirehazardinaftershocks.h Turnonyourportableorcarradioforinformation

andsafetyadvisoriesh Call your out-of-state contact, tell them your

status,thenstayoffthephoneh Checkontheconditionofyourneighborsh Ifpowerisoff,planmealstouseuprefrigerated

andfrozenfoodsfirsth Ifyourwaterisofforunsafe,youcandrinkfrom

water heaters, melted ice cubes, or cannedvegetables

h Reportdamagetoyourlocalbuildingdepartmentandtoyourlocalofficeofemergencyservices

If you cannot stay in your home…Because shelters will likely be overcrowded, do notleave home just because utilities are out of serviceor your home and its contents have suffered onlymoderatedamage.Ifyoudoevacuate,tellaneighborand your out-of-state-contact where you are going,andtakeyourpersonaldisastersupplieskitsandotheressentials.

HEalTH TiP: Earthquakes may result in physical

damage and injuries, but they can also bring fear,

confusionanduncertaintyintoeverydaylife.Itisimportant

to understand that strong emotional reactions to such

eventsarenormal.Re-establishdailyroutines forwork,

school, play, meals, and rest. Work with the support

networkswithinyourcommunity.

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What to do When...

• Drop! Cover! Hold on! Where you are when anearthquakehitsshoulddeterminehowyou respond.Learnhowtostaysafeduringanearthquakewhetherathomeoronthego!

• Learnwhenit’sbestto“shelterinplace”orevacuate!

• Learn the simple steps to maintain your sense ofcontrolintheeventofaterroristattack.

Protect yourself DuringEarthquake Shaking!

Official rescue teams from the U.S. and othercountries who have searched for trapped peoplein collapsed structures around the world, as wellasemergencymanagers,researchers,andschoolsafetyadvocates,allagreethat“Drop,Cover,andHoldOn”istheappropriateactiontoreduceinjuryanddeathduringearthquakes.

immediately when Earthquake Shaking Begins:

DroP! down onto your knees (before theearthquakes knocks you down). This positionmakes you a smaller target but allows you tostillmoveifnecessary.

covEr! yourheadandneck(oryourentirebody)underastrongtableordesk.Ifthereisnotabletogetunder,getdownnearaninteriorwallandcoveryourheadandneckwithyourarmsandhands.

HolD on!tothefurnitureortoyourheadandneckuntil the shaking stops. Be prepared to movewithyourshelteriftheshakingshiftsitaround.

Earthquakesoccurwithoutanywarningandmaybesoviolentthatyoucannotrunorcrawl;youthereforewillmostlikelybeknockedtothegroundwhereyouhappen to be. But, If possible, take cover awayfromexteriorwallsofabuildingwhicharethemostdangerous places to be. Windows, facades andarchitecturaldetailsareoften thefirstpartsof thebuildingtocollapse.Tostayawayfromthisdangerzone,stayinsideifyouareinsideandoutsideifyouareoutside.

Giventhedynamicsofearthquakesandtheireffectson structures, “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” is thesinglemostusefulinstructionthatyoucanfollowtoprotectyourselfinthemajorityofsituations.Itgivesyou thebestoverall chanceofprotectingyourselfduring an earthquake... even during quakes thatcausefurnituretomoveaboutrooms,andeveninbuildingsthatmightultimatelycollapse.

Do noT Head for the Doorway

An enduring earthquake image of California isa collapsed adobe home with the door frame asthe only standing part. From this came our beliefthatadoorwayisthesafestplacetobeduringanearthquake.True—ifyouliveinanold,unreinforcedadobehouse.Inmodernhouses,doorwaysarenostrongerthananyotherpartofthehouse.

you are safer taking cover under a sturdy table or desk.

if you are…

indoors: Drop, cover, and hold on. Duringearthquakes, drop to the floor, take cover under

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Drop! cover! Hold on!

asturdydeskortable,andholdontoitfirmly.Bepreparedtomovewithituntiltheshakingstops.Ifyouarenotnearadeskortable,droptotheflooragainsttheinteriorwallandprotectyourheadandneckwithyourarms.Avoidexteriorwalls,windows,hanging objects, mirrors, tall furniture, largeappliances,andkitchencabinetswithheavyobjectsorglass.Donotgooutside!

in bed: Ifyouare inbed,holdonandstay there,protectingyourheadwithapillow.Youarelesslikelyto be injured stayingwhereyouare.Brokenglass on the floor hascaused injury to thosewho have rolled to thefloor or tried to get todoorways.

in a high-rise: Drop,cover,andholdon.Avoidwindowsand other hazards. Do notuse elevators. Do not besurprisedifsprinklersystemsorfirealarmsactivate.

outdoors: Move to a cleararea if you can safely doso;avoidpower lines, trees,signs, buildings, vehicles,andotherhazards.

Driving: Pullovertothesideoftheroad,stop,andset theparkingbrake.Avoidoverpasses,bridges,power lines,signsandotherhazards.Stay insidethevehicleuntiltheshakingisover.Ifapowerlinefallsonthecar,stayinsideuntila trained person removesthewire.

in a stadium or theater: Stay at your seat andprotectyourheadandneckwithyourarms.Don’ttry to leave until theshakingisover.Thenwalkout slowly watching foranything that could fall intheaftershocks.

near the beach: Drop, cover, and hold on untiltheshakingstops.Estimatehowlongtheshakinglasts.Ifsevereshakinglasts20secondsormore,immediatelyevacuatetohighgroundasatsunamimight have been generated by the earthquake.Move inland3kilometers (2miles)or to land thatis at least 30 meters (100 feet)above sea level immediately.Don’t wait for officials to issueawarning.Walkquickly,ratherthandrive,toavoidtraffic,debrisandotherhazards.

Below a dam: Dams can fail during a majorearthquake. Catastrophic failure is unlikely, butif you are downstream from a dam, you shouldknowflood-zoneinformationandhavepreparedanevacuationplan.

Triangle of life? You may have received anemailthatseemstomakesense,butunfortunatelyit actually has dangerous instructions andis promoted by someone whose credibilityhas been broadly questioned. Learn more atwww.earthquakecountry.org/dropcoverholdon.

Adapted from Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country, published by the Southern California Earthquake Center and available online at www.earthquakecountry.org .

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Shelter in Place or Evacuate? That is the Question!

Chemicalreleasesandaccidents involvinggasoline,oil,paintsandotherhazardousmaterialscouldcauseawiderangeofseriousinjuriesandpossiblydeathfromexposuretovapors,fumesandsmoke.

