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E M E R G E N C Y S U R V I V A L P R O G R A MC O U N T Y O F L O S A N G E L E S

F A M I LY S T E P ST O S U R V I V A LE S P

FAMILY STEPS TO SURVIVALwww.espfocus.org

Step 1Family Emergency Plan

Step 2Supply Storage

Step 3First Aid Training andSupplies

Step 4Drop! Cover! Hold On!

Step 5Car Kit and Office Kit

Step 6Emergency Cash andImportant Documents

Step 7Camping Out EarthquakeStyle

Step 8Freshen Up Your Waterand Food Supplies

Step 9Focus on Children

Step 10Learn Not to Burn

Step 11Emergency Lighting

Step 12Gifts of Life

Rev: 0410

This project was supported by FY07 UASI funding awarded by the California Emergency Management Agency, through FEMA/DHS.

WHY?Plan now, to avoid trouble later!

Do members of your family know the safest and mostdangerous places in your home during a disaster or anemergency? Do they know where to meet if they'reseparated? Do they know how to report their physicalconditions and whereabouts?

Many government agencies, schools and businesseshave plans for various types of disasters and otheremergencies. Your family should also have one. Thesafety and well-being of your loved ones are important,so take time NOW to develop a family emergencyplan. If you've already developed a plan, take timeNOW to review and update it.

Consider the recommendations included on thereverse side of this Focus Sheet when you develop orupdate your plan.

These are only suggestions for preparing your family. Usediscretion and common sense in your preparations.

Family Emergency Plan



STEP 1www.espfocus.org

Extracted and adapted from “Make A Family Earthquake Plan,” developedby the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA).

Your EnvironmentSafe Spots: Identify objects or places in each room that willprovide protection from falling objects:

□ Sturdy desks and tables□ Interior walls/corners

Danger Spots: Identify objects or places in each room thatpose a danger during a disaster or an emergency:

□ Windows□ Tall unsecured furniture□ Heavy objects on shelves□ Appliances□ Hanging mirrors/plants□ Pictures□ Ceiling lights□ Tall unbraced chimneys inside and outside the

structure.

Evacuation Routes: Locate exits and alternate ways toleave your home should the need arise.

Utility Shut-offs: Show everyone where the shut-offs forthe following are located:

□ Water□ Gas□ Electricity

Teach everyone when and how to shut them off. Gas shouldbe turned off only if you suspect a leak. Contact your utilitycompany if you’re not sure.

Special ProvisionsPlan for family members who have special needs, including:

□ Seniors□ People with disabilities□ Children□ Individuals who take special medications□ Individuals who do not speak English□ Pets

Make provisions for:□ Evacuation, if required□ Special foods□ Medications/eye glasses□ Life-sustaining equipment□ Wheelchairs, canes, walkers□ Strollers

Be sure to store such items in a location that’s easy toaccess.

Meeting PlansIt’s important that family members know where and how toreunite after a disaster or an emergency. Knowing everyoneis alive and well will help family members cope with thesituation more easily.

Include the following in your family emergency plan:□ Out-of-state contact□ Meeting place□ Policies of schools and day-care centers pertaining to:

□ Emergency shelter □ Transportation□ Care for children

Designate someone to pick up your children if you are unableto do so after an emergency. Be sure to check with yourschool for its policies in reuniting children with parents.

Plan ResponsibilitiesYou and family members will have to attend to many details.So will your neighbors. Get together and develop a plan thatcovers all potential problems. Assign specific responsibilitiesto each person based on their probable locations since itmay be difficult to travel as a result of the disaster oremergency.

Complete, clip and give each family member the following:

E S P F A M I L Y S T E P S T O S U R V I V A L / S T E P 1 , S I D E 2

Name:

Address:

Phone:

Out-of-state contact:

Phone:

Meeting place:

Special needs:

Responsibilities:

This information sheet is produced as part of the Emergency Survival Program(ESP). ESP is an awareness campaign designed to increase home,neighborhood, business and school emergency preparedness. ESP wasdeveloped by the County of Los Angeles. The California EmergencyManagement Agency (Cal EMA) and representatives from Contra Costa,Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Marin, Mono, Orange, Riverside, SanBernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, andVentura counties, Southern California Edison, the Southern California EarthquakeCenter and the American Red Cross assist in the development of campaignmaterials and coordination of the campaign.

