Bel~Air Association 

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE

The Bel-Air Association has held two Emergency Preparedness Forums to inform residents of the need to have a plan for themselves and their families to deal with a major earthquake or fire as it is likely that residents will be on their own for the first (5) days of a major disaster.

To assist you in developing your disaster plan, the Bel-Air community has been divided into twelve (12) sectors.  Each sector has a chair person and there are chairs for the streets within the sectors. The goal of the chairs is to develop telephone trees which neighbors can use to contact each other during an emergency. If computers are functioning, the Bel-Air Association plans to send out an email blast (blind copy to all) giving residents valuable information. Once the telephone tree for your street or street segment is completed, you will receive a copy.  If you do not want your information listed, please let your street chair know.

In addition, street chairs are collecting information regarding residents’ medical skills, generator locations, portable toilets, chainsaws and other heavy equipment.

 We are also exploring  partnering with the Greater Los Angeles American Red Cross to see how the Bel-Air community can assist in catastrophic disaster planning.

DEVELOPING YOUR FAMILY DISASTER PLAN

 1.Develop a plan for evacuating the residence, locate two exits from each room,  secure water heater, refrigerator and heavy and tall furniture, move heavy items to lower shelves, and install clips and latches on cabinet doors.  Have a five day supply of food and water on hand (one

gallon of water/per person/ per day)

2. Practice the evacuation plan and up date yearly.  Share plan with family, household help and neighbors.

3. Plan a location outside the home for family members to meet  if they are unable to return home.

4. Locate utility cutoff valves and learn  how to turn them off.

5. Assemble disaster preparedness supplies.  ( See contents listed below)

     List of  telephone numbers and contacts , in and out of state.

     Home disaster pack/ survivor pack

     Car disaster pack

     Grab and Go Case

     Bedside Case

 

SURVIVOR PACK   Designed to sustain 2 people for 3 days

 1 TWEEZERS Use to pick out splinters, remove small objects ,handle sterile objects, or as an implement with which to scratch or scrape

12 ASPIRIN   Use as necessary. Read instructions. Use to relieve pain or reduce swelling.

10 ADHESIVE BANDAGES.  Use for small cuts, to tape splints on fingers.

1 TUBE FIRST AID CREAM    Read directions on tube.  Do not apply directly to wound, apply to pad first.  In most cases do not use for burns.

1 ROLL ADHESIVE TAPE   Use to bind a wound, rape a rib, secure a bandage.     

6 GAUZE PADS   Use as a covering for a wound, use to wipe or clean.

1 GAUZE ROLL Use to hold gauze pad to wound, to wrap a head wound, as a sling for an arm, or to bind objects.  Wrap fingers, toes.

2 TONGUE DEPRESSORS Use for small splints, for mixing, or as kindling to start a fire.

2-THREE DAYS WATER RATIONS 8oz. Ration per day ( two 4 oz. Packets per day per person).  DO NOT WAIT until you are thirsty for your first drink.  Drink some, before you put demands on your body.  Shelf life of water is five years.

6 ALCOHOL WIPES   Use to clean a wound or to ignite a fire

6 TOWELETTES   Use to wash or refresh yourself.

1 FLASHLIGHT, 2 BATTERIES Use for light and signaling.  USE SPARINGLY. Do not store batteries in flashlight

1 BOX WATERPROOF MATCHES 50 matches per box.  Use for lighting fire, candles, signaling.

1 ROLL DUCT TAPE   Highly versatile.  Seal a door, wrap objects, tape a radiator hose, tape ribs (do not apply directly to skin) use on dry surfaces-will stick to almost any surface.

2 EMERGENCY BLANKETS Use as blanket for warmth (will retain up to 80% of body heat)., use as a stretcher (if not pierced, will support up to 250 lbs.) As a body bag-seal with duct tape, as a reflector for signaling, or as a curtain for privacy.

3 UTILITY BAGS One of the most useful items you have.  Use for protection from wind, cold, water, as clothing or as a shelter.  CAUTION MAKE AIR HOLES FOR BREATHING. Can be used to carry objects, as storage, or for signaling.

3 TISSUE PACKS   Use as toilet tissue, to start a fire, to clean a wound.

1 WHISTLE   Use to get attention- signaling device.

1 NON-GLASS MIRROR   Use as expected, also to signal, as a shovel or as a knife.

 

HOME DISASTER PACK

     Crowbar, rope, chalk, garden gloves, hard hat, mask, light sticks, sanitary supplies, pet food

     Garbage bags, fire extinguisher, first aid supplies, saran wrap for burns, extra batteries, flash

     light, cash, toys, candy, handiwipes or hand sanitizer, battery or solar powered radio., and

     Survivor Pack.

 

CAR DISASTER PACK-

     A survival pack, pair of sneakers, sweat suit, flashlight, list of contacts in and out of town,

     Extra batteries (not heavy duty), cash,

 

BEDSIDE CASE

     In a plastic bag tied to bedside or night stand-extra pair of socks, heavy shoes, glasses,  

     prescriptions,  extra medicine , clothes, cash and a flashlight and extra batteries. Do

     not put batteries in the flashlight.

 

 Land line telephone.  Cell and hand held phones may not be working. 

GRAB AND GO CASE

Will and/or trust documents

Power if attorney

Insurance policies

Contact list

Recent investment statements

Recent Tax return

Copies of birth/marriage certificates

Social security cards

Passports and other identity documents

List of prescriptions

Emergency cash

Safe combination

Safe-deposit box keys

Copy of driver’s license

Computer user names and passwords

List of checking/savings account numbers

List of credit card numbers and company information

 

IF YOU MUST EVACUATE- Place a message on the front door stating where you can be reached.  Take your grab and go case and your survivor pack with you. 

Turn off utilities and water lines as conditions warrant,

The American Red Cross located at 11355 Ohio Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90025 www.RedCrossLA.org  has disaster supplies and disaster packs for sale.