Sometimes,localofficialsmayaskthepublictoprotectthemselvesbystayinginsidetheirhomes,carsandoffices.Atothertimes,localofficialsmayorderanevacuation,knowthedifferencebetweenthesetwoprotectivemeasures.

1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6.

7. 8.

conDucTahazardhuntofyourhome,business,schoolandcommunity.

DEvEloP a plan for your family,business, school and community thatincludesplaceswhereyoucould reuniteifyouareforcedtoleave.

STorEatleasta72-hoursupplyoffood,drinking water (one gallon per personper day for a three-day to a three-weeksupply)andothersupplies.

go indoorsimmediately.Ifindoors,STay indoors.STay inyourcarifdriving.cloSEdoors, windows, vents and openings.SHuT oFF heatingandairconditioningsystems,andcloseventilationsystems.

SHElTEr in PlacEBEFORE

DuRing

AFtER

go to the room with the least amountof windows, doors and other openings.SEalopeningsorcrackswithducttape,plastic sheeting or wet towels. covEryourfaceandmouthwithawetcloth.

liSTEn and watch for instructions fromlocal officials. Use the phone only foremergencies.

STay inside your vehicle until advisedthatitissafetogooutside.

vEnTilaTE your house, apartment,buildingorvehicle.STayoutdoorsduringventilation. 1312

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Shelter in Place? or Evacuate?

4. 5. 6.

7. 8. 9.

1. 2. 3.

iDEnTiFypossibleplacestoreunitewithfamilymembersaftertheeventaspartofyouremergencyplans.

aSSEmBlEenoughfood,drinkingwater,medicines, and other supplies to last atleast three days in an emergency kit orbackpackthatiseasytotransport.

iDEnTiFy facilities that care for petsduring disasters since pets are notallowedinAmericanRedCrossshelters.(In-serviceanimalsexcluded).

EvacuaTion

BEFORE

10.

maKE plans for children, seniors andothers with special needs. cHEcK withyourschools,workplaceandothersitesabouttheirevacuationplans.

liSTEn to the radio or watch TV forinformationfromlocalofficials.FolloWtheir instructions. rEmain calm. Usethe phone only to report life-threateningemergencies.

rETriEvE emergency supplies andevacuation kits if possible. Be sure toincludemedications.

SEcurE the building if possible. TurnoFFutilitiesonlyifinstructedtodosobylocalofficials.

lEavEanoteindicatingyourdestinationifpossible.

rEPorT to the evacuation site, usingrecommended routes given by localofficials.

liSTEnforfurtherinstructionsfromlocalofficials.

AFtER

Evacuationordersmaycomewithlittleornowarning.Evenso,youcanusethetipsbelowtoprepareforthepossibilityofevacuatingaspartofyourpersonalpreparednesseffortsathomeandwork.

1514

Terrorists are not in charge!

Earthquakes, floods and wildfires are frighteningexperiencesformostofus.Fearisanaturalhumanreactiontonaturaldisastersandothereventsthathitsuddenlyandseemto threatenoursafety,ourlovedones,andourdaily lives.Terroristsusethisnaturalreactiontomultiplytheeffectoftheiractionsin order to advance their political or social goals.Like bullies in the schoolyard, terrorists want tointimidateandfrightenotherstogettheirownway.

Until recently, many Americans believed thatterrorismonlyaffectedothercountries.Nowweknowthat itcanhappenhere,butwedon’tknowwhereorwhen.Muchofthefearcausedbyterrorism—orthe threat of it—is based on this uncertainty: notknowing whether it will hurt us or our loved onesdirectly,orwhetheritwilltargetourowncommunityorworkplace.

Governmental officials are working hard to findterroristsandtolimittheirabilitytoharmAmericans.Atthesametime,thereisalotthateachofuscando to limit the terrorists’ability to frightenus.Theterroristsarenot incharge.Wehavecontroloverourpeaceofmindandcanhelpensureoursafetybytakingsomeofthesameactionsthatwewouldtaketoprepareforearthquakes,floods,orfires.Wecanalsocontributetothesafetyofothersbybecomingmore aware of our surroundings and reportingsuspiciousactivitiesoritemstolocalofficials.

Thesimplestepslistedonthissheetwillhelpyoumaintain your sense of control, and they couldmake a big difference in your personal safety inanyemergency.

What you can Do now

Preparingforterroristattacksisthesameaspreparingforearthquakes,fires,andotheremergencies.Itallstartswithafamilyemergencyplan.

h Evacuation:Whetheryouareathome,atwork,or in a public place, think of how you couldleave quickly and safely. Locate stairwaysandemergencyexits.Payattention topostedevacuation signs in buildings, subways andcrowdedpublicareas.

h Out-of-state contact: Think how you will getin contact with your family if you becomeseparated. Choose an out-of-state contactthatyourfamilymembersorfriendscancalltocheckoneachother.

h Meetingplace:Decidewhereyouand familymembers will meet if the emergency affectsyour home, or if officials have to evacuate

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Terrorism

yourneighborhood.

h School plans: Learn the emergency plans atyour children’s schools, and make sure theschool has your updated emergency contactinformation.Givewrittenpermissiontoatrustedfriendorneighbortopickupyourchildrenfromschoolordaycareincaseyoucannotgetthereontime.

h Preparation forchildren:Teachyourchildrenwhat todo inanemergency,andmakesuretheyknowtheirownnamesandaddresses,aswellasthefullnamesandcontactinformationforparentsandasecondadultemergencycontact.

Finally,reviewyouremergencyplanandassembleandmaintainanemergencysupplykitathome,atwork,andinyourcar.

What you can Do During an attack

Terrorists are counting on surprise, fear, andconfusion to add to the impact of their actions. Ifyou realizeanattack isunderway,gatherallyourstrengthtopauseandthink.Lookaroundyoutoseewhatishappening,andwhatimmediatestepsyoucantaketoprotectyourselfandothers.

h Ifthereisflyingdebris,dropdown;takecoverundersomethingsturdy,andholdontoitwithonehandwhileprotectingyourheadandneckwiththeother.

h Ifthereissmoke,getnearthefloor,coveryourmouthandnosewithacloth,andmovecarefullytowardthenearestmarkedexit.

h Ifitisnecessarytoevacuate,trytodosocalmly.Use only marked exits and stairways. Neveruse elevators. Help others who are movingmoreslowlyorwhomaybedisoriented.