This project was supported by FY07 UASI funding awarded by the California EmergencyManagement Agency, through FEMA/DHS.


WHY?Supplies won’t help if you can’t get tothem!Flashlights, portable radios, first aid kits and otheremergency supplies are essential after earthquakesand other disasters, but only if you can get to and usethem. Emergency supplies aren’t very useful if you’reunable to get to them when you need them. Store youremergency supplies in a location that you can access.

Consider the options presented on the back side ofthis Focus Sheet. Remember, supplies won’t help youif you can’t get to them.


Supply Storage




StorageThere are several options for storing your emergencysupplies, including:

□ Backpacks

□ Duffel bags

□ Heavy plastic trash cans with wheels

□ Other containers

One of the most important considerations in storing yoursupplies is determining a location that you’ll have access toafter a major earthquake or other disaster. At least twodifferent locations are recommended.

Identify the safe spots in your house as you did when youdeveloped your family emergency plan and conducted yourhome hazard hunt. Then, determine the locations in whichyou spend the most time and to which you’ll have easyaccess.

Your options may include storing the supplies in thefollowing locations:

□ Under your bed

□ In a hallway closet

□ In the den

□ In another location

□ In more than one location such as in a backpack totake with you if you have to leave your home and in thepantry for use while you’re at home.

You also might consider storing some of the supplies indifferent locations. For example:

Supply Location

Flashlight under/by your bed

Sturdy shoes under/by your bed

Portable radio under/by your bed

Eye glasses under/by your bed

Canes, walkers, etc. by your bed

Adjustable wrench at the gas meter

Food, water in the pantry

Remember, however, that food and water require specialconsiderations:

□ Empty open packages of sugar, flour, dried fruits andnuts into screw-top plastic jars or air-tight containers toavoid problems with insects and rodents.

□ Place food and water stored in the pantry on lowershelves to prevent damage to the container.

□ Store your food and water in a dark, cool place toincrease their life span.

□ Do not place plastic containers directly on cementfloors. Lead and other contaminants may leak into thefood or water if the container is placed on cement.




WHY?You might be on your own for 72hours!After a disaster or an emergency, some people gethurt. Are YOU first aid ready? For example, after amajor earthquake, many people are unaware that theymight be on their own for up to 72 hours or more. Youmight have to depend on yourself to treat injured familymembers, friends and coworkers since outsideassistance, including 9-1-1 service, might not beavailable immediately. If you don’t have a first aid kit,NOW is the time to buy or assemble one. If you don’tknow how to administer first aid andcardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), enroll in a firstaid and CPR class TODAY.

The reverse side of this Focus Sheet includes tips oncommon injuries, training, and first aid kits.


First Aid Trainingand Supplies




Common InjuriesEarthquakes can cause a number of injuries. Their mostcommon injuries and effects include:

□ Bleeding

□ Broken bones

□ Burns

□ Cuts from flying/broken glass

□ Shock

□ Stopped breathing

First Aid CoursesAfter a major disaster or other emergency, immediatemedical assistance, including 9-1-1, might not be available.You might have to treat family members, friends andcoworkers who suffer broken bones, cuts and other injuries.Take time NOW to learn first aid and CPR. Courses foradults and children are available through organizations suchas local chapters of the American Red Cross, hospitals andcommunity centers.

First Aid KitsMake sure you have everything you need to treat injuriesthat might occur during a disaster or emergency. Assembleand store an emergency first aid kit that includes:

□ First aid book

□ Bandages

□ Adhesive tape

□ Butterfly bandages

□ 3" elastic bandages

□ Roller bandages

□ Dust masks

□ 4x4 sterile gauze dressings (individually wrapped)

□ Magnifying glass to see splinters

□ Nonallergenic adhesive tape

□ Safety pins

□ Scissors

□ Triangular bandages

□ Antiseptic wipes

□ Blunt-tipped scissors

□ Latex gloves

□ Eye cup or small plastic cup to wash out eyes

□ Emergency (foil) blanket

□ Thermometer

□ Antibiotic salve

□ Tweezers

□ High-absorbency pads

□ Wound disinfectant

□ Saline for eye irrigation

□ Small paper cups

□ Aspirin or acetaminophen

□ Liquid soap

□ Tissues

□ Cold compress

□ Smelling salts

Keep this kit with your other emergency supplies.




