Southern California: Preparing for Earthquakes and Wildfire

Southern California: Preparing for Earthquakes and Wildfire

Preparation is and always will be the most effective way to ensure the safety of your loved ones. Planning for the natural disasters that are associated with Southern California will not only increase chances of survival, but will alleviate stress regarding these sometimes fatal scenarios. Southern California is undoubtedly a hotbed for natural disasters. The notorious Southern California Wildfires have plagued residents with property loss, evacuation, and even death, our recent Earthquakes with magnitude 7.1 reminds us all that although California is a unique and beautiful place to call home, we must plan our reactions for these types of emergencies in order to ensure our longevity.

The California Seismic Safety Commission published an online resource for Earthquake safety that outlines the damage that can be caused to a home that lacks the proper protection from an Earthquake. It also states that “All of California lies within Seismic Zone 3 or 4. There are four zones in the U.S.A., ranging from 1 to 4; the higher the number the higher the earthquake danger”. This exceptional publication goes into detail about retrofitting homes to stay safe, and has cost estimates of retrofitting before and after an earthquake.

During an Earthquake there is no safer place than underneath a sturdy piece of furniture, like a table or counter. The Red Cross advises to stay in place during an earthquake, because “most injuries during earthquakes occur because of people moving around, falling and suffering sprains, fractures and head injuries”, They also advise that protecting your head in the event of falling furniture can save from injury. The Red Cross also advises to be aware of the smell of gas. If there is a gas leak you must evacuate.

• If you must evacuate your home it is important to follow these guidelines provided by the Red Cross: Find an area that is clear, no trees, power lines, buildings, and street lamps.
• Select a main contact person who will check on you during an emergency. Consider means of communication (knock on door, etc.) if telephone service is down. This person can be a caregiver, a relative, or a friendly neighbor, just as long as you are able to reach one another through social media, telephone, or in person.
• If inside a vehicle it is important that you avoid overpasses, telephone poles, and any potentially hazardous obstacles that may fall during an earthquake. Move the car to a clear and open space, and wait until the shaking stops before proceeding.
• After the shaking has stopped, the Red Cross advises to check for small fires inside the home, small fires are the leading hazard post-earthquake.
• Aftershocks are a natural part of the earthquake process, and may continue hours, days, weeks, or even months after an earthquake. It is important to follow the same steps in the event of an aftershock.

Preparing for a Wildfire

Wildfires have wreaked havoc upon communities of Southern California for centuries, but in the last few decades the amount of damage to homes paired with the loss of life during these catastrophic disasters have made residents of at-risk communities prepare in a new way. During a power outage due to wildfires or earthquakes, having a back-up generator may just be the added comfort to provide light and electricity that will power cell phones, provide light, power microwaves, the list goes on. Buying a stand-alone generator that is gas powered is one option, while another is a battery powered generator that is a part of your home, “The California Solar and Storage Association says it has seen a spike in interest in home battery systems” (New York Times- https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/22/us/california-wildfires-costs.html), which, in California, proves to be an added layer of protection when left powerless.

The backup generator is only an option for situations that don’t pose the risk of evacuation. Adhering to the recommendations below is dire for safety in any scenarios of natural disaster. Remember, failure to prepare is often preparing to fail.

“Far too often we hear of the tragic loss of life in emergency situations,” said Renee Concialdi, Pasadena. “Older loved ones with health conditions or mobility issues are some of the most vulnerable who cannot readily seek urgent assistance or leave their homes for safety. Fortunately, there are a number of easy-to-follow steps to help protect the health and safety of everyone during an emergency.”

Concialdi suggests the following resources on emergency preparedness any time of year:

• Establish a plan for emergencies.
  • Identify a circle of people who can offer hands-on assistance in emergencies — family members, friends, professional caregivers, relatives, neighbors and business associates.
  • Work with this support network to create an agreed-upon emergency plan. Important details to highlight in the plan include emergency medical treatment options, relevant emergency documents/health information, home escape routes, transportation needs, community response and evacuation plans, and family/friend communication contacts.

• List safe places to shelter in the home, and note where to secure safe lodging within the community and outside the area.
• Determine an action plan for those with health limitations who may need physical assistance during an emergency. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends, “If you have medical, transportation, or other access needs during an emergency, consider signing up for SMART911, Code Red, or your local county registry, depending upon which service your area uses to help first responders identify people who may need assistance right away.” [1]
• Safeguard copies of important documents such as insurance and financial records, birth certificates, Social Security cards, passports and wills in a fire-protected container or at a separate location.

• Organize an emergency supply kit.

