Disaster Preparedness

For EMERGENCIES CALL 9-1-1

  • Police, Fire, or Paramedics
  • Be prepared to answer the following:
  • What is happening?
  • What is the address?
  • What is the best phone number to reach you?

For NON-EMERGENCIES and everything else CALL 3-1-1

  • City Services and Programs
  • Animal Services
  • Child and Adult Services
  • Permits and Property Violations
  • Illegal Dumping and Vandalism
  • Parking and Vehicle Services
  • Street Problems and Repairs Community Disturbances

EARTHQUAKES

Before an Earthquake

  • Identify hazards and Secure Movable Items
  • Create a Disaster Plan. To learn more about creating an Emergency Plan, visit: https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan
  • Organize Disaster Supplies
  • Minimize Financial Hardship by Organizing Insurance and Documents

During an Earthquake

  • Drop, Cover, and Hold On
  • If possible, improve safety for others

After an Earthquake

  • Check for gas and water leaks, broken electrical wiring or sewage lines
  • Stay away from downed power lines and warn others to stay away. AVOID GAS, do not attempt to re-light the gas pilot unless your gas line has been inspected. Call Gas Company for assistance
  • Cooperate with public safety officials and follow instructions, they are trained to ensure safety. Avoid driving, if possible
  • Be prepared for after shocks, stay calm, and help notify others if you evacuate and where you can be found
  • For Business Operations After Earthquakes visit https://laedc.org/eq/

*To learn more about what to do in an earthquake, visit http://www.cert-la.com/EmergPrepBooklet.pdf*

FLOODS

Safety Tips for Floods

  • Have a plan in place before an evacuation is ordered. To learn more about creating an Emergency Plan, visit: https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan
  • Avoid walking or driving through flood waters
  • Talk to your neighbors about their plans, and encourage them to evacuate early
  • If there is a chance of flash flooding, move immediately to higher ground
  • Turn on your TV/radio. You will receive the latest weather updates and emergency instructions
  • Disconnect electrical appliances and do not touch electrical equipment

 

Before a Flood

  • Assess the safety of your residence and belongings
  • Clean drains and gutters around the house
  • Plan for sandbags. Visit your local fire station if sandbags are needed
  • Maintain all slopes in a safe manner. Roots bring stability to soil

During a Flood

  • Do not cross rapidly flowing streams
  • Check drainage systems at your home and driveways
  • Watch for mudslides and adjust drainage to reduce mudslides

After a Flood

  • Don’t return to your flood damaged home if area is not safe
  • Sandbags may help divert flood water (unless there is large debris flow)
  • Drive slowly and carefully as many roads may have mud debris, holes, and washed-out areas
  • Assess damage, check hillsides and houses

 

*To learn more about what to do during a flood, visit http://www.cert-la.com/EmergPrepBooklet.pdf*

WILDFIRES

Before a Fire

  • Park your car facing outward and keep your keys with you
  • Place important documents, records, and digital files inside the car
  • Unplug automatic garage door openers in case of power failures
  • Have pet carriers and trailers ready to go
  • Close all doors and windows inside your home. Leave all drapes and coverings open but leave lights on
  • Move combustible materials away from exterior of home

During a Fire

  • Evacuate
  • Stay Together
  • Stay Calm

After a Fire

  • Return when it is safe
  • Make sure your utilities are operational
  • Maintain a “fire watch”
  • Photograph damages for insurance purposes

*To learn more about what to do during a wildfire, visit http://www.cert-la.com/EmergPrepBooklet.pdf*

HOUSE FIRES

Before a House Fire

  • D.I.T.H (Exit Drills In The Home)
  • Make sure windows are not stuck and screens can be taken out quickly
  • Find 2 escape routes out of each room

During a House Fire

  • Crawl, Exit, and Call 911
  • Evacuate and assist others
  • Seal doors and vents if you are unable to evacuate
  • Feel the doorknob with the back of your hand before exiting

After a House Fire

  • Check with Fire Department to make sure your residence is safe to enter
  • LAFD will contact Red Cross if you need temporary housing, food and medicines
  • Do not attempt to connect utilities yourself. The fire Department will assist you
  • Contact your insurance company for detailed instructions on protecting the property. If you are not insured, contact private organizations for aid
  • Maintain an inventory of damaged property and items
  • Save receipts for any money spent related to fire loss

*To learn more about what to do during a house fire, visit http://www.cert-la.com/EmergPrepBooklet.pdf*

TSUNAMI

Signs of a Tsunami

  • Rapid change in water levels
  • An earthquake approaching
  • If you notice water has pulled back or run out, creating an empty beach, this may be a tsunami warning sign

Before a Tsunami 

  • Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan. To learn more about creating an Emergency Plan, visit: https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan
  • If you are a tourist, familiarize yourself with local tsunami evacuation routes
  • After an earthquake, turn on your car radio and listen for tsunami warning

During a Tsunami

  • Move to high ground or inland and away from water immediately.
  • If you are a tourist, familiarize yourself with local tsunami evacuation routes
  • Help neighbors who may require assistance

After a Tsunami

  • Return home only after local officials tell you it is safe
  • Go to a designated public shelter if you have been told to evacuate or you feel unsafe
  • Stay away from debris in the water, it may pose a safety hazard to people or pets

*To learn more about what to do during a tsunami, visit http://www.cert-la.com/EmergPrepBooklet.pdf*

POWER OUTTAGE

During a Power Outage

  • No open flames. Only use flashlights for emergency lighting
  • Keep refrigerator doors closed
  • Turn off or disconnect appliances and other equipment in case of a momentary power “surge” that can damage computers and other devices
  • If you are considering purchasing a generator for your home, consult an electrician before purchasing and installing
  • Dress to prepare for the weather

*To learn more about what to do during a power outage, visit http://www.cert-la.com/EmergPrepBooklet.pdf*

TIPS FOR SMOKE ALARMS

  • Never disable smoke alarms
  • Install smoke alarms on every door
  • Test batteries monthly
  • Replace entire smoke alarm unit every 8-10 years

*To learn more about smoke alarm maintenance, visit http://www.cert-la.com/EmergPrepBooklet.pdf*

10 ESSENTIAL EMERGENCY SUPPLIES

  • Water for 3-10 days (1 gallon per person a day)
  • Food for 3-10 days (including pet food)
  • Medications
  • Radio
  • Flashlights
  • First Aid Kit
  • Cash and Important Documents
  • Sanitation and Hygiene Supplies
  • Tools
  • Clothing and Sturdy Shoes

*To learn more about what to pack for an emergency, visit http://www.cert-la.com/EmergPrepBooklet.pdf*

HOME SAFETY CHECKLIST

  • Gas
    • Learn the location of your gas meter and how to shut off the supply valve. DO NOT shut off gas supply unless you smell gas leaking
  • Fire Extinguisher
    • Keep a fire extinguisher in plain view on every floor of your home
  • Smoke Alarms
    • Make sure to install smoke alarms on every floor of the house, including the basement and near rooms where people sleep
  • Water
    • If pipes are damaged, turn off main valve
    • Check with local authorities before using any water as it could be contaminated
  • Appliances
    • If appliances are wet, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or cicuit breaker
  • Food
    • Throw out all food and other supplies that you suspect may have been contaminated

*To learn more about how to prepare for an emergency, visit http://www.cert-la.com/EmergPrepBooklet.pdf*

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