WHY?Practice promotes preparedness!Every state in the U.S. is prone to earthquakes.Earthquakes such as the magnitude-7.3 Landers, CAtemblor in 1992 can strike at any time and causenumerous deaths and injuries.

Experience also shows us that even moderateearthquakes—in the magnitude 5 to 6.9 range—cancause a significant number of deaths and injuries. Themagnitude-6.7 Northridge, CA earthquake in 1994caused 57 deaths, more than 10,000 injuries and anestimated $40-42 billion in property losses.

Learn what to do during an earthquake—whetheryou’re at home, work or school. Taking the properactions can save lives and reduce your risk of deathand injury.

Use the information on the reverse side of this FocusSheet to help you become more prepared. Take part inearthquake safety exercises such as annualEarthquake Drop! Cover! Hold On! drills. Contactyour local office of emergency services for moreinformation.


Drop! Cover! Hold On!




HowIf an earthquake strikes while you’re INDOORS, follow thesteps below:

DROP! down to the floor. Avoid windows, bookcases, filecabinets, heavy mirrors, hanging plants and other heavyobjects that could fall. Watch out for falling plaster orceiling tiles. (Protective window coating and materials foranchoring computers, televisions and other breakableitems are now available.)

Take COVER! under a sturdy desk, table or other piece offurniture until the shaking stops. If that’s not possible,seek cover against an interior wall and protect your headand neck by covering them with your arms. Avoid dangerspots near windows, hanging objects, mirrors and tallfurniture.

HOLD ON! to the leg of a sturdy desk, table or other pieceof furniture if you take cover under it. Be ready to movewith it. HOLD the position until the ground stops shakingand it’s safe to move.

Other LocationsEarthquakes don’t always occur when you and your familyare at home, work or school. If you are in a public place,remain calm and do not rush for exits. Take the time inany location to identify alternate exits. Here are someadditional safety tips if you’re at specific locations when theshaking starts:

□ If you’re in an OFFICE BUILDING, don’t use theelevators. Don’t be surprised if the fire alarm, burglaralarm or sprinkler system comes on.

□ If you’re OUTDOORS and can safely do so, move to aclear area, away from trees, signs, windows, buildings,electrical wires and poles.

□ If you’re on a SIDEWALK NEAR BUILDINGS, duckinto a doorway to protect yourself from falling bricks,glass, plaster and debris.

□ If you’re DRIVING, pull over to the side of the road,stop and set the parking brake. Try to avoidoverpasses, bridges, power lines, signs and otherhazards. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking isover. Do not exit your car if wires have fallen on it.

□ If you’re in a CROWDED STORE OR OTHER PUBLICPLACE, don’t rush for exits. Move away from displayshelves containing objects that could fall.

□ If you’re in a WHEELCHAIR, stay in it. If possible,move to cover, lock your wheels and protect your headwith your arms.

□ If you’re in the KITCHEN, turn off the stove and moveaway from it, the refrigerator and overhead cupboards.[Anchor appliances and install safety latches oncupboard doors NOW.]

□ If you’re in a STADIUM OR THEATER, stay in yourseat and protect your head with your arms. If possible,try to crouch down so that your head is below the topof the chair. Don’t try to leave until the shaking isover. Leave in a calm, orderly manner when theshaking stops and you are instructed to do so.

Be prepared for aftershocks. Plan where you will takecover when aftershocks occur.

Adapted from materials developed by the California EmergencyManagement Agency (Cal EMA).




WHY?You might not be at home!No one knows whether he or she will be at home, atwork or on the road when a damaging disaster strikes.Such an event could severely damage transportationroutes or cause their temporary closure.

As a result, you might have to use alternate drivingroutes, abandon your car and walk home or remainwhere you are. Store emergency supply kits at workand in your vehicle to help make your situation lessstressful.

Be sure to keep gasoline in your tank. If an earthquakeoccurs while you are driving, pull over to the side of theroad and stop. Try to avoid stopping under overpasses,power lines or other objects that could fall.

The reverse side of this Focus Sheet includesrecommendations on supplies you should store atwork and in your car for use after a disaster oremergency.


Car Kit and Office Kit




Car and Work Kit Supplies Be sure to store a backpack, duffel bag or tote bagcontaining the following emergency supplies at work and inyour car:

□ Bottled water: At least a 72-hour supply (minimumone gallon per person, per day) to avoid significantlosses of body fluids.

