Having a plan can be your best protection during a disaster.
Where will your family be when disaster strikes? They could be anywhere -- at work, school, at the store, in the car . . . the list goes on. Since Los Angeles is spread across more than 500 square miles, it's especially important that family members and others who depend on you are prepared.
- How will you find each other?
- Will you know if your children, elderly family members, and pets are safe?
- What would you do if basic services -- water, gas, electricity, or phones -- were cut off?
Families can cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team.
Discuss with those you live with the dangers of fire, severe weather, earthquakes, and other emergencies. Create a plan and post it where everyone will see it. It's only too late if you fail to plan.
Follow these seven steps to safety:
- Find out what disasters could occur (see LA Emergencies and Threats as well as the California "My Hazards" interactive map).
- Create, practice, and maintain your family disaster plan.
- Plan for family members who may need additional assistance (e.g., older adults, family members who have disabilities or access and functional needs, children, and pets).
- Pick an out-of-state contact for family members to call if separated by disaster.
- Do a home-hazard hunt -- check for anything that can move, fall, break, or cause fire.
- Prepare a disaster supply kit.
- Make an emergency kit for your vehicle.
For more information and resources, see the "Ready Your LA Neighborhood" (RYLAN) program pages for household and individual readiness.
RYLAN
For even more information on how to prepare your home, visit the LA City Fire Department's Disaster Preparedness website, or call (818) 756-9674.