If you are not directly affected by the attack, tryto stay calm, think before you act, encourageothers,andcomfortchildren.Turnonnewsradioortelevision,andlistenforofficialinstructions.Followthedirectionsofauthorities.

What you can Do after an attack

Try to stay calm. Think before you act. Don’t letterrorists get what they want most: to hurt a fewpeopleinordertointimidatemany.

h Stay informed. Listen to official reports andinstructionsontheradioortelevision.

h If officials order an evacuation, cooperatequickly and follow their instructions regardingevacuationroutesandshelterlocations.

h If officials tell you to “Shelter in Place,” theymeanforyoutostayinsideyourhome,vehicleorworkplaceuntilitissafetocomeout.Theywillprovideyouwithdetailedinstructions.

h Donotleaveyourshelteredlocationorreturntotheevacuatedareauntil localofficialsconfirmthatitissafetodoso.

h Implement your family emergency plan andnotifyyourout-of-statecontactofyourlocationandstatus.

h Be aware of the psychological impact thatterrorism can inflict even when it happens topeopleyoudonotknowpersonally.

16

natural disasters & extreme Weather

• EarthquakesarearealityoflifeinSouthernCalifornia.Learnthe7StepstoEarthquakeSafety.

• Learnwhattodobeforeandafterafloodhitsandhowtoprepare.

• Learntoreducetheriskofinjuryandpropertylossfromlandslides,mudslidesandothertypesofgroundfailure.

• Understand the real threat of a tsunami and learnsmartwaystoreact.

• Learn how to protect your home from wildfires andprepareyourhouseholdforevacuation.

• Prevent injuries from excessive heat exposure andlearntospotheatrelatedconditionsandsymptoms.

• Bepreparedforfireorice!

What Should i Do During an Earthquake?

Drop! cover! Hold on!Droptothefloor;takecoverunderasturdydeskortable,andholdontoitfirmly.Bepreparedtomovewithituntiltheshakingstops.Thisis thesafestactionwhen theearthbegins toshake.Ifyouarenotnearadeskor table,drop to theflooragainstaninteriorwallandprotectyourheadandneckwith your arms. If you are in bed, hold on and staythere,protectingyourheadwithapillow.

Recently an e-mail has been circulating whichdescribes actions to take during an earthquake,includinganalternative toDrop! cover! Hold on!andadvicetorunoutsidewhenanearthquakebegins.Theadviceinthise-mailispotentiallylife-threatening,andtheauthorhasbeenbroadlydiscredited.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA), theAmericanRedCross,andotherofficialpreparedness organizations reaffirm that Drop! cover! Hold on! istheappropriateactiontoreduceinjuryanddeathduringearthquakes.Youaremuchmore likely to be injured by falling or flying objects(TVs,lamps,bookcases,etc.)thantodieinabuildingcollapse. The Drop! cover! Hold on! position willprotectyoufrommostoftheseobjects.Thealternativetheoryleavesyouexposedtoinjury.MostinjuriesinU.S.earthquakesoccurwhenpeopleinsidebuildingsattempt to move to a different location inside thebuildingortrytoleave.

Practice Drop! cover! Hold on! at school, in theoffice, and other buildings so that when the earthshakes,you’llbeready.

Should i get in a doorway during an earthquake?An enduring earthquake image of California is acollapsedadobehomewiththedoorframeastheonlystandingpart.Fromthiscameourbeliefthatadoorwayisthesafestplacetobeduringanearthquake.True—if you live in an old, unreinforced adobe house. Inmodernhouses,doorwaysarenostrongerthananyotherpartof thehouseandusuallyhavedoors thatwillswingandcaninjureyou.ItismuchsafertoDrop! cover! Hold on!

Can earthquakes be predicted?Scientistscontinuetostudyallaspectsofearthquakes,including how they may be predicted. Unfortunatelyno method has been shown to be reliable in anytimeframe.Tobeuseful,predictionsmustbespecificin time, location, and size. We know there will behundredsofearthquakesthroughoutseismicregionseachyear,butveryfewwillbelargeenoughtocausedamage,andwedon’tknowexactlywhenandwhere

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Earthquake: Fact or Fiction?

thelargeearthquakeswilloccur.Untilthisinformationcanbeknown,it is importanttoalwaysbereadyforlargeearthquakesthatmayhappenanytime.

Do big earthquakes always happen in the early morning?Thismythmaybesocommonbecausewewantittobe true.Several recentdamagingearthquakeshavebeenintheearlymorning,somanypeoplebelievethatallbigearthquakeshappenthen.Infact,earthquakesoccur at all times of day. The 1933 Long Beachearthquake was at 5:54 pm and the 1940 ImperialValleyeventwasat8:37pm.Morerecently,the1992JoshuaTreeearthquakewasat9:50pmandthe2003SanSimeoneventwasat11:15am.Itiseasytonoticetheearthquakesthatfitthepatternandforgettheonesthatdon’t.

What is earthquake weather?Many people believe that earthquakes are morecommon in certain kinds of weather. In fact, nocorrelationwithweatherhasbeenfound.Earthquakesbegin many kilometers below the region affectedby surface weather. Again, people tend to noticeearthquakesthatfitthepatternandforgettheonesthatdon’t!Also,everyregionoftheworldhasastoryaboutearthquakeweather,but the typeofweatheris whatever they had for their most memorableearthquake.

Will California fall into the ocean?TheideaofCaliforniafallingintotheoceanhashadan enduring appeal to those envious of life in theGolden State. Of course, the ocean is not a greatholeintowhichCaliforniacanfall,butit isitselflandat a somewhat lower elevation with water above it.ThemotionofplateswillnotmakeCaliforniasink—California is moving horizontally along the SanAndreasfaultanduparoundtheTransverseRanges.

is there anywhere in California i can escape earthquakes?MostseismologistsbelievethatdamagingearthquakescanoccurvirtuallyanywhereinCalifornia.Historically,muchoftheCentralValley,northofBakersfieldandthenorth-easternmostpartofthestatehavehadlowerlevelsofseismicactivitythanthecoastalregions,theSierraNevada,orSouthernCalifornia.

We have good building codes so we must have good buildings, right?Thebest building codes in theworlddonothing forbuildingsbuiltbeforeacodewasenacted.Whilethecodes have been updated, the older buildings arestill in place. Fixing problems in older buildings—retrofitting—is the responsibility of the building’sowner.