□ Nonperishable food: Dried fruit, unsalted nuts andcrackers, energy bars, etc.

□ First aid kit and book: To provide medical assistanceto yourself, passengers, coworkers and others whomay require aid.

□ Sealable plastic bags: To dispose of trash, waste, etc.

□ Flashlights, spare batteries and bulbs: To providelight if you need to walk home, find evacuation routesat night or if lights are out.

□ Battery-operated radio, spare batteries: To obtainofficial information and instructions.

□ Essential medication: At least a 72-hour supply ofessential prescription medications to maintain yourhealth and provide comfort while walking home orwaiting for roads to reopen.

□ Tools: Screwdrivers, pliers, crowbars, etc., to helpwith debris removal and light search and rescue.

□ Premoistened towelettes: For personal hygiene.

□ Extra clothes: Shirts, pants, blouses, jackets, etc.,that are comfortable.

□ Sturdy shoes: To protect your feet from brokenconcrete, glass and other debris.

□ Manual can opener: To open canned goodscontained in your emergency food supply.

□ Sturdy work gloves: To protect your hands fromsharp objects you may attempt to lift.

Be sure to also include the following items in your car kit:

□ Reflectors: To warn approaching vehicles that yourcar is stopped or abandoned. Check and/or replacethem as needed.

□ Blanket or sleeping bag: To provide warmth andcomfort if you sleep in your car or outdoors while enroute home.

□ Fire extinguisher: To put out small fires.

□ Local maps: To guide you if you use alternate routesto walk or drive to your destination.

□ Hat or visor: To provide protection from the sun.

□ Whistle: To attract attention and call for help.

□ Pen or pencil and tablet: To leave messages if youabandon your car. Be sure to specify the date and timeand your destination.




WHY?Stash some cash!

A disaster may disrupt power. If this should happen, itwon’t be “business as usual.” Banks and ATM’s mightbe closed for an indefinite period, so your money in thebank will stay there.

Your emergency kit should include a sufficient amountof cash to get you through the emergency period.You’ll need cash to purchase food, gas and otheremergency supplies. Small bills—ones, fives andtens—are best.

Be sure you also include plenty of change to call yourout-of-state contact from a public phone. (Public phonelines are among the first to be restored after adisaster.) You also can use your calling card to makethe call.

You’ll also need insurance policies, birth certificatesand other vital records after a damaging disaster. Takesteps NOW to protect them. The reverse side of thisFocus Sheet includes examples of documents youshould have and suggestions on how to safely storethem.


Emergency Cash andImportant Documents




Important DocumentsAfter a damaging disaster or emergency, you’ll need vitalpersonal documents and information for insurance claimsand other matters. Keep the following items and documentsand/or copies of them in a safe deposit box, freezer oranother safe place:

□ Social Security cards

□ Birth certificates

□ Marriage and death records

□ Drivers’ licenses

□ Credit cards

□ Insurance policies

□ Recent income tax returns

□ Mortgage or rental receipts

□ Employment paycheck stubs

□ Deeds

□ Stocks and bonds

□ Savings and checking account books

□ Documentation of valuables

□ Computers

□ Stereo systems

□ Televisions

□ Jewelry

□ Cars

□ Cameras

Video or photo documentation will facilitate insuranceclaims.

□ Wills

□ Health history, allergies, blood types

□ Recent photos of family members for identificationpurposes

Storage TipsSeveral options for safely storing valuables and importantdocuments are available to you, including the following:

□ Fireproof storage box or safe deposit box

□ Freezer (make sure you tightly seal documents in afreezer bag before placing them in the freezer)

□ The home of your out-of-state contact (send onlycopies of documents, not the originals)

Quick ReferenceComplete and use the form provided below as a quick,pocket reference about vital information and documents.

Sources for this document included the FEMA publication “Are YouReady? Your guide to disaster preparedness.”


Name:

SS #:

Auto Insurance Policy #:

Home Insurance Policy #:

Health Insurance Policy#:

Company: Phone:

Family Members Social Security Number

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -



WHY?

You might not be able to cook indoors!A strong earthquake, flood, wild fire or other disastercould severely damage or impair utility systems,including gas lines, for long periods, forcing you to liveand cook outdoors for several days.

