The devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina have brought to light the need
to be prepared in the event of a disaster. Whether the disaster is a hurricane,
flood, tornado, earthquake or attack on American soil, we must all be prepared
for the fact that help does not always come immediately. We must be able to
take care of ourselves and our families until help does arrive.
I was fortunate enough to receive CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training
through the Los Angeles Fire Dept. The recommendations I have made are based
on this training, however I stongly urge you to do your
own research and customize your emergency plan based on your family's needs.
There are two printable documents, both available in Microsoft Word and PDF
format, (click on links at the end of this section).
"BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER AN EMERGENCY"
contains information on emergency preparation, steps to take during the emergency,
and actions to take afterwards. It is recommended that you review this plan
every year.
"MOBILE DISASTER KIT" contains instructions
for assembling a disaster kit that fits in a backpack for mobility in case of
evacuation. It is mandatory to assemble one kit for each family member. This
document also has a list of items that should be stored in your home to enable
you to set up a "Shelter In Place".
Right-click on links and choose "Save Target As" or "Save Link As"
Before,
During And After An Emergency (Microsoft Word Version)
Mobile Disaster Kit (Microsoft Word Version)
Before,
During And After An Emergency (PDF Version)
Mobile Disaster Kit (PDF Version)
Although those who live in California do not experience hurricanes such as Hurricane Katrina, we have experienced some deadly earthquakes, and we can be certain that more will occur in the future. Anyone who lived in the San Fernando Valley area during the Northridge Earthquake can attest to the fact that life was anything but normal during the aftermath that followed, (Northridge was the costliest US disaster at that time). Some statistics regarding the Northridge Earthquake:
Help the Hurrican Victims by donating to the American Red Cross
Red Cross