Emergency Preparedness Is Everyone’s Responsibility
According to the Los Angeles Emergency Management Department (EMD) our city is subject to natural, man-made, and accidental incidents of “high consequence”. While we in South Park are not expecting a major wildfire or flood, we will most likely anytime experience a major earthquake of sobering proportions. Understanding and preparing for this likely event is a responsibility shared by all of us.
The first hour of a major disaster is the most important and where the most life-saving will go on. It is estimated that we are due a shaker in excess of 7.9 on the Richter Scale when the San Andreas goes off – something that should happen every 150 years according to the actuarial standards. The last such earthquake was the Fort Tejon quake that occurred a little over 150 years ago. (Need I say more?) It is estimated that when the Big One hits, 50,000 structures will be destroyed and 300,000 structures will be damaged, producing 1,600 spontaneous fires in the Los Angeles basin. Don’t expect any help in the first hours or days following an event from the fire department! You are on your own to save yourself and your neighbors.
What can you do?
You can start by making sure you and your loved ones know what to do during an earthquake and what will be necessary following the event. What you will need to know is more than can be written in this short article. The EMD has established several active information and education programs. You owe it to yourself and everyone around you to take steps now to:
1. Secure your home by identifying hazards and securing moveable objects
2. Plan to be safe by creating a disaster plan and deciding how you can communicate in an emergency
3. Organize disaster supplies where you can grab them quickly
4. Minimize financial hardship by organizing important documents, strengthening your , and considering insurance.
5. Know what to do immediately when the Big One hits.
Go to www.shakeout.org for a lot of pertinent information.
After the quake you will have much to do. EMD has prepared many programs for us to follow that are made available by calling 213-259-4323 or 213-484-4808. Ask for Eric Morgan who has been tasked with giving you the information you need. He can tell you about several organized programs that can bring you up to date on everything you need to know including the CERT program (Community Emergency Response Team), a 20-hour free course that trains residents on disaster preparedness, the hazards that may impact our area, and how to handle them. The CERT program is run by the Los Angeles Fire Department. Visit LAFDCERT@lacity.org. (213-202-3136) for more information.
The Ready Your LA Neighborhood (RYLAN) program is a free and simple awareness and training program that can help you, your family, and your neighbors prepare for disasters and organize your neighborhood to respond together to reduce injuries, protect property and the environment, and save lives in the first hours after a disaster. The RYLAN program can be accessed at RYLAN@lacity.org (213-484-4800).
We’ve got a lot to do here that cannot wait. This is no Chicken Little situation. A major quake will happen. Let’s get busy figuring out how to handle it.
By John Nilsson