Prepare to do so NOW by including outdoor cooking andcamping supplies as part of your emergency kit. Tips onpreparing to live and cook outdoors are featured on thereverse side of this Focus Sheet.

Outdoor CookingIf an emergency disrupts utility services and forces you tocook outdoors, you can use a camp stove or charcoal grill,but remember: use these items for cooking only if you’reoutdoors.

If necessary, you also can use candle warmers and sternos toheat your food. You can heat canned food in the can, but youmust remove the paper and the lid first to let steam escape.Chafing dishes and fondue pots also can be used ascontainers.

Other cooking options include the stove in your recreationalvehicle.

These are only suggestions for preparing your family. Use discretionand common sense in your preparations.

Camping OutEarthquake Style




Cooking SuppliesBe sure to store at least enough of the cooking supplies tolast 72 hours. Choose the supplies for cooking that best suityour family’s needs. A list of options follows:

Essential supplies□ Barbecue or other outdoor grill□ Camp stove□ Sterno-type fuel

Fuels*□ Charcoal and lighter fluid□ Propane

*Check local laws regarding the use of these products.

Supplies□ Disposable plates□ Disposable cups□ Disposable eating utensils□ Paper towels□ Pots, pans□ Waterproof matches or a lighter

Utensils□ Forks, knives and spoons□ Manual can opener□ Tongs with long wooden handles to pick up heated

containers

Outdoor LivingBe sure to have the following supplies available so you andyour family are prepared to live outdoors if an earthquake oranother emergency severely damages your home or yourutility service is interrupted:

Essentials□ Battery-operated radios, flashlights□ Blankets, sleeping bags□ Canopy or tarp□ Clothing□ Rain gear□ Sturdy shoes□ Essential medications□ First aid book and kits□ Food (nonperishable)□ Local maps□ Rope, tape and trash bags□ Shovel, hammer and ax□ Tent(s)□ Water for cooking, drinking and hygiene


Special Tips□ If possible, include foods that do not require cooking.

□ Use foods stored in your refrigerator first. An unpluggedrefrigerator will remain cold for 24 hours if you don’topen the door. Cook foods in your freezer next. Cookfoods stored on shelves last.

□ Store fuels in a ventilated area such as a garage orstorage shed, away from water heaters.

□ Do not camp under power lines, trees or other objectsthat could fall.

Personal hygiene

□ Baking soda to absorb odors

□ Deodorant

□ Lip balm

□ Mouthwash

□ Plastic trash bags

□ Portable shower

□ Portable toilet or bucket

□ Soap

□ Sunscreen

□ Toothbrushes and toothpaste

□ Towelettes

□ Wash cloths

Psychological comfort

□ Candy

□ Cards

□ Family photos

□ Games



WHY?

To increase your safety and comfort!You can’t exist very long without water. It’s essential to life.

Food also is important. Many of us could survive without it forseveral days, but the energy, psychological comfort andnutrition it provides are essential after experiencing adamaging disaster or major emergency.

There’s no assurance that food and water will be available.For example, the Northridge earthquake severely damagedthe water distribution system in the City of Los Angeles,leaving 100,000 homes and businesses without drinkingwater. Water quality also was a problem due to quake-caused interruption of the chlorination process and possiblecontamination through more than 2,000 pipeline breaks.

People who fled their homes for nearby parks had to wait inlong lines to receive food and water from the American RedCross, Salvation Army and other volunteer agencies.

Protect your family and reduce post disaster stress bystoring or freshening your emergency water and foodsupplies. The reverse side of this Focus Sheet provides tipson storing food and water.

Sources included the City of Los Angeles and the CaliforniaEmergency Management Agency (Cal EMA).


Freshen Up Your Waterand Food Supplies




Water Storage□ Store at least a three-day to three-week supply of

drinking water for each family member (at least onegallon per person, per day). Water is available in juice-box type containers, cans, foil packets and plasticbottles.

□ Store additional water for hygiene and cooking.

□ Store a three-day supply of water for your pets.

□ Replace your home-stored tap water every six months.

□ Avoid storing water containers directly on cement.Lead from the cement could pass through thecontainer into the water.

□ Store water on lower shelves, rather than on highershelves from which containers could fall and burst.

