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Print and fill out this Family Communication Card. Keep everyone in your family updated with important information - Communications Card
Make a Plan
Natural or man-made emergencies happen beyond anyone's control. What helps keep them from reaching disastrous proportions is preparedness. Have a plan and know what to do so you are in control if the unexpected happens.
The disasters most likely to occur in Ventura County are fires, earthquakes, floods, and mudslides. You can learn more about how to prepare for these disasters online at www.redcross.org.
Evacuation
Evacuate immediately if told to do so:
-Listen to your battery-powered radio and follow the instructions of local emergency officials.
-Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
-Take your Disaster Supplies Kit.
-Lock your home.
-Use travel routes specified by local authorities - don't use shortcuts because certain areas may -be impassable or dangerous.
-Take your pets with you.
Know Your Utilities
Locate the main electric fuse box, water service main and natural gas main. Learn how and when to turn these utilities off. Teach all responsible family members about the utilities. Keep necessary tools near gas and water shut off values.
Turn off the utilities only if you suspect the lines are damaged or if you are instructed to do so. If you turn the gas off, you will need a professional to turn it back on.
Your Disaster Plan
Pick two family meeting places:
1. Outside your home in case of an emergency like a fire.
2. Outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home
Establish an out of state emergency contact for family members to check in after a disaster. After a disaster, it's easier to call out of state. All family members must know this person's name and phone number.
Discuss and practice your plan and evacuation. Have a plan to take care of your pets.
Find out about the disaster plans at your workplace, your children's school or day care center and the other places where your family spends time.
Teach children how and when to call 911 for help. Post additional emergency and contact number near each phone.
Ensure that your family has adequate hazard insurance coverage. Most homeowner or renter policies do not cover flood damage.
Obtain appropriate fire extinguishers and teach each family member how to use them. Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room.
Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. Smoke detectors should be replaced every ten years.
Build a Kit
Assemble and maintain a Disaster Supplies Kit. Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least five days. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, duffle bags or covered trash containers. Keep emergency supplies in every vehicle.
Include the following in your Disaster Supplies Kit:
-A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day).
-Food that won't spoil and that you'll enjoy eating- possibly unheated.
-One change of clothing and footwear per person, and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
-A first aid kit.
-Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.
-An extra set of car keys, cash and coins, and copies of important papers, identification, and prescriptions.
-Sanitation and hygiene supplies.
-Special items for family members with special needs, such as infants and the elderly.
-An extra pair of glasses and your family's prescription medications or at least a list of prescriptions.
Never use candles during a power outage or after a disaster!
In the event of a disaster or local siren activation, tune your radio to one of the Emergency Alert System radio stations for Ventura County: KVEN 1450 AM - KHAY 100.7 FM - KMLA 103.7 FM (Spanish). Consider purchasing a NOAA Weather/Alert Radio to receive emergency weather alerts from the National Weather Service.
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