City officials kick-off ‘I’ve Got 7’ disaster preparedness month
SEVENTH STREET The next time an earthquake rocks Santa Monica, will you be ready to protect your family?
That’s an important questions the local chapter of the American Red Cross would like all residents to ask themselves in May, which is emergency preparedness month.
As part of its “I’ve Got 7” campaign, the Red Cross has partnered with City Hall and the Santa Monica Fire Department to challenge residents to store enough food, water, pet supplies and medicine to last up to seven days or more.
By following seven recommended steps, one can save lives and protect their family when danger strikes, officials said Monday during a press conference at Fire Station No.1.
Standing near a table covered with cans of chili and green beans, packets of water, a sleeping bag and first-aid kit, Mayor Richard Bloom, along with public safety officials and members of the business and education community, urged residents and those who work in Santa Monica to stock up on supplies and send in an “I’ve Got 7” pledge card to let the Red Cross know who is prepared for an emergency.
“You never really know when an emergency will occur,” said Bloom, who referenced the 1994 Northridge earthquake and the Farmers’ Market crash in 2003. “We all have the responsibility to prepare … We want the whole community to come together. Everyone is encouraged to participate.”
Some of the supplies that are recommended include ready-to-eat canned meats, juices, fruits, vegetables and soups, along with high energy foods such as peanut butter, granola bars, trail mix, dried fruit, jam and crackers.
One should also pack a few comfort foods, such as hard candy, sweetened cereals, instant coffee, tea or whatever else could be considered a guilty pleasure.
Parents with infants or children with allergies should also remember to pack foods their children can eat, especially for those dealing with a child who is on a special diet and needs certain medications.
And don’t forget about personal hygiene. Store some toothpaste, toothbrushes, garbage bags and toilet paper along with the flashlights and extra batteries.
Packing some cash is also recommended along with a current list of family phone numbers and e-mail addresses, including someone out of the area who may be easier to reach if local phone lines are out of service.
One should get trained in CPR too and participate in the Disaster Training Program offered by the SMFD, public safety officials said.
Those who work in Santa Monica but live elsewhere are also being encouraged to prepare for the worst. Those who participate can receive a free, “I’ve Got 7” tote bag to carry essentials to the office, just in case one gets stranded while at work.
“With around 100,000 employees in Santa Monica, it is important for our businesses to get on board,” said Jim Lynch, president of the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce.
Being prepared means more than just packing away food and water. Fire Chief Jim Hone wanted to remind the public to also make sure their homes are earthquake safe by securing large items like refrigerators and dressers that can fall down and cause severe injuries or trap someone inside a back bedroom where they cannot access emergency supplies.
“If we don’t have to respond to your fallen refrigerators, china cabinets …that can hurt you and your children, we can focus our attention on larger issues,” said Hone, who recalled the Northridge quake and how it created 350 gas leaks and 14 structure fires, keeping his department on its toes. “You need to be prepared as you can so you can take care of your families.”
In addition to creating an emergency kit at home, public safety officials also reminded drivers to create one for the car as well.
“Just think, what would you do if you were stuck on PCH because of some serious accident or a fire,” said Fire Marshal Jim Glew.
Even if a disaster never strikes, it is still important to keep an emergency kit handy in case danger strikes elsewhere. For example, when Hurricane Katrina hit, roughly 350 families relocated to Santa Monica and were desperate for food, water, clothing and shelter. The Red Cross was able to meet those needs thanks to generous donations by residents and city employees.
“We learned a valuable lesson from Katrina,” said John Pacheco, president of the Santa Monica Red Cross. “Preparedness is really a shared responsibility … In a catastrophic event, citizens have to participate in that [emergency] response as well” as law enforcement and health professionals.
For lower income residents who may not be able to put together a kit all at once, Pacheco recommends building one’s emergency stash bit by bit, adding things when they are on sale or perhaps buying one extra bottle of water or can of soup every time one goes to the market.
“By participating you are not only helping your family, but you are helping others as well,” Pacheco said. “It doesn’t cost much money to be prepared.”
But it can cost dearly if one isn’t in the past.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 1, 2007. Read the original PDF.