Stocking up for disasters
By DAILY PRESS STAFF
CITYWIDE While Tuesday’s 5.4 earthquake caused no major damage in the Southland, it served as a reminder of how quickly things can change and how everyone should be prepared in case the “Big One” strikes, public safety officials said.
The Santa Monica Red Cross advises people to be ready for the unthinkable by having seven days worth of food, water and other necessities set aside.
The Red Cross, in conjunction with the city of Santa Monica, recommends: • Having a week’s supply of nonperishable food and water. • A battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries. • Fully stocked first aid kit. • Have cash on hand since ATM machines and credit cards are useless without power. • Sturdy clothing — especially long pants, long sleeve shirts, hard-soled shoes and gloves — are good to have in an emergency. • Make sure you have special needs for your family such as medicine, eyeglasses, sanitary supplies, matches, blankets and sleeping bags, plastic sheeting, passports (I.D.) and food and supplies for your pets. • A family emergency plan including contact information for someone out of the area who can relay messages to family and friends if local communications are down.
The Santa Monica Red Cross has free brochures and information available regarding what is needed to be disaster ready, safety hints and a list of necessary basic survival supplies on its Web site, www.redcrossofsantamonica.org and at the chapter located at 1450 11th St., which is open during weekday business hours.
The chapter also sells first aid and emergency supply kits of varying sizes.
The Santa Monica Red Cross also offers courses in survival skills such as adult, infant and pet first aid, CPR and emergency preparedness.
At local outdoor supply retailer REI, manager Dave Alderson recommended people buy kits that fit their needs.
“Truthfully, first-aid kits don’t need to be any more comprehensive than the skills of the individual using it,” said Alderson, who hasn’t seen a spike in customers looking for supplies following the earthquake. “I think people tend to buy kits that are too complex, and then they get confused on what supplies to use and how to use them [during the emergency].”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 31, 2008. Read the original PDF.