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 (structure and wildland), earthquakes, floods and flash floods and mudslides. You can learn more about how to prepare for these disasters online at http://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. Get Trained The American Red Cross has committed to increasing the number of Americans trained in first aid, CPR, AED (automatic external defibrillators) and other lifesaving skills. Contact the American Red Cross of Ventura County at 805-339-2234, extension 233 to sign up for a class. Every household needs at least one family member trained in first aid and CPR. Volunteer One in every 235 Americans is a Red Cross volunteer. They help respond to local disasters, teach lifesaving skills, organize blood drives or even make phone calls when the need arises. We value every single volunteer - both adults and youth. Contact the American Red Cross of Ventura County at 805-339-2234, extension 281 or visit http://www.arcventura.org/ to learn how you can volunteer. Give Blood Accidents, burns, surgeries, and day-to-day emergencies we all experience draw from our nation's blood supply. Every donation may help save up to three lives. Yet only five percent of the eligible population in the United States donates blood. Simply and honestly, we need more help. Please make a commitment to give blood at least twice a year. To give blood, call 1-800-GIVE LIFE or visit http://www.givelife.org
Other Resources:
http://www.prepare.org/
http://www.disasterhelp.gov/
http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/
www.hhs.gov/disasters/index.shtml
http://www.redcross.org/
http://www.disasterrelief.org
Earthquake Safety Tips
Earthquakes can happen in most states, anytime,without warning. Reducing hazards and knowing what to do can make a big difference in how an earthquake affects your household. Adults and children in the household should talk about what you will do when an earthquake happens. Here is what you can do to prepare for an Earthquake: Prepare a Home Earthquake Plan -Choose a safe place in every room under a sturdy table or desk or against an inside wall where nothing can fall on you.
-Practice DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON at least twice a year. Drop under a sturdy desk or table, hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. If there's no table or desk nearby, sit on the floor against an interior wall away from windows | 