Will the earth open up and swallow me or my home?Apopularliterarydeviceisafaultthatopensduringanearthquaketoswallowupaninconvenientcharacter.However, gaping faults exist only in novels andmovies.Thegroundmovesacrossa faultduringanearthquake,notawayfromit.Ifthefaultcouldopen,therewouldbenofriction.Withoutfriction,therewouldbenoearthquake!

lEarn morE

PortionsofthisbulletinarefromPuttingDownRootsin Earthquake Country (www.earthquakecountry.info) andareusedwithpermissionof theSouthernCaliforniaEarthquakeCenter(www.scec.org).Thesewebsites have more information about earthquakehazards and what to do before, during and after alarge earthquake. Experiencing an earthquake canbea frighteningandconfusingexperience.Knowingwhatjusthappenedcanreduceourfearandhelpusunderstand what to expect next. Several websiteswillhaveinformationquicklyaftermajorearthquakes.Toknowwheretheearthquakewascenteredanditsmagnitude, visit www.data.scec.org. To know howstronglythegroundshookthroughouttheregion,visithttp://earthquake.usgs.gov/ shakemap. To reportyour experience in the earthquake and see mapsof what other people report, visit http://pasadena.wr.usgs.gov/shake/ca.SimilarwebsitesalsoexistforotherareasoftheU.S.andcanbeaccessedthroughtheselinks.

More information about what to do during anearthquakeisatwww.dropcoverholdon.org.

1918

Don’t get Swept off your Feet!

FloodsareoneofthemostcommonhazardsintheUnited States. They can cause deaths, injuries,significantpropertydamage,andalsocontaminatedrinkingwateranddisruptelectricalservice.Theseeffectscanbelocal,impactinganeighborhoodorcommunity,orregional,affectingentireriverbasinsandmultiplestates.

All floods are not alike. Some floods developslowly, sometimes over a period of days. Flashfloods can develop quickly, sometimes in just afewminutesandwithoutanyvisiblesignsofrain.Flashfloodsoftenhaveadangerouswallofroaringwaterthatcarriesrocks,mud,andotherdebrisandcansweepawaymostthingsinitspath.Overlandfloodingoccursoutsideadefinedriverorstream,suchaswhenaleveeisbreached,butstillcanbe

destructive.Floodingcanalsooccurwhenadambreaks,producingeffectssimilartoflashfloods.

Beawareoffloodhazardsnomatterwhereyoulive,butespecially if you live ina low-lyingarea,nearwater,ordownstreamfromadam.Evenverysmallstreams,gullies,drystreambeds,orlow-lyinggroundthatappearharmlessindryweathercanflood.Beverycautiouswhennearorcrossingstreams,rivers,flood control channels and flooded intersections.Everystateisatriskfromthishazard.

UsethisinformationandtherecommendationsonthereversesideofthisFocusSheettohelpreduceyourriskofdeath,injury,andpropertylossesfromfloodingwhereveryoulive,work,orplay.

Before the Flood Warning or Watch

Be prepared to respond to flooding by taking thefollowingactionsbeforetherainsandfloodingbegin:

h Assembleemergencysupplykitsforyourhome,workplace,andvehicle.

h Storeaseven-daysupplyoffoodandwater(atleastonegallonperperson,perday)inclosed,cleancontainers.

h Store the following materials for protectingyour home in a locationaway frompotentialflooding:

h Sandbags

h Plasticsheeting

h Plywood

h Lumber

h Teach children not to play in or near rivers,

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Floods

streams,orotherareasofpotentialflooding.

h Maintain fuel in your cars; electrical outagesmightmakegasolinepumpsinoperable.

h Identifysaferoutesfromyourhomeorworkplaceto high, safe ground. Determine whether youcanusetheseroutesduringfloodingorstorms.Befamiliarwithyourgeographicsurroundings.

h Checkwithyourlocalpublicworksbuildingorplanning department to see if you live in anareasubjecttoflooding.

h Cleardebrisandovergrowthfromguttersandstormdrains.

h Notify your local department of public worksaboutdebrisandovergrowthinpublicdrainagefacilities.

h Workwithneighborstosolvepotentialdrainageproblemsandtoavoiddivertingdebrisontotheirproperties.Consulta licensedcivilengineer ifyou’reindoubt.

h Identifyanout-of-statecontactso that friendsandrelativescanobtaininformationaboutyourconditionandwhereabouts.

When there is a flood warning or watchh Relocatevaluablesfromlowertoupperfloors.

h Bepreparedtomovetoasafearea,beforefloodwaters cut off access, when local authoritiesadvise.

h Disconnect all electrical appliances or turnoffelectriccircuitsat the fusepanelorcircuitbreakerpanelbeforeevacuating.

During the floodh Avoidunnecessarytrips.

h Donotdriveorwalkthroughmovingwater.Youcan be knocked off your feet in as little as 6inchesofwater.

h Donot“sightsee”orenterrestrictedareas.

h Stay away from streams, rivers, flood controlchannels and other areas subject to suddenflooding.

h Movetohighergroundifyou’recaughtbyrisingwaters.

h Listen to the radio or watch television forinformationandinstructions.

h Use the phone only to report dangerousconditions or emergencies that are lifethreatening. Report damaged utilities to theappropriateagencies.

after the floodh Listen to the radio or watch television for

information and instructions from localofficials.

h Callyourutilitycompaniestorestoreservice.

h Do not use fresh or canned foods that havecomeincontactwithfloodwaters.

h Followtheinstructionsoflocalofficialsregardingthesafetyofdrinkingwater.Boilorpurifywaterifyou’reindoubt.Pumpoutwellsandtestthewaterbeforedrinking.

h Avoidgoingintodisasterareas.

h Stayawayfromliveelectricalequipmentinwetareas.Checkelectricalequipmentorappliancesthat come in contact with water before usingthem.

h Maintaina safedistance fromdownedpowerlinesandbrokengaslines;immediatelyreportthemtotheappropriateutility.

h Useflashlights,ratherthanlanterns,candlesormatches,tocheckontheconditionofbuildings.Flammablesmaybepresent.

Flood insuranceDamageandotherfloodinglossesarenotcoveredbymosthomeowner’sinsurancepolicies.However,the Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA)offersspecialfloodinsurancethroughitsNationalFlood InsuranceProgram.Contact yourinsuranceagentorcallFEMAat(800)638-6620orvisitwww.fema.govformoreinformation.

Extracted and adapted from “Be Winter Wise,” published by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, “Be Flood Aware,” published by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, and FEMA’s Flood website (www.fema.gov/hazard/flood).

