Emergency Preparedness

Make a Plan

After a major disaster, it is unlikely that emergency response services will be able to immediately respond to everyone’s needs, so it’s important to be prepared to take care of yourself and your family. Plan to be on your own for at least the first 72 hours. Download the family emergency plan. 

Build a Kit

After a major disaster the usual services we take for granted, such as running water, refrigeration, and telephones, may be unavailable. Experts recommend that you should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least three days. View the American Red Cross document 21 Weeks to Prepare. In the case of pets, please check out the basic evacuations kit checklists for small pets and horses. 

Have a Meeting

At least once a year, have a meeting with your family to discuss and upgrade your disaster plan and determine what training, equipment and supplies are needed. Occasional drills will assure quick reaction and avoid injury and panic in an emergency. 

Links

PROTECTIVE ACTIONS

Protective actions are actions we take to safeguard our family members and ourselves from harm. The most common emergency protective actions are evacuation and shelter-in-place. 

  • Evacuation means to leave the area of actual or potential hazard.  
  • Shelter-in-place means to stay indoors. This includes additional precautions such as turning off air-conditioning, ventilation systems and closing all windows and doors.  

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

  • Remain calm. 
  • Be aware of your surroundings. 
  • Have a Family Preparedness Plan. 
  • Stay informed. 
  • If an evacuation is ordered, follow the instructions of local officials regarding evacuation routes and the location of shelters.  
  • If shelter-in-place is recommended, local officials will provide instructions on necessary actions.  
  • Do not leave your sheltered location or return to the evacuated area until it is deemed safe to do so by local officials. 

EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT

Maintaining an emergency supply kit is a good idea for any emergency. Individuals and organizations should be prepared to be without assistance for a minimum of 72 hours.

  • Battery-powered radio, flashlights, batteries 
  • Whistle 
  • First aid kit and manual 
  • Hard hats 
  • Duct tape 
  • Fluorescent tape to rope off dangerous areas 
  • Water 
  • Food (canned, no-cook, packaged snacks) 
  • Manual can opener 
  • Cash and credit cards 
  • Change of clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes
  • Blankets or sleeping bags 
  • Fire extinguisher (A-B-C) type 
  • Infant and feminine hygiene supplies 
  • Essential medicines and eyeglasses 
  • Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of doctors and pharmacist 
  • Food and water for pets 
  • Large plastic bags for trash, waste, water protection 
  • Toilet paper and paper towels 
  • Charcoal grill or camp stove for outdoor cooking

 

 

CITY WIDE EVACUATION ZONES

An escape route is a prearranged path meant to guide your family to safety during a wildfire. It’s crucial to plan multiple routes out of your neighborhood in case roads are blocked or unsafe. During a disaster, evacuation routes, shelter locations, and other critical emergency information will be communicated to the public through AlertOC, the City’s Public Information Officer, and on-site first responders.

When to Evacuate

Evacuate when public safety officials recommend it to avoid being trapped by fire, smoke, or potential traffic congestion. You don’t need to wait for an official order to leave. In the chaos of a severe wildfire, emergency personnel may not have time to go door-to-door. If you feel unsafe, evacuate immediately. If authorities advise you to leave, don't delay!

Officials will assess factors like the fire's location, behavior, winds, and terrain to determine which areas need evacuation. They may issue either an Evacuation Order or an Evacuation Warning:

  • Evacuation Order: This indicates an immediate and serious threat to life. It’s a legal order to leave now, and the area is closed to the public.

  • Evacuation Warning: This signals a potential threat to life and property. If you need more time to evacuate or have pets and livestock to care for, it’s crucial to leave immediately.