Poor California
They’ve been dealing with Mother Nature (who is apparently most displeased with the West Coasters) who is doling out punishment as only she knows how – wildfires, Santa Ana winds, and earthquakes – with the rains and mudslides to follow. All of this brings up the “what to do” list…you know the one…”what to do in case of” earthquake, fire, flood, etc… I thought this might be a good time to post a list or two for tenants and landlords alike. Landlords can include the list as a reminder in your next tenant letter/bill and take a moment to review it with your family.
Here are some items you may want to collect to make evacuating easier:
A fireproof safe. Well worth the money to keep your documents and even negatives of your favorite photos. I remember Matt Lauer interviewing a couple in Rancho Bernardo and the only thing that remained of their house was the chimney and the fireproof safe they had purchased the week before!
Ziplock bags. If you don’t want to buy a fireproof safe, at least, store your important papers in a plastic bag that will be safe from water damage. Another alternative is put your items in a safe deposit box at the bank.
Emergency Kit. You should include a battery-operated radio, a flashlight, bottled water, a first-aid kit and a blanket. It’s important to pack these now. You won’t be able to do this as you run out of your house to evacuate. In CA, the kids are drilled in earthquake preparedness and they are often the ones that make sure their parents are prepared! CA encourages carrying a quake kit in the car as well as keeping an expanded version in the house.
Medicine & Pets & Cash. Pack at least a week’s supply of your medication, food for your pet(s), and some cash (often ATMs are not working after a catastrophic event.
Write up a family plan. Make sure everyone knows where to meet in case of an emergency. Have a local destination and even one in a different state. Make sure everyone has the necessary phone numbers and addresses. Bottom line, think ahead now so you don’t have to panic in an emerge
Print out a copy of the Family Preparedness Plan http://www.disastercenter.com/guide/family.pdf) located under FORMS, or check out the following websites for more information:
http://lafd.org/eqindex.htm - The LA Fire Department provides this information on their website – and we KNOW they’re experienced! Definitely worth a look.
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learning/preparedness.php - This site is hosted by the US Geological Survey group – a group of scientists and researchers who focus on quake activity.
http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/ - FEMA provides information for all manner of emergencies as well as emergency agency information.
http://www.gulf-coast.com/Weather/hurricanepreparation.html - Hurricane preparation and family planning information is provided on this site.
http://www.redcross.org/services/prepare/0,1082,0_248_,00.html – The American Red Cross has a great page addressing tornado preparedness and planning.