2120

The ground can move Without a Quake!

Whenmostpeoplethinkaboutgroundmovement,theyprobablyenvisionimagesofthegroundbelowthemmoving fromside toside,orupanddown,duringanearthquake.

It is important that residents who live on steephillsidesandincanyonsbepreparedforlandslides.Areas that don’t have grass, trees, shrubs andplants,suchasafterafire,aremorelikelytohavelandslides.Thisincludessliding,fallingandflowingsoil,rock,mud,brushandtrees,especiallyduringorafterheavyrains.

Slow-moving landslides can cause significantproperty damage, but they usually don’t cause

injuryordeath.Mudslides,however,aremuchmoredangerous.AccordingtotheCaliforniaGeologicalSurvey,mudslidescaneasilyexceedspeedsof10milesperhourandoftenflowatratesofmorethan20 mph. Because mudslides travel much fasterthan landslides, they can cause deaths, injuriesandsignificantpropertydamage.

Whereveryoulive,work,orplay,taketheactionsonthissheettohelpreduceyourriskofdeath,injuryand property losses from landslides, mudslidesandothertypesofgroundfailure.

Before the landslide/mudslide

You can reduce the potential impacts of landmovementbydoingthefollowing:h Assume thatburnareasandcanyon,hillside,

mountainandothersteepareasaremorelikelytohavelandslidesandmudslides.

h Limit the height of plants near buildings to18inches.

h Use plants and bushes that are less likely toburn and keep them watered. This not onlyhelps with landslides/ mudslides but is alsohelpfulforfiresafety.

h Waterlandscapetopromoteearlygrowth.

h Eliminatelitteranddeadanddryvegetation.

h Inspect slopes for increases in cracks, holesandotherchanges.

h Buildawayfromsteepslopes.

h Buildawayfromthebottomsormouthsofsteepravinesanddrainagefacilities.

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landslides and mudslides

h Consultwithasoilengineeroranengineeringgeologist to minimize the potential impactsoflandslides.

h Developafamilyplanthatincludes:

h Out-of-statecontact

h Place to reunite if family members areseparated

h Routestoevacuate

h Locationsofutilityshut-offs

h Storethefollowingemergencysupplies:

h Food

h Water

h Firstaidkit

h Flashlightsandbatteries

h Battery-operatedradios

h Specialmedications/eyecareproducts

h Storeanevacuationkitthatincludes:

h Cash(smallbillsandchange)

h Importantdocuments

h Birthcertificates

h Insurancepolicies

h Marriagecertificates

h Mortgagedocuments

h Irreplaceableobjects

h Games,toysforchildren

h Purchasesuppliestoprotectyourhome:

h Hammer

h Nails

h Plywood

h Raingauge

h Sand

h Sandbags

h Shovel

h Contactyourlocalpublicworksdepartmentforinformationonprotectionmeasures.

When it rains

h Monitor the amount of rain during intensestorms.Morethanthreetofour inchesofrainperday,or1/2-inchperhour,havebeenknowntotriggermudslides.

h Lookforgeologicalchangesnearyourhome:

h Newsprings

h Crackedsnow,ice,soilorrocks

h Bulgingslopes

h Newholesorbarespotsonhillsides

h Tiltedtrees

h Muddywaters

h Listen to the radio or watch television forinformationandinstructionsfromlocalofficials.

h Implement protection measures whennecessary:

h Anticipate runoff and place sandbags inareasasneeded

h Boardupwindowsanddoors

h Preparetoevacuateifrequestedtodoso.

h Respect the power of the potential mudslide.Remember, mudslides move quickly and cancausedamageandkill.

h Prioritizeprotectionmeasures:

h Make your health and safety and that offamilymembersthenumberonepriority.

h Makeyourhomethenumbertwopriority.

Key considerations

h Usepermanentmeasures,ratherthansandbags,ifpossible.

h Deflect,ratherthanstopordam,debris.

h Usesolutions thatdonotcreateproblems foryourneighbors.

Extracted and adapted from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works publication “Homeowners Guide for Flood, Debris and Erosion Control” and the California Department of Conservation publications “Hazards from Mudslides—Debris Avalanches and Debris Flows in Hillside and Wildfire Areas” and “Landslide Facts.”

2322

you can’t Surf These Waves!

Youmaynotlivenearthecoast,butyoumayvisitbeachesandcoastalcities.Whereveryoulive,workorplay,usetheinformationonthereversesideofthisESPinformationsheettolearnmoreaboutthetsunamithreatandwhattodoifatsunamioccursorifatsunamiwatchorwarningisissued.

Contrary to popular belief, a tsunami isn’t onegiantwave.Itisaseriesofwavesmostcommonlygenerated by great earthquakes below the oceanfloor. Underwater landslides also can causetsunamis.

Tsunamiscantravelatspeedsupto500milesperhourintheopenseaandreachheightsofupto100feet in shallow coastal waters. Usually, however,tsunamis that reach California average 10 feet inheightandpeakinthe20-40footrange.

Thefirsttsunamiwaveisseldomthehighestorthelast.Waveswillcontinuetoarriveforseveralhours,spaced minutes to hours apart. In fact, hundredsand perhaps thousands of people in the affectedsouthAsiannationsdied in thecatastrophic2004tsunami when they went to the ocean to see theimpactsofthefirstwavesandwereswepttotheirdeathswhensubsequentwavesstruck.

Thetimeittakesfortsunamiwavestoreachthecoastdepends on where the earthquake or underwaterlandslideoccurs.Atsunamicausedbyanearthquakeafewmilesoffthecoastiscalleda“locallygenerated”tsunami. Itwill arrivewithinminutesof thequake.Residents of coastal communities probably willfeel such an earthquake. The earthquake may betheonlywarningofanapproachingtsunamisoitisimportanttorespondquickly.

The Threat in california

Tsunamiscausedby largeearthquakescenterednearAlaskaandotherdistantpartsofthePacificOcean are called “distant source” tsunamis. Thefirstwaves fromtheseevents takeseveralhourstoreachtheCaliforniacoastline.TheWestCoastandAlaskaTsunamiWarningCenterwill issueaTsunamiWarningorTsunamiWatchifanAlaskanorPacifictsunamithreatensCalifornia.