□ Store your water in a cool, dark and dry place,separated from your other emergency supplies.

Alternate Water Sources□ Water heater, if secured

□ Toilet tanks (not the bowl) if the water hasn’t beentreated with chemicals to enhance color, smell, etc.

□ Beverages

□ Ice

□ Swimming pools (for hygiene purposes only, not fordrinking!)

Food Selection and Storage□ Store nonperishable foods your family normally eats.

Include items that do not require cooking.

□ Avoid foods that require a lot of water to prepare or areheavily salted and make you thirsty.

□ Remember dietary restrictions.

□ Be sure to store your favorite treats for psychologicalcomfort.

□ Include an emergency food supply for your pets.

□ Store at least a three-day to three-week supply ofcanned foods. Foods in glass bottles and jars mightbreak when a disaster occurs. Include a manual canopener.

□ Open food boxes or cans carefully so you can closethem tightly after each use.

□ Empty open packages of sugar, dried fruits or nuts intoscrew-top (plastic) jars or airtight tin cans to avoidproblems with insects or rodents.

□ Replace/renew your food supply, including cannedgoods, once or twice a year. Check expiration dates.

Eating and Cooking□ Be prepared to cook outdoors. Use a:

□ Charcoal grill

□ Barbecue

□ Camp stove

□ Use foods stored in the refrigerator first; use foodsstored in the freezer next; use foods stored on shelveslast.

Remember: These cooking methods are for outdoor useonly. Cooking indoors with these items allows carbonmonoxide and related gases to build up, which canquickly kill you.

□ Store at least a 72-hour supply of the following items:

□ Charcoal, propane, lighter fluid

□ Waterproof matches or a lighter

□ Paper towels, plastic trash bags

□ Disposable eating utensils

Sources included the American Red Cross publication “Safety andSurvival in an Earthquake.”




WHY?Preparation will reduce stress!

Disasters and emergencies can rattle the nerves ofadults and children, alike. You can’t do anything toprevent disasters such as earthquakes, oremergencies like rolling blackouts, but you and yourchildren can work together to be prepared.

Encourage your children to participate in the activitiesoutlined on the reverse side of this Focus Sheet. Therecommendations have been extracted and adaptedfrom a curriculum developed by Lissa PedersonSamuel, an instructor at Pacific Oaks College inPasadena, and from “What To Expect After ADisaster: Typical Children’s Reactions,” jointlydeveloped by the National Institute of Mental Healthand the Los Angeles County Department of MentalHealth.

Also encourage them to draw themselves and theiremergency supplies in the space provided.


Focus on Children





Learn what earthquakes are and what causes them.Explain why the ground and buildings shake. Go to amuseum, a theme park or an expo that has an earthquakesimulator so everyone can experience the shaking sensation.Remind everyone that the shaking will stop. Read stories orsing songs and let your children ask questions. Learn thedifference between fact and fiction.

Discuss aftershocks. Talk about the possibility thataftershocks as strong as the earthquake itself might occurand continue for some time. Make sure everyoneunderstands that aftershocks are normal.

Assemble children’s emergency kits. Help your childrento assemble their own emergency kits. Include a note fromparents, a special toy, family photograph and treat, as wellas water, food and other emergency supplies. Kits shouldmeet their needs and likes. Remember, no supplies are“wrong.”

Accustom everyone to living without electricity. Gothrough an entire evening without using electricity to prepareeveryone—especially children—for the possibility of havingto live without it. Conduct a “flashlight” walk around the block;hold a candlelight or “flashlight” dinner; tell stories instead ofwatching television.

Coloring Page“I’m disaster prepared!”Draw a picture of you with your emergency supplies.

After a disaster or major emergency, monitor familymembers—particularly children—for behavioral changes,including withdrawal from family and friends, overeating orloss of appetite, disobedience and antisocial behavior.Parents and teachers can respond to such problems byencouraging interaction with family members and friends, byproviding additional attention and physical comfort and byproviding structured but undemanding responsibilities.Contact your local mental health agency for more information.



WHY?

Fires can put you and your home at risk!Fires claim the lives of thousands each year. Strongtemblors can trigger fires by:

□ Breaking gas lines□ Downing electrical lines□ Damaging wiring in appliances□ Toppling shelves holding combustible chemicals

Disaster-related fires also are caused by:□ Leaving food unattended on the stove after an

earthquake strikes□ Lighting or using matches before checking for gas

leaks□ Using fireplaces before they’ve been inspected for

damage

Having a good fire extinguisher and knowing how toproperly use it before a fire occurs can help save your homeand your life.

