Resilience Requires Planning

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Resilience Requires Planning
Northridge Earthquake. U.S. Geological Survey
Imagine: It is a Saturday and you are at home, your kids are with friends at the mall and your spouse is running errands. The area has a large and damaging earthquake. Power is out, cell signals are jammed, a neighbor says a road collapsed, and you hear sirens – where do you safely meet up with your family? How to you communicate? What is your first step? A family disaster plan is important so the entire family is prepared to respond, no matter what the situation.

Make a Plan            Be Informed             Make a Kit

Plan ahead of time

What will you do if you have to evacuate? Plan in advance for evacuation, separation, and communication. Research pet-friendly hotels in your area.

  • What is your plan if your family is separated?
  • Have Go Bags ready for each member of your family and
  • Pet Go Bags for your pets.

California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services  (Cal OES) has a prepared an expansive and practical Family Preparedness Guide that covers the various natural hazards in our state. As the guide points out, disasters are a matter of when, not if. 

Seconds count. Get alerts.

Set up alerts and listen to credible news sources. Visit the comprehensive wireless emergency site at Cal OES 

Be prepared.

OK to stay home? Have your Emergency Stay Kit ready with at least a 3-day supply of goods. Some experts encourage a 2-3 week supply. Don’t forget your pets!

  • A gallon of water per person, per day
  • Supply of non-perishable food
  • Flashlight and a battery-powered radio
  • First Aid supplies
  • Critical medications

Also include medications, supplies for infants or pets, a multi-purpose tool and personal hygiene items, cell phone chargers, blankets, and emergency contact information. Keep copies of important papers in your kit or keep copies on a flash drive.

Need to leave? Have Go Bags ready for each household member and your pets. Include:

  • Copies of your identification, contact list,  and important documents – store on a flash drive!
  • Map marked with routes out of your neighborhood
  • Cash. Small bills – $1s, $5s, and $10s – add to the stash over time
  • Extra medications and a list of all prescriptions
  • Extra charging cord for your phone
  • Flashlight with extra batteries, multi-tool, whistle, and lighter
  • Small first aid kit
  • Water and snacks
  • Weather resistant jacket and extra clothing
  • Emergency blanket
  • Photos of family and you with your pets

Pet Go Bag. Adjust for your pet’s unique needs. Contra Costa Animal Response (CART) offers a 3-step disaster plan.

  • Pet carrier, leash/ halter/ harness
  • Water, bowls, blanket, toys, waste disposal bags
  • Medications, vaccine records, contact info of vet
  • 3-day supply of food, and water
  • First aid kit
  • Pet ID chip info
  • Current photos of your pet with you/your family.

On the road? Keep a Car Kit in your car at all times. Make it a habit to keep you gas tank at least half full.

  • Water and snacks
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • All purpose tool
  • Cell phone charger
  • Weather resistant jacket and/or blanket
  • Flares
  • Jumper cables

Also include a whistle (to signal for help), face masks, moist towelettes, paper maps, cell phone backup battery, pet food, sunscreen, hat, paper and pencil, extra clothes, money, and fire extinguisher. If applicable: ice scraper, cat litter or sand (for better tire traction).

We encourage you to prepare now for an emergency

Martinez Area CERT wants to make sure you are prepared. We hold Basic Training classes each spring and fall and all classes are FREE. Visit our training page here. We have pulled together a 12-month guide that breaks down preparedness into monthly tasks. The guide is full of tips, lists, reminders and links to reliable resources. You can download the 12-month guide here.  Interested in learning more?

GET ALERTS

SMART 911

Get alerted about emergencies and other important community news by signing up for Martinez Alerts. This system enables The City of Martinez to provide you with critical information quickly in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, police activity, missing persons and evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods. You may specify your home, mobile or business phones, email address, text messages and more.

THE CONTRA COSTA COUNTY COMMUNITY WARNING SYSYEM

The Contra Costa County Community Warning System (CWS) is one of the nation’s most modern and effective all-hazard public warning systems. CWS is an all-hazards system designed to alert the community of an emergency through multiple communication tools. CWS is generally not used for traffic alerts. Sign up to receive important alerts from CWS here.

KNOW YOUR ZONE

Be prepared for wildfires that may affect your home. Know when to act and what action to take. These notices are issued for a Zone with an evacuation status. Find out your home’s zone at CWS Know Your Zone . Zone Aware is now called Genasys Protect. Learn more here.

CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES

California EOS provides alerts and messaging with critical information. Don’t let earthquakes catch you off guard! Seconds of advance warning can provide opportunity to take life-saving actions. Register for California Earthquake Early Warning. Wireless Emergency Services (WEA) is a nation-wide system providing lifesaving information for the State of California sent by state and local public officials. Register for these free services at Cal OES Alerts .

SHAKE ALERT – MyShake Earthquake Early Warning

Seconds count! Download MyShake iOS/Android. Available in California, Oregon, and Washington.

Visit our Resources page for more!