MorethanadozentsunamiswithwavesthreefeethighormorehavestruckCaliforniasince1812.Sixcaused damage. The tsunami generated by the1964AlaskaearthquakekilledadozenCrescentCityresidentsandcausedmorethan$34millionindamage. Three tsunamis flooded Santa Barbara

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Tsunamis

during the 1800’s; a tsunami resulting from aChileanearthquakedamagedapierinSanDiegoHarbor in 1960; and one-foot waves resultedfromthe1992CapeMendocinoearthquakeweredetectednearSantaBarbara.

Historically, while tsunamis have caused greatercasualtiesanddamageinnorthernCalifornia,andwhile the threat of local and distant tsunamis isgreateronthenorthcoast,southernCaliforniaalsohas significant risk because of its large coastalpopulation.

MostcommonmentionoftsunamisinCaliforniaiswhenatsunamiadvisoryisgiven.

What is a tsunami advisory?

h A tsunami advisory indicates a tsunamiwhich may produce strong currents and isdangeroustothoseinorverynearwherethewaterisexpected.

h large inundations are not expected in areas under advisory status.

h Advisories will be cancelled, extended, orupgraded to a warning depending on theeventseverity.

h Advisories are issued when the expectedtsunami amplitude is in the range of 0.3 to1meter.

Before the next tsunami or tsunami warning

h Determine the elevation of your home andhow far it is from the coast. Know whetheryouliveinatsunamidangerzone.

h If you live within a couple of miles of thecoast, identify a location to go if a tsunamistrikes. The location should be at least twomilesinlandor100feetabovesealevel.

h Learn thesignsofanapproaching tsunami.If the tide rises or recedes rapidly, moveimmediatelyinlandtohigherground.

h Asklocalemergencyofficialsoryourplanningdepartmentwhatareasaresusceptibletothefloodingfromatsunami.

h Locate refuge areas and learn evacuation

routesthataresafe.

h Developorupdateyour family’semergencyplan.

h Assemble an emergency supply kit, if youhaven’tdoneso.Includeaportableradio.

h Identify a friend or relative living in anotherstateasyourfamilypointofcontact.

h Learnfirstaid.

h Teachfamilymembershowandwhentoturnofftheutilities.

h JoinaCommunityEmergencyResponseTeam.

During and after the tsunami or tsunami watch

h Ifyoufeelanearthquake,Drop! cover! Hold on! untiltheshakingstops.Estimatehowlongtheshaking lasted. If severeshaking lasted20 seconds or more, immediately evacuatetohighgroundasatsunamimighthavebeengeneratedbytheearthquake.

h Move inland two miles or to land that is atleast100 feetabovesea level immediately.Don’t wait for officials to issue a warning.Walkquickly,ratherthandrive,toavoidtraffic,debrisandotherhazards.

h Stayawayfromcoastalorlow-lyingareasuntilan“allclear”noticehasbeenissuedbylocalemergencyofficials.Wavesmightcontinuetoarriveforseveralhours.

h Usecommonsense.Donotgotothecoasttoseeatsunami.Tsunamisarenotlikeregularwaves.Theyaremuchfaster,higherandarefilledwithdebris.

h Obeyevacuationnotices.Listentotheradioorwatchtelevisionforemergencyinformationandinstructionsfromlocalofficialsaboutre-entry.

h Contact your local office of emergencyservicesformoreinformationaboutpreparingfortsunamis.

Extracted and adapted from “Tsunami! How to Survive This Hazard on California’s North Coast,” Humboldt Earthquake Education Center, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA; Other sources included the FEMA publication “Are You Ready? Your guide to disaster preparedness,” and from information provided by the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA), Earthquake and Tsunami Program and NOAA’s National Weather Service West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center.

2524

get ready, Set, go!

OnAugust26,2009,anarsonistignitedtheStationFireintheAngelesNationalForestborderingLosAngelesCounty,andbecame the largestwildfirein its recorded history. It burned 160,577 acres–roughly thesizeof theCityofChicago–killedtwoLosAngelesCountyfirefighters,andburneduntil mid-October. Fire is, and always has been,anaturalpartofSouthernCalifornia’slandscape.Thesewildfiresareoftenfueledbydryvegetationanddrivenbyhot,dry“SantaAna”winds,makingthem extremely dangerous and impossible tocontrol.Fireseasonisnowyear-roundandrequireseveryonetobeonheightenedalert,especiallyforthoselivinginwildlandareacommunities.

FollowingthesesimplestepsfromtheReady,Set,Go!PersonalWildfireActionPlanmaysaveyour

life, your family, and protect your home from adevastatingwildfire.

create Defensible Space around your Home

Defensible space is the area around your homethat isfreeofflammableplantsandobjects.Thisspace iswideenough toprevent theflamesandheatfromawildfiretoreachyourhome.Therearetwo zones to help protect your property, as youcanseeinthediagramabove.Zone1extends30feetout fromallbuildings,structures,decks,etc.To increase your protection, remove flammablevegetationwithin30feetofyourhome,or50feetifyouliveinareasdeterminedtobe“HighHazard.”

In Zone 2, thin out or remove vegetation anadditional 70 feet from your home, for a total of100feet.HighHazardAreasmayrequireupto100additionalfeet,foratotalof200feet.

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Wildfires

get rEaDy…get in the Zone!

Youcanmakeyourhomemoredefensiblesothatithasthegreatestchanceofsurvivingawildfire.ForhomesinHighFireHazardAreas,theLosAngelesCounty Fire Department’s Fuel ModificationProgramhelpsprotecthomesandneighborhoodsby requiring specific vegetation planted in threezones(ZonesA,B,andC).

Takealookatthesethreezonestobecomemorefamiliarwithwhatshouldbeplantedaroundyourhome.Whenaddedup,thesezonesextendover300feetfromyourhome,andeachisdesignedtokeepwildfirefromreachingyourhome.

learn How to “Harden” your HomeEmbers from a wildfire will find the weak link inyour home’s construction and the quality of the“defensiblespace”surroundingit.Youcansafeguardyourhomebyassessingitandtakingthesestepsto“harden”itfromthethreatofwildfire:

h Roofyourhomewithfire-resistantmaterial.

h Blockanyspacestopreventemberintrusion.

h All vent openings should be covered with1/8 inch metal mesh. Fiberglass will meltandburn.

h Ensurethatalltreesarefarawayfrompowerlines.

h Install dual-paned windows with exteriortemperedglasstoreducebreakage inafire.Heat from a wildfire can cause windows tobreakbeforethehomeignites.

h Fire-resistantbuildingmaterials,suchasbrick,cement, masonry, or stucco, provide moreprotectionthanwood-siding.

h Keep a fire extinguisher and tools, suchas a shovel, rake, bucket, and hoe, easilyaccessible.

h Screen or enclose rain gutters to preventaccumulationofplantdebris.

h Have multiple garden hoses long enough toreachanyareaofyourhome.

