Who Needs It Now? It Rarely Happens Here! The Importance of Emergency Preparedness Basics

Too often, we think that it won’t happen to us, that it is rare, or that we will deal with it when it arrives. But emergencies rarely telegraph their appearance or their severity. They come unexpectedly, and then it might be too late to save what’s important to us.

This year started with a series of historic atmospheric river storms that most likely prompted us to think of emergency preparedness. Let’s face it – we live in an area where over the last few years, we have encountered weather-related disasters resulting in emergencies of varying intensities. We all want to take care of our family, loved ones, pets, and homes.

Tree down on Highland Avenue, resulting in two-day power outage due to four damaged poles. PG&E was quick to repair and return power to close to 200 affected houses.

Here are several steps you can take to be more prepared for a potential emergency.

1.     Consider what types of disasters may strike where you or your loved ones live, ranging from storms, power outages, downed trees and communication lines, flooding to wildfires or earthquakes, and understand the implications to your home and family.

2.     Sign up for emergency alerts (see our Firewise Resource page for a list)

3.     Make a plan – with your family, with family members who may need your help (elderly parents, neighbors, etc.) on what to do, how to communicate, and where to go.

4. Evacuation routes: Determine at least two potential routes in case of evacuation. 

5.     Make a list of emergency contact numbers, including:

a.     Local emergency numbers (fire, police, emergency shelters, etc.)

b.     Family members/friends whom you may need to check on or who can check on you

c.     Out-of-the-area emergency contact who would not be affected by your emergency to check on you or serve as a communication hub.

d.     Share this list with family and friends.

6.     Pack a “Go Bag” for each person – it should contain 72 hours of essential supplies, including human and pet medicine. (There are many resources online, but some basics should be included). You don’t need to buy an expensive preparedness kit. You may have most of the essential items at hand. There are many lists online, and you can find a few on the Highland Firewise Resources page.

7.     Assemble a basic disaster emergency supplies kit in the house. www.ready.gov/kit has a handy pdf to download and print if you need to purchase any of the items. This should include a first aid kit. It ideally should also include a weather radio (hand-crank operated). Make sure every family member knows where to find this.

7.     Prepare your home:

a.     Know your home       

i.     Water shutoff (in case of a waterline rupture)

ii.     Gas shutoff (e.g., if a gas line ruptures during an earthquake)

iii.     Breaker box/fuse box – some houses have multiple. Make sure they are clearly labeled.

iv.     Know how to open your garage door or how to get your car outside if the power is out

v.     Know your best emergency exits (e.g., in case of fire or earthquake)

vi.     Have essential tools handy (set of screwdrivers with assorted tips, adjustable wrench, small and large pliers, hammer, utility knife, strong scissors, duct tape, extension cord, strong string or rope, shovel, axe, etc.)

vii.     Know where you store work gloves, garbage bags, and rags.

viii.     Communicate this to the whole family so you ALL know.

ix.     Communicate this information to your next-door neighbors or a house or pet sitter

b.    Prepare your pantry/food/water supplies

i.     Have sufficient dry goods/emergency food supplies to be used in a prolonged power outage.

ii.     Store at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for three days. Store more if you have pets.

iii.     If you have pets, ensure sufficient pet food/water/meds to last at least three days, ideally a week.

iv.     Check these supplies at least once a year. Ideally set a date on your calendar that’s easy to remember - e.g. right after New Year’s.

8.     Store things properly.

a.     Essential documents in one place (passports, birth or marriage certificates, academic certificates, copies of insurance policies, bank accounts, passwords, etc.)

b.     Documents in a waterproof, portable container.

c.     Valuable items so they can withstand a small earthquake.

d.     Photos, videos, tax records, etc., digitally if possible

e.     Emergency supplies in a place you can easily access.

9.     Additional tips:

a.     Always have your car(s) at least 50% filled with gas, and never run too low. This can become a simple habit get gas before you hit 50%.

b.     Have chargers for cell phones or other essential chargeable items in your car.

c.     Always keep at least $100 in cash in small bills at home, or more if you have a larger family. Credit cards and online services may not work during an emergency.

d.     Have sufficient batteries and flashlights easily accessible. Some people keep small flashlights on nightstands, in the car, in the kitchen, or near the entry. Another option is a portable solar kit.

e.     Have a few candles at hand should the power be out longer

f. Print a copy of these notes or a similar emergency preparation sheet for your go-bag and keep in your car’s glove box.

10. Things to keep in mind during an emergency:

• Set your cell phone to low power mode (found in settings: battery) immediately to conserve power. Your cell phone will be an essential tool during an emergency.

• Remember that text messages often go through more quickly during emergencies than calls.

• If you plan to evacuate, let your neighbors know you’re leaving and where you are going. Leave contact numbers.

• Notify your “out of area contact” about your situation - if you can shelter in place or need to evacuate, etc. if evacuate, where you are going.

11.  The key to surviving any emergency is COMMUNICATION.

1.     Make sure you are connected to a Firewise Lead on your Block.  Block Leads can be a good sources of communication during an emergency. Ideally, there should always be two block leads per neighborhood block. If your block does not have a block lead - don’t be shy to volunteer.

2.     Know your neighbors.  

3.     Know their numbers. Talk to them regularly, not just in an emergency.

4.     Know if any neighbors have special needs.

5.     Know if your neighbors have skills or tools that can help others in an emergency

6.     Keep your contact list updated, printed, and easily accessible. Keep a copy of the contact list in your phone and a paper copy in your purse or your car’s glove box.

We are glad that our Highland Firewise community is well-connected. We would like to see more of the blocks connect even better in smaller groups. There have been a lot of new neighbors whom we would like to meet. During the recent storms, we discovered we could do more. Many neighbors still need to sign up for our email list. We would love all of you to become part of the community. It doesn’t need an emergency to bring us together.

12. On a more creative note

If you have young kids or grandkids, ask them to take some of the ideas above and have them create an emergency preparedness poster. What a wonderful piece of art to put on the wall or the refrigerator while at the same time providing vitally important information.

We look forward to seeing you on walks, at neighborhood parties, and at other gatherings.

 Stay connected – stay safe!

This is a volunteer effort, and we always look for volunteers for various tasks ranging from website contributors to event coordinators. We hope to get more neighbors interested and involved in our core team and as Block Leads. Please reach out to us at team@highlandfirewise.org.