• Be aware that in an emergency, you may not have time to collect essential supplies. Basic services such as water, gas, electricity and communications may be disrupted. Grocery stores, gas stations and pharmacies may be closed or overwhelmed with lengthy lines.
• Prepare your own emergency supply kit now before any medical alert or disaster situation arises. Assemble and place the following preparedness items in a seal-tight plastic bin, waterproof duffle bag or wheeled carrier that is easy to transport:

• First aid kit and first aid manual.
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• Adequate supplies of water (one gallon per person per day), nonperishable food (enough for 3 days at least), medications, hygiene items, etc. for a minimum of three days.
  • Hearing aids, eyeglasses and/or supplies for contacts, and other assistive devices.
• Blankets, and if room, a sleeping bag.
• Extra clothing and comfortable walking shoes or warm boots.
• Cash and coins since ATMs may be inaccessible.
• Cellphone with charger.
• Supplies for pets or service animals.

• Keep the emergency supply kit in a handy place, and be sure to include your identification and contact information for family and friends.
• Stock a vehicle supply kit that includes jumper cables, a tire repair kit and flares. In summer, your vehicle supply kit should include sunscreen, shade-providing hat and extra water. A wintertime kit should include tire chains, ice scraper/snow brush, and warm clothes, gloves and boots. Review the supply kit’s contents and update supplies every six months or with seasonal changes.

• Identify community resources.

• Emergency warning systems — It is pertinent to know how your community will warn you of an impending disaster and stay in contact with you during and after an area emergency. Local authorities may use a Reverse 911 call system to warn of dangers, and you will need to register in advance for this free community communication system. Also, find out which local television and radio stations will broadcast emergency messages via the Emergency Alert System. You can also get emergency alerts via smartphone with the Wireless Emergency Alert, or receive SMS (Short Message Service) text or email alerts from the National Weather Service. Check in advance which community first responders (fire, ambulance services, etc.) will go door to door with emergency warnings and evacuation orders.

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio All Hazards — The NOAA offers a 24-hour network of VHF (very high frequency) weather radio stations that will send out the earliest warnings of hazardous weather and other disasters and civil emergencies in your area. Contact your local National Weather Service office or visit nws.noaa.gov/nwr for more information.

• Local hospitals — As communities expand and offer more medical facilities, you may not realize which hospital or freestanding emergency clinic is closest to you. To find a nearby hospital, visit the U.S. Hospital Finder at ushospitalfinder.com.

• Government support services — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can provide disaster assistance for individuals and businesses. FEMA also offers specialized support for those with disabilities or access or functional needs. The FEMA helpline is 800-621-3362 / TTY 800-462-7585. For online information and resources, visit fema.gov/individuals-disaster-assistance. FEMA’s mobile app can connect you with weather warnings and resources on disaster preparation, aid and shelter. The U.S. government also coordinates nationwide disaster-related efforts via the Disaster Services Unit and the Office of Human Services, Emergency Preparedness & Response.

• Support services from local organizations — Many of the federal and state emergency response agencies have community-level teams to help in times of disaster. The local Office of Emergency Management and fire department and emergency response teams are invaluable resources. The American Red Cross and Salvation Army are two well-established disaster relief organizations that provide services locally, such as mobile feeding stations, water, shelter, first aid and other recovery supplies. For shelter resources, text 4FEMA (43362) and enter SHELTER and your ZIP code. For Spanish, text REFUGIO (7338446) and enter your ZIP code. A Community Emergency Response Team, neighborhood watch, faith-based organizations, community block associations and other locally organized public service groups also assist with emergency preparedness and response in time of a disaster or medical emergency.

“Doing some homework and planning upfront,” Concialdi advises, “will reduce stress and scrambling if and when a medical emergency or disaster alert arises. No one needs to be caught off guard in times of crisis. Every action you take now can make a life-or-death difference in the future.”

About Right at Home

Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care and assistance to seniors and adults with a disability who want to continue to live independently. Local Right at Home offices are independently owned and operated and directly employ and supervise all caregiving staff, each of whom is thoroughly screened, trained, and bonded/insured prior to entering a client’s home. Right at Home’s global office is based in Omaha, Nebraska, with franchise offices located in 47 states nationwide and throughout the world. For more information on Right at Home, visit About Right at Home at http://www.rightathome.net/about-us or read the Right at Home caregiving blog at http://www.rightathome.net/blog. To sign up for Right at Home’s free adult caregiving e-newsletter, Caring Right at Home, visit http://caringnews.com.

About Right at Home of Pasadena

The Pasadena office of Right at Home is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home, LLC, serving the communities of San Gabriel Valley For more information, contact Right at Home of Pasadena at /pasadena, (626) 584-8130 or by email at Renee@homecaregiving.org