Emergency Preparedness

With the recent “swarm” of earthquakes near Willits, we are once again reminded that our community could suffer a large magnitude earthquake at any given time. The reality is, any number of disasters could strike - and for the most part, a disaster in our rural area would occur without warning. If an emergency or disaster of large proportions were to occur, our local response agencies (police, fire and emergency medical services) would quickly find themselves strapped. Relief may be delayed in arriving or, depending upon the magnitude of the disaster, may not come at all, as agencies in adjacent counties may be dealing with the disaster on their local levels. State resources could be taxed to capacity as well. Our community will be better equipped to survive and handle a major disaster if we are prepared on an individual level. Beyond survival, we are far more likely to come through an emergency with less stress and trauma if we have prepared ourselves and our families according to our individual needs.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PREPARE YOURSELF?

With any type of emergency, individual and family preparedness is the key to assuring that your life will continue to run as smoothly as possible. This fact cannot be overemphasized! Though there are a number of resources to deal with disasters, such as Red Cross and government programs, when an emergency occurs such resources are focused upon basic needs such as food, shelter and water. True preparedness is a personal matter, based upon your individual or family needs (such as medical problems, prescriptions, etc.). Your personal desire for comfort and convenience (will your automatic coffee maker still work?) may play a large part as well. The more prepared you are, the more comfortable you will be if and when an emergency occurs.

Staff of the City of Willits, your local police and fire departments, and your local American Red Cross chapter urge you to prepare yourself and your family, in advance, for any emergency. The sooner you begin, the more prepared you will be to deal with any emergency.

The City of Willits has developed a checklist which has been compiled from a number of sources (emergency services and Red Cross, for example). These are some easy steps you can take to prepare for possible disruptions. All of these recommendations make good sense, regardless of the nature of the potential emergency or disaster. Plan to start taking these steps immediately - waiting until the last minute can contribute to "panic hoarding" which can trigger other problems.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST

    1. Stock disaster supplies to last several days to a week for yourself and those who live with you. This includes nonperishable foods (canned and dry foods), stored water (at least one gallon per person per day, with a 3-7 day minimum supply - and more if you take medications which require that you drink lots of water), and an ample supply of prescription and nonprescription medications that you regularly use. Remember to include your family pets and their special needs. Make a list of items that may make you more comfortable or at ease in a crisis (hot cocoa mix for the children, for example), and keep those items on hand. Children are more likely to weather a disaster well if they have some special treat or their favorite toy. Animals can become nervous and excitable in an emergency and your family pet may even become dangerous. Be prepared to deal with Kitty or Fido if they become anxious enough to claw or bite.

    2. Have some extra cash on hand in case electronic transactions involving ATM cards, credit cards, and the like cannot be processed. Withdraw money from your bank in small amounts, and keep it in several safe locations. Please note that keeping large amounts of cash on hand can create other types of problems for you - keep only enough to get you by in an emergency.

    3. Have extra blankets, coats, hats, and gloves to keep warm. Please do not plan to use gas-fueled appliances, like an oven, as an alternative heating source. The same goes for wood-burning or liquid-fueled heating devices that are not designed to be used in a residential structure. Camp stoves and heaters should only be used out of doors in a well-ventilated area. If you do purchase an alternative heating device, make sure it is approved for use indoors and is listed with the Underwriters Laboratories (UL). If you have relatives or friends who have adequate alternative heating sources, you might consider making arrangements to stay with them during an emergency.

    4. Have plenty of flashlights and extra batteries on hand. Don’t use candles for emergency lighting. If you use kerosene or other oil-type lamps or lanterns, be sure they are approved for indoor use.

    5. In case the power fails, plan to use alternative cooking devices in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. Do not use open flames or barbecue grills indoors.

    6. If you plan to use a portable generator, connect what you want to power directly to the generator; do not connect the generator to your home’s electrical system. Also, be sure to keep the generator in a well-ventilated area - either outside or in a garage, keeping the garage door open. Make sure the doorway between your home and garage does not allow fumes from operation of the generator to seep into your home. Don’t put a generator in your basement or anywhere inside your home.

    7. Fire and security alarm systems, programmable thermostats, appliances, answering machines, garage door openers and electronic locks may be affected as well as any other electronic equipment if there is a power outage.

    8. Examine your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors now. If you have alarms that are hard-wired into your home’s electrical system (most newer ones are), check to see if they have battery back-ups. Every fall, replace all batteries in all smoke alarms as a general fire safety precaution. Test the batteries monthly.

    9. Similar to preparing for a winter storm, it is suggested that you keep your automobile gas tank above half full. This will help to alleviate last minute rushes and/or shortages at the gas pumps, or the inability to fuel at all due to widespread power outages.

    10. Be prepared to relocate to a shelter for warmth and protection during a prolonged power outage or if for any other reason local officials request or require that you leave your home. Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for information about where shelters will be available. Keep important papers (birth certificates, deeds, titles, etc.) in a safety deposit box. Keep copies of all such papers in a place that is easily accessible, and plan to take those copies with you if you must leave your home for an extended period of time.

Make a personalized list of all items that you feel are necessary for your needs/comfort. No one else knows your needs like you do. Prioritize the list, with essential items at the top. Stock up on the priority items first. When you feel you have adequate supplies, recheck your list. Then, if you have the time and desire to do so, help a neighbor, family member, or friend prepare their list. WE CANNOT EMPHASIZE ENOUGH HOW IMPORTANT IT IS THAT YOU BEGIN THIS PROCESS IMMEDIATELY - DON’T WAIT FOR AN EMERGENCY - WE COULD HAVE AN EARTHQUAKE TOMORROW!

If you have Internet access, log onto www.redcross.org for a multitude of information concerning emergency preparedness.