The reverse side of this Focus Sheet includes informationon how to operate a fire extinguisher and where to installsmoke detectors.


Learn Not to Burn




Fire ExtinguishersEquip your home with dependable fire extinguishers andteach family members how to use them. Proper use of fireextinguishers can keep a small fire from growing, provideyou with an escape route through a small fire and help youfight a small fire until professional firefighters arrive.

How to OperateHold the extinguisher upright and remember the word“P-A-S-S”:

P for PullPull the pin, ring or seal.

A for Aim:Aim the extinguisher nozzle at the baseof the fire. Remember, most fireextinguishers last only 8-10 seconds.Make sure you aim at the base of the firebefore you release.

S for Squeeze:Squeeze or press the handle.

S for Sweep:Sweep slowly from side to side at thebase of the fire until the fire goes out.

Buying TipsSeveral types of fire extinguishers are available:

□ Extinguishers labeled "A" are effective for combatingfires involving paper, cloth, wood or other ordinarycombustibles.

□ Extinguishers labeled "B" are effective for fighting firesinvolving gasoline, kitchen grease, paints, solvents orother flammable liquids.

E S P F A M I L Y S T E P S T O S U R V I V A L / S T E P 1 0 , S I D E 2

□ Extinguishers labeled "C" are effective for fighting firesinvolving electrical equipment, wiring and appliances.

□ Multipurpose dry chemical extinguishers labeled"ABC" are effective for fighting most types of fires.

□ Generally speaking, an A-B-C type extinguisher isrecommended for home use.

Safety Tips□ Make sure you have a clear escape route before you

attempt to put out a fire.

□ Stay low to avoid fumes and smoke.

□ Double check to make sure the fire is completely out.

□ After an earthquake, turn off your stove and unplug allappliances.

□ Get out immediately and call 9-1-1 to notifyauthorities.

Smoke DetectorsYou can reduce your risk of fire-related death or injury,particularly during sleeping hours, by installing smokedetectors in the following locations:

□ Bedrooms

□ Hallways and corridors between rooms

□ Stairway ceilings

□ Basements, attics and garages

□ Living room and den

Be sure to test your smoke detectors each month andchange batteries annually. This also is a good time tocheck your fire extinguishers.



WHY?

You might be without power for hours!Every home should have emergency flashlights and sparebatteries.

The magnitude-6.7 Northridge earthquake in 1994 damagedseveral Los Angeles City Department of Water and Power(DWP) facilities. The quake also damaged several highvoltage transmission lines and caused some towers to failcompletely.

As a result, much of the city was without power for the firsttime in its history. DWP personnel were able to restoreservice to 93 percent of the city within 24 hours, but it mighttake much longer in a larger, regional earthquake.

The quake also left an additional 750,000 customers innearby cities and in cities tied to the power grid from otherstates without electricity for several hours to several days.

Don’t be left in the dark. Before the next emergency strikesprotect your family by obtaining battery-operated flashlightsand extra batteries for your home, office and car. Thereverse side of this Focus Sheet offers suggestions foremergency lighting.

Sources included the City of Los Angeles and the CaliforniaEmergency Management Agency (Cal EMA).


Emergency Lighting



STEP 1 1www.espfocus.org

FlashlightsFlashlights can provide psychological comfort andimmediate emergency light when disasters or otheremergencies disrupt power. They’re good only when youcan find them and the batteries work.

Place a flashlight in every room; secure each one toensure accessibility. Maintain an ample supply of extrabatteries. Check them every six months.

LightsticksLightsticks also are an excellent source of emergency lightand do not require electricity or batteries to operate.Maintain an ample supply for each family member.

Wall UnitsEmergency wall units that plug into electrical sockets andactivate when electricity is disrupted also can provideemergency light during power outages.

RadiosReliable information and instructions are essential after adamaging disaster or emergency. Protect yourself and yourfamily by including battery-operated portable radios ortelevisions and extra batteries in your emergencypreparedness kits.

