Planning for Emergencies
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
It’s been a crazy start to 2025. As I shared in my last post, my family and I got lucky that our home was spared by the fires. I recently had a chance to talk to our neighbors, and came to find out that the firefighters showed up just in the nick of time before the fire reached our house. The trees around our property were on fire, but they were able to put them out.
Besides luck, there was a lot of preparation that was done by us. As I like to think, the more we prepare, the “luckier” we get. It was just a few weeks before the fire that we had cleared out the brush around the property. We went out 100-150 feet from the home, to make sure there was a good perimeter around the house.
We also actively clear out our gutters, trim any loose branches and remove dry palm trees throughout the year. Our home has a Spanish clay roof and the exterior is covered with stucco. The firemen that have been patrolling our street, let me know that all of these items helped save the house from all the flying embers that were around us.
Besides preparing our home for any possible fires nearby, Rosa and I wanted to make sure that our kids were prepared for an evacuation. Sometimes you have time to plan for an “orderly” evacuation and sometimes you get a knock on your door at 3 am and you have to run out the house.
Unfortunately, my family is all too familiar with fires in the area. It wasn’t too long ago when the Bobcat fire burned over 115,000 acres in September of 2020. That fire got near our home and we were on evacuation standby. In October of 2017, there was a large fire on Mount Wilson that was visible from our home. There have been hundreds of major fires in California over the last several years.
As I write this, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) reports 7 major active fires that are still not 100% contained. So a few years back, we made the decision to talk to the kids and share with them what the emergency plan would be in case of fire, earthquake, mudslides, etc.
I made sure that our immediate neighbors had our kids cell numbers and that our boys had their info as well. This is so crucial for communication. Especially if you are away, like we were when our oldest son, Jeremiah, had to evacuate on his own. The neighbor and our son were in constant contact and notified each other as they vacated the neighborhood.
We planned for a safe place to meet in case we had to evacuate or lost connection. The boys knew that if they had to rush out of the house and we were not able to get in touch with them for any reason, they should head to grandma’s house. Agreeing on a separate location that is not too close to our home but not too far, was helpful as our son went to my mother-in-law’s home when he was told to vacate.
Lastly, a few years back, I decided to buy a fireproof and waterproof lockable safe box for items that need to be kept in hard copy. I had thought about a large safe which I could bolt down to the floor, but I wanted something small that I could grab and run out the door if needed. Inside, I have our passports, living trust paperwork, birth certificates, other important documents and cash. The kids knew where the safe was hidden and that they should grab that if they ever needed to run out of the house.
This is the fireproof safe box that I bought recently
And Jeremiah did just that. He packed a few items of clothing, grabbed the portable safe and headed out of the house as soon as he could. Rosa and I were so glad that he did.
One item that I will be doing in the coming months is scanning all of my physical photos. You remember when we used to go to the one hour photo and print out photos? Well, I still have a number of photo albums that I need to convert into digital photos. That way, if anything were to happen I would have them backed up in the cloud.
Besides scanning your photos, I would highly recommend that you do the same with any important documents. Scanning them and storing them in the cloud or digitally on a USB Flash Drive like I did, could be a lifesaver.
I store all my important documents on a USB Flash Drive
Comprehensive Guide to Emergency Preparedness
Emergencies, whether natural disasters, accidents, or unforeseen events, can strike without warning, disrupting lives and leaving individuals and communities vulnerable. Preparedness is the key to mitigating the impact of such crises and ensuring the safety and well-being of yourself and your loved ones. By taking proactive steps and developing a comprehensive emergency plan, you can navigate these challenging situations with greater confidence and resilience.
1. Crafting a Detailed Emergency Plan
Your emergency plan serves as a roadmap for action during a crisis. It should be tailored to your specific circumstances, household, and community. Key components include:
Emergency Contacts: Compile a list of essential contact information, including local emergency services (police, fire, ambulance), family members, neighbors, and out-of-area contacts.
Important Documents: Safeguard critical documents like identification, insurance policies, medical records, and financial information in a waterproof and fireproof container or digitally in a secure cloud storage.
Evacuation Plan: Map out primary and secondary evacuation routes from your home and workplace, designate a meeting place for family members, and pack a "go-bag" with essentials for a quick departure.
Communication Plan: Establish a communication strategy for staying connected with family and friends during an emergency, considering scenarios where cell phone service may be disrupted.
Shelter-in-Place Plan: Prepare for situations where evacuation may not be possible, ensuring you have adequate supplies of food, water, and other necessities to sustain your household for several days.
2. Building a Well-Stocked Emergency Kit
Your emergency kit should contain essential items to sustain you and your family for at least 72 hours. Consider the following:
Food and Water: Store a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water (one gallon per person per day).
First Aid Kit: Assemble a comprehensive first aid kit with supplies to treat minor injuries and illnesses.
Light and Communication: Pack a flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, and a power bank for charging electronic devices.
Safety and Sanitation: Include a whistle, dust masks, work gloves, hand sanitizer, and basic hygiene items.
Tools and Supplies: Gather a multi-tool, duct tape, a can opener, and other essential tools for emergency situations.
Comfort and Warmth: Pack blankets, warm clothing, and a change of clothes for each family member.
Important Documents: Keep copies of essential documents in your emergency kit.
Medications and Medical Supplies: Ensure you have a sufficient supply of any prescription medications and necessary medical supplies.
Cash and Valuables: Store a small amount of cash and any valuable items in a secure location within your kit.
3. Staying Informed and Connected
During an emergency, reliable information is crucial. Monitor local news and weather reports, follow emergency management agencies on social media, and sign up for emergency alerts. Have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay informed even if power is out.
4. Preparing for Evacuation
If evacuation orders are issued, heed them promptly. Grab your emergency kit, secure your home, and follow designated evacuation routes. Stay informed about shelter locations and procedures.
5. Helping Others in Need
If you are able, extend a helping hand to those in need during an emergency. Check on neighbors, assist with evacuation efforts, or volunteer at local shelters. Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of others.
6. Additional Considerations
Pet Preparedness: Include your pets in your emergency plan, ensuring they have food, water, and necessary supplies.
Special Needs: If you or a family member has special needs, make arrangements for accommodations and support during an emergency.
Home Safety: Take steps to mitigate potential hazards in your home, such as securing heavy furniture and installing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.
Financial Preparedness: Maintain an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses during a crisis.
Community Engagement: Participate in community preparedness initiatives and get to know your neighbors.
By taking these comprehensive measures and remaining vigilant, you can face emergencies with greater preparedness and resilience, safeguarding yourself and your loved ones in the face of uncertainty. Remember, preparedness is an ongoing process, so regularly review and update your emergency plan and supplies to ensure they remain current and effective.
~Alex
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