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ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA PREPARES FOR THE NEXT DISASTER

By Evelyn Kennedy

Real Estate Agent with Alain Pinel Realtors CalBRE#00979900

March 15, 2011 05:33 AM

ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA PREPARES FOR THE NEXT DISASTER

Alameda, California Pepares for the Next Disaster. Japan had a GREAT earthquake and it was a scary event. You can prepare for the next "Big One" whether its an earthquake hurricane, tornado, flood or other disaster. Being prepared will give you a certain peace of mind to help you cope with the stress of a disaster.

1906 San Francisco Earthquake

First you should make a plan. Pick a location for your family to meet. Build a kit, read the following for more information about a kit. And finally get involved.

If you live in Alameda, California the Alamede Fire Department sponsors a program, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). CERT provides a 6 week training program free for residents and people who work in Alameda. The next group of classes will begin in April. Don't wait, sign up now.

Here is the minimum you should have to survive a disaster. Knowing how to do CPR and first aid are a big plus.

1. You need enough water for at least three days, having water for one week is even better. You should have one gallon of water for each person per day.

2. Non-perishable food enough for three days but it is best if you have enough for one week. Don't forget a manual can opener.

3. A first aid kit.

4. Fire extinguisher

5. Flashlights and batteries

6. Portable radio with extra batteries or crank style radio which does not require batteries

6. Blankets and/or sleeping bags

7. Heavy shoes and extra clothing

8. Work gloves

9. Whistle

10. Large plastic garbage bags

11. Disinfectants to purify water if needed.

Santa Cruz Harbor after Tsunami

12. Personal items - Comfort kit - ( items in a bag that can be grabbed for quick evacuation)

Change of clothes

Toothbrushes/toothpaste

Wash cloth and towel

Moist towelettes

Mess kit for eating, or paper plates and plastic

utensils

Paper towels

A three day supply of medications

Record of Prescription /medical conditions

Important phone numbers: out of town contacts, doctors, hospital, family members

Proof of residency, copies of ID, copies of credit cards

Pre-paid Phone Card

Copy of health insurance

Cash, bills and coins(a roll of quarter is a good start, but you should have at least $50.00 in cash)

South East Asia Tsunami

Extra pair of glasses

Toilet paper

Extra keys to house and autos

13. Pet food, leash and pet medications for your pets

These are just essentials. You can probably think of other things that should be in your kit. To help you prepare for the next disaster contact the Red Cross for more information.

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Dee Mayers

Covina, CA

San Gabriel Valley, CA

I too wrote a blog about being prepared in case of a disaster, and you gave some good advise and a most impressive list of must haves but, my only problem is that if you are elderly, have children to shelter from falling debris, or have to run...

Mar 15, 2011 08:36 AM

Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD

Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Evelyn, This is an excellent list for everyone everywhere. Being prepared is so important.

Margaret

Mar 15, 2011 12:10 PM

Evelyn Kennedy

Alain Pinel Realtors - Alameda, CA

Alameda, Real Estate, Alameda, CA

Dee:

Thanks. Actually the Red Cross has a pamphlet about senior and disasters. I'll try to find it and send the link to you.

Margaret: Thank you so much. I appreciate your comments.

Mar 15, 2011 01:53 PM

Looking forward to it. My mom brought up the point on if she has to run that made me think of the same thing, how would she do it it with a load on her back, how would parent(s) do the same and look after their children too!

I look to the Japanese for clues but it is hard to tell. It's a good concept to have a kit if you are staying put in your home but on the run, somethings will have to be left behind. Maybe the Red Cross have the answers. I still think your blog is helpful especially for folks in earthquake country.

Mar 16, 2011 09:53 AM

Anonymous

The kit can be as small or as large as you want. I have kits in my car, at my home and in my office. Ordinary she would not run unless there was a fire in her home or where she was at the time of an event. We are told to "Duck, hold and cover". Meaning that we would move under a table or desk or some structure like that and hold on the a leg of the table and cover our heads. After the earthquake occurs then we would take the kit with us if we are evacuating the building. Otherwise, we would simply stay put.

As to children, their parents would look after them. They would do the same thing as seniors. First Duck, hold and cover.

I couldn't find the senior disaster booklet on line at American Red Cross. I have a copy. I will scan it and email it to you. What address should I use.

Thanks for your comments.

Mar 16, 2011 11:50 AM

Karen Kruschka

RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA

- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"

Evelyn That is an excellent list - it makes me realize I have a lot of work to do to get ours updated

Mar 17, 2011 09:27 AM

Hi Karen:

Hope you are well. Thank you for your comment, but the list is from the Red Cross and the Alameda Cert group. It just a beginning. Take care.

Mar 23, 2011 11:25 AM

ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA PREPARES FOR THE NEXT DISASTER

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