Special NeedsElectrical outages also can impact persons with hearingimpairments and others with special needs. Prepare NOWby including the following, as appropriate, in youremergency kits:

□ Extra batteries for hearing aids, TDDs, wheelchairs

□ Generator for life-safety equipment

Checking UtilitiesDisasters can also damage utility lines and appliances,putting your home at risk to fire.

Before the next emergency:

□ Show responsible family members the location of yourelectrical service panel and teach them how to turn offservice.

□ Conduct family drills and simulate turning off electricityto test family skills.

After the next emergency:

□ Determine if electricity is out only in your home orthroughout the neighborhood.

□ Check for damaged appliances, as well as fallen,loose or damaged electrical wires.

□ Disconnect damaged appliances.

□ Stop power flow at the service panel if your wiring isdamaged.

□ Turn off gas only if you hear or smell a leak.

□ Reenergize circuits by turning on the main panel firstand then each breaker individually.

□ Call the gas company to restore service. Do not turnthe gas back on yourself.

Sources included "Earthquake Awareness," Los AngelesDepartment of Water and Power.


Safety tip:Do not use candles, hurricane lamps, lanterns and otherobjects that rely on an open flame for lighting. Large andeven moderate aftershocks that usually accompanydamaging earthquakes can topple these items and causefire. Items with open flames also can trigger explosionsby igniting leaking gas.



WHY?

Show you care!Are you having trouble deciding what to get a familymember, friend or coworker for the holidays or an upcomingbirthday? If so, a survival gift might be the answer,especially for someone who hasn’t already bought orassembled their own emergency preparedness kit.Flashlights, portable battery-operated radios, first aid kitsand other emergency supplies will be valuable after adamaging earthquake since people living in the affectedarea might have to rely on themselves for at least 72 hours.

HOWMake a list of persons for whom you’re going to buy orassemble survival gifts. List what you think everyone needs.Depending on your financial situation and the needs of thepeople on your list, you might get one item or an entire kit.You also can coordinate with other relatives, friends andcoworkers to buy different emergency supply items or toassemble kits as a group project, with each participantcontributing one item to the kits.

The reverse side of this ESP information sheet offerssuggestions on holiday gifts that will help prepare yourfriends and neighbors for the next earthquake oremergency.


Gifts of Life



STEP 1 2www.espfocus.org

Less than $5

Bottled water: For drinking.

Dust mask: To reduce inhalation of dust particles.

Emergency (foil) blanket: For warmth.

Emergency reflectors (set of four): To warn approachingvehicles that a car is stopped or abandoned.

Local maps: To guide you if you need to use alternateroutes to walk or drive to your destination.

Manual can opener: To open canned goods in anemergency food supply.

Nonperishable food: Dried fruit, unsalted nuts and otherhigh-energy foods to provide nourishment and energy.

Safety lightsticks: To provide light, especially good for useby children.

Whistle: To signal, attract or call for help in an emergency.

$5-10

Books, games, toys: To provide comfort to children afteran emergency.

Comfort and personal hygiene kit: Mouthwash,toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, deodorant, sunscreen,etc.

Flashlight, spare bulb, and batteries: To provide light ifpower is out or the user needs to walk home at night.

Pocket knife: To cut rope or other materials.

Sturdy work gloves: To protect hands from sharp objectsand debris.

$10-20Duffel bag or backpack: To store items that comprise anemergency kit.

First aid kit (for one) and book: To treat cuts, burns andabrasions.

Hand tools: Wrenches, crowbars, pliers, screwdrivers, etc.,to help turn off utilities, remove debris, etc.

Multipurpose ABC-type fire extinguisher: To help combatsmall residential fires that might result from downed powerlines, damaged wiring in appliances or other causes sincefirefighters might not be available for at least 72 hours.

Portable battery-operated radio: To provide access toinformation and instructions if power is disrupted.

Over $20Camp stove or barbecue: To facilitate outdoor cookingshould gas leaks or other factors make cooking indoorsimpractical.

Commercially made emergency kit: For home, office or car.

Lantern: To provide emergency lighting that does not relyon an open flame.

Sleeping bag: To provide warmth and comfort if you haveto sleep outside.

Sturdy shoes: To protect feet from broken glass and othersharp objects.

Tent: To provide protection from rain, wind and otherenvironmental elements.


Suggested Gifts and Approximate Price Ranges(Many of the items have been highlighted in previous ESP Bulletins.)

