With disasters like earthquakes and terrorist threats on the minds of many Southern Californians, the Santa Monica Red Cross has offered some tips to be prepared for the unexpected.
What you can do to prepare: Finding out what can happen is the first step. Once you have determined the events possible and the potentials in your community, it is important that you discuss them with your family or household. Develop a disaster plan together. 1. Create an emergency communications plan. 2. Establish a meeting place. 3. Assemble a disaster supplies kit. 4. Check on the school emergency plan of any school-age children you may have. If disaster strikes: ■ Remain calm, and be patient. ■ Follow the advice of local officials. ■ Listen to your radio or television for news and instructions. ■ If the disaster occurs near you, check for injuries. Give first aid and get help for seriously injured people. ■ If the disaster occurs near your home and you are there, check for damages using a flashlight. Do not light matches or candles, or turn on electrical switches. Check for fires, fire hazards and other household hazards. Sniff for gas leaks starting at the water heater. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows and get everyone outside quickly. ■ Shut off any other damaged utilities. ■ Confine or secure your pets. ■ Call your family contact — do not use the telephone again unless it is a life-threatening emergency. ■ Check on your neighbors, especially those living alone, elderly or disabled. The Santa Monica Red Cross has several free terrorism/disaster preparedness brochures, as well as inexpensive disaster kits available for the home and office.
For more information, call Tom Viscount at the Santa Monica Red Cross at (310) 394-3773.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 30, 2004. Read the original PDF.