2726

2726

get SET – Prepare your Family

YourWildfireActionPlanshouldbepreparedwithallmembersofyourhouseholdwellinadvanceofafire.Onceyoufinishyourplan,rehearseitregularlywithyourfamilyandkeepit inasafe,accessibleplace.Belowisapartialchecklist;morepreparationlistsareavailableatwww.fire.lacounty.gov.

h Create and rehearse a Family DisasterPlan that includes meeting locations andcommunicationplans.

h Keepfireextinguishersonhandandtrainyourfamilyonhowtousethem.

h Makesureyourfamilyknowswherethegas,electric and water main shut-off controls areandhowtousethem.

h Planseveraldifferentescaperoutes.

h Assembleanemergencysupplykitandkeepanextraoneinyourcar.

h Maintainemergencycontactnumbers.

h Appointanout-of-statefriendorrelativeasapointofcontact.

h Keepaportableradioorscanneravailable.

go Early – Don’t Hesitate!

Don’twaituntilthefirecomestoyourneighborhood.Byleavingearly,youwillgiveyourfamilythebestchanceof survival.Youwill alsohelpfirefightersby keeping the roads clear of congestion, whichwillhelpthemmovemorefreelyanddotheirjobtosaveyourhome!Togetstarted,makeakitofthefollowingitems:

h Keepapairofoldshoesandaflashlighthandyforanightevacuation.

h Keep the six “P’s” ready for immediateevacuation:

o Peopleandpets

o Papers, phone numbers and importantdocuments.

o Prescriptions,vitamins,andeyeglasses.

o Picturesandirreplaceablememorabilia

o Personal computers (information on harddriveanddiscs).

o “Plastic” (credit cards, ATM cards)andcash.

h Leaveearlyenoughtoavoidbeingcaught infire,smoke,orroadcongestion.

h Don’twaittobetoldbyauthoritiestoleave.Theymaynothavetimetoknockoneverydoor.

h Haveapredeterminedmeetingplace.

h Haveseveralescaperoutes.

it can get Too Hot!

During an average summer, some 200 peopleacross the country die due to heat injuries fromexposuretohighsummertemperatures.

Clearly,heatcanbeaforce,particularlyinSouthernCalifornia, where temperatures exceeding 100degreesinthesuburbanvalleysand110degreesinthelowdesertareasarenotuncommonduringthesummerandfall.

Heat-waveemergenciescanstrikeveryquickly.In1995, forexample, thecityofChicago’smedicalexaminerreceivedreportsregardingthefirstheat-relatedfatalitiesat9p.m.onaFridaynight.By8a.m.thefollowingmorning,anadditional87peoplehaddied.Thesedeathswere causeddirectly bytheheat.

Exposuretosunlightisamixedblessing.Althoughsunisnecessaryforlife,exposuretoultraviolet(UV)radiationispotentiallydangerousandcandamagethe skin. Varied burns result from prolongedexposure toUVrays,butsomepeoplealsomayburnfromverylittleexposure.Ultravioletrayscansignificantlykeeptheskinfromcompensatingfortheexcessheat.

Overexposuretoheatorexcessiveexerciseintheheat also can cause other injuries. The severityofsuch injuries increaseswithage;heatcrampsinayoungerpersonmaybeheatexhaustioninamiddle-agedperson,butmaybeheatstrokeinanelderly person. This occurs because the personhasnotadaptedtotheheatandisunabletoadjusttochangesinthebody.

Heat conditions, Symptomsand First aid

What you might see in a heat injury

Sunburnisusuallyafirst-degreeburnthatinvolvesjust the outer surface of the skin. Symptomsincluderednessandpain.Severecasesmaycauseswelling, blisters, fever of 102 degrees or aboveandheadaches.

First Aid: Useointments,aswellascoolbathsorcompresses, for less severe cases.Don’t breaktheblisters; ifblistersdobreak,useadrygerm-freedressing.Inseverecasesconsultaphysician.Drinkplentyofwater.

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CountyofLosAngelesOfficeofEmergencyManagement

Heat Waves

Heat cramps often are related to dehydration.Symptomsincludeincreasedsweatingwithpainfulmusclespasmsofthearms,legsandoccasionallytheabdomen.

First Aid: Remove the victim from the hotenvironment.Applypressureonorgentlymassagethespasticmusclestorelievespasms.

Heat exhaustionistheinabilitytosweatenoughtocoolyourself.Symptomsincludefatigue,weakness,dizziness, nausea or vomiting as well as cold,clammy,pale,redorflushedskin.Amarkedbodytemperaturerisewillnotoccur.

First Aid: Removethevictimfromtheheat.Laythevictimdownand loosen theclothing.Applycoldcompresses and cool the body by fanning thevictimorplacingthevictiminacoolenvironment.Consultaphysicianifvomitingcontinues.

Heatstrokeoccurswhenthebodystopssweatingbutthebody temperaturecontinues to rise.Symptomsinclude visual disturbances, headache, nausea,vomiting,confusionand,astheconditionprogresses,delirium or unconsciousness. The skin will be hot,dry, red or flushed even under the armpits. Thisconditionisaseveremedicalemergencythatcouldbefatal.

First Aid: Consultaphysician immediatelyorcall9-1-1.Removeclothingandplacevictiminacoolenvironment, sponge the body with cool wateror place the victim in a cool bath. Continue theprocess until temperature decreases. DO NOTPROVIDEFLUIDStoanunconsciousvictim.

Preventing Heat injuries

What you can Do to Prevent Heat injuries

h Avoid the sun from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.whentheburningraysarestrongest.

h Reducephysicalactivity.

h Wear a wide-brimmed hat and light colored,lightweight, loose-fitting clothes when you’reoutdoors.Thistypeofclothingreflectsheatandsunlight, which helps you maintain a normalbodytemperature.

h Avoid sudden changes of temperatures, (i.e.,airoutahotcarbeforegettingintoit).

h Avoidhot, heavymeals that includeproteins.Theyincreaseyourmetabolismandwaterloss,andraiseyourbody’snaturalwayofcooling.

h Set your air conditioning thermostat between75 and 80 degrees. If you don’t have an airconditioner, takea cool bathor shower twicea day and visit air-conditioned public spacesduringthehottesthoursoftheday.

h Drink plenty of fluids even if you aren’tthirsty.Eightto10glassesofwateradayarerecommended. Drink even more if you areexercisingorworkinginhotweather.

h Donotdrinkalcoholorcaffeinesincetheyarediureticsandpromotewaterloss.

h Usea sunscreenwitha sunprotection factor(SPF)ofatleastSPF15ifyouneedtogooutinthesun.

Extracted and adapted from “Heat Illness Prevention,” American College of Sports Medicine, Indianapolis, IN.

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Severe weather conditions can cause wildlandfires,heatwaves,andwinterstorms.Winterstormshave caused many disasters, as recently as thewinterof2010.Hundredsof residents living in theburned out areas adjacent to the Station Fire of2009 in Los Angeles County experienced severemudslides following major rainstorm activity andneeded to be evacuated to safety. Many of theirhomes were damaged, and recovery efforts willtakeyearstocompleteandcostmillionsofdollars.Timelypreparationandkeyactionstepstoprotectyourhomeandpropertywillhelpavoidtheeffectsofseverewinterweather,includingthefinancialcosts.

Snow and ice on roadways can also createhazardous driving conditions, especially inmountainousareaswheredrivingisimpaired.Evenifyoudon’tliveinsevereorwinterstormareas,youmighttraveltoorvisittheseareas.Beawareofthesewinterhazardsandbepreparedtohandlethem.

your homeh Follow building, fire and hazard abatement

codes.

h Install non-flammable screens with mesh1/2 inchor lesson chimneysandencloseallroofeaveswithfireresistantmaterialsuchasaluminumorsteelandplacemetalmeshoverallatticorroofvents.

h Keep roofs and rain gutters free of needles,leaves,orotherdebris.

h Enclose the underside of balconies anddecks with fire resistant material, such asaluminumdecking.

h Inspectchimneysandscreenstwiceannually.

h Installasmokealarmoneachlevelofyourhome,especiallyinbedrooms,andtestthemmonthly.

your yardh Clear the brush away from your home (a

minimumof100feet).

h Trim all trees and tree branches away fromelectricallinesandchimneys.(Useaprofessionaltotrimnearutilitiesandpowerlines)

h Remove weak, dead, and leaning trees andbarkbeetleinfestedtrees.

h Stackfirewoodatleast30feetawayfromyourhomeorotherstructures.

h Store all combustible or flammable liquids inapprovedstoragecontainers.

h Locateallpropanetanksatleast30feetfromanystructure.

h Usefire-retardantplantsandbushestoreplacehighlycombustiblevegetation.

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CountyofLosAngelesOfficeofEmergencyManagement

Fire & ice

When wildland fires approachh Listen to the radio or watch television for

instructions.

h Evacuateassoonasdirectedbypublicsafetyofficialsorwhendangerisperceived.

h Parkyourvehiclesfacingthedirectionofescapewithwindowsrolledup.

h Placeyourdisastersupplieskitandevacuationkitalongwithvaluablesandotheressentialsinyourvehicle.

h Securepetsandlivestockandpreparethemforevacuation.

h Leave your electricity on and leave insidelightson.

h If time permits, cover up by wearing longpants,alongsleevedshirt,goggles,cap,andbandana.100%cottonispreferable.

h Close doors behind you when evacuating toslowdowntheflames,smoke,andheat.

h Helpyoungchildren,seniors,andpersonswithdisabilitiestoevacuatesafely.

Plan for evacuationh Developandpracticeahomeevacuationplan.

Yourplanshouldinclude:

h Afloorplanwithallescaperoutes

h Easily accessible exits for young children,seniorsandpersonswithdisabilities.(Locatetheirroomsasclosetoexitsaspossible).

h Alistofvaluablestotakeinanemergency.(Store them together in one location, ifpossible.)

• Identifythemostimportantpaperstotakeifyouhave to leave,suchas insurancepolicies, medical records, and driver’slicense

• Includemedicationsandeyeglasses

h Aplacetoreuniteafterevacuation

h Thelocationofanimalsheltersorothersitesthathousepets

h Practicedrills

h Workwithneighborstoassist:

h Peoplewithspecialneeds

h People who need transportation to othersites

h Workwithlocalemergencyofficialstoidentify:

h Severalroutesoutofyourneighborhood

h Likelyevacuationsitesorsaferefugeareas

Winter storm preparednessh Befamiliarwithwinterstormwarningmessages,

suchasafloodwatchorwarning.

h Makesure youhavesufficientheating fuel incaseregularfuelsourcesarecutoff.

h Have safe emergency heating equipmentavailable.

h Installandchecksmokealarms.

h Have disaster supplies on hand, in case youhave toshelter inplaceor incase thepowergoesout.

h Developanemergencycommunicationplan.

h Keep cars and other vehicles fueled and ingoodrepair.

h If youare in low-lyingareas,keepsandbags,plywood,andplasticsheetingonhand.

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resources

www.calema.ca.gov(CaliforniaEmergencyManagementAgency)

www.cdfa.ca.gov(StateofCaliforniaAgricultureDepartment)

www.cert-la.com(CommunityEmergencyResponseTeam)

www.dropcoverholdon.org(Drop!Cover!Holdon!)

www.dropcoverholdon.org/espanol(Drop!Cover!Holdon!–Spanish)

www.earthquakecountry.org(EarthquakeCountryAlliance/SCEC)

www.espfocus.org(EmergencySurvivalProgram)

www.fema.gov/kids(FederalEmergencyManagementAgency)

www.fire.ca.gov(CaliforniaDepartmentofForestryandFireProtection)

www.fire.lacounty.gov/SafetyPreparedness/readySetgo/home.asp

(LosAngelesCountyFireDepartment)

www.firesafecouncil.org(TheFireSafeCouncil)

www.hsus.org(TheHumaneSocietyoftheUnitedStates)

www.lacoe.edu(LosAngelesCountyOfficeofEducation)

www.noaa.com(NationalOceanicandAtmosphericAdministration)

www.noahswish.org(Noah’sWish-AnimalEmergencyPreparedness)

www.oes.ca.gov(CaliforniaGovernor’sOfficeofEmergencyServices)

www.ready.gov(FederalEmergencyManagementAgency)

www.redcross.org(AmericanRedCross)

www.scec.org(SouthernCaliforniaEarthquakeCenter)

www.shakeout.org

www.teamsafe-t.org(TeamSAFE-T)

www.espfocus.org

marcH 2012