American Red Cross Disaster Preparedness for the Silicon Valley Community

American Red CrossDisaster Preparedness

for the Silicon Valley Community

American Red Cross Silicon Valley Chapter

2731 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95134400 Mitchell Lane, Palo Alto, CA 943017666 Crest Ave, Morgan Hill, CA 95037

(877) 727-6771www.siliconvalley-redcross.org

Common Bay Area Disasters

3 Steps to Being Prepared

#1: Get a Kit A disaster supplies kit should include:

Water Food and a manual can opener Flashlights and batteries First aid kit Battery-powered radio Tools Duct tape and plastic sheeting

#1: Get a Kit (cont.)

A disaster supplies kit should also include:

Clothing and bedding Prescription medication Pet supplies Cash and coins Sanitary supplies Important papers Contact information and a map

Buy online at www.siliconvalley-redcross.org

#1: Get a Kit

#2: Make a Plan

Talk Learn Tell Practice

What’s in the Plan?

An escape and meeting plan

A communication plan

A utility shutdown plan

Escape & Meeting Plan

2 ways out of every room

2 ways out of the house

2 Meeting places

A Communications Plan Who to Call?

Ideally an out of-of-town contact

Learn to text

Remember to keep the message short, others will be trying to make contact!

https://disastersafe.redcross.org

A Utilities Shut off Plan

Water Shutoff

Electric Shutoff

Gas Shutoff

The following radio stations broadcast emergency information and instructions from authorities during emergencies:

KCBS - AM 740KGO - AM 810 KQED - FM 88.5 KLIV – AM 1590

KSOL - FM 98.9 (Spanish) KSJX - 1500 AM (Vietnamese)

* AlertSCC – for Emergency Warnings

#3: Be Informed

#3: Be Informed (cont.)

The 3 C’s

Check-Call-CareCheck-Call-CareAlways use the Emergency Action Steps:Check the scene for safety, then check the

victim;Call 9-1-1, or your local emergency

number to get advanced medical help; and Give care to the injured person.

What is the most common disaster the Red Cross responds to?

…House Fires!

Fire Safety Home fire is the most common disaster in the U.S.

Fires cause the most disaster related deaths.

Asphyxiation is primary cause of death, 3 times that of burns

Fire Prevention Keep anything flammable at least 3

feet away from hot items.

Don’t leave candles unattended.

Avoid smoking in bed.

Keep matches and lighters secured and away from children.

Maintain home heating sources.

Conduct a home hazard hunt.

Draw a floor plan of home and identify 2 escape routes out of every room. Install escape ladders for sleeping areas on second

floor or above.

Install quick release devices for inside of burglar/security bars.

Select a safe outside meeting place. Conduct a home fire drill twice a year.

Fire Prevention (cont.)

Smoke Detectors

At least one on each level of your home.

Check the smoke detectors every six months!

Place inside & outside bedrooms

Change batteries yearly or

when alarm ‘chirps’

Replace every 10 years

What is the most effective defense against a house fire?

In Case of Fire, Take Action Get out. Go to your meeting place. If escaping through closed door, feel door, before opening. Close doors behind you as you escape to delay spread of the fire. Once outside make the 911 call.

Fire Safety Have a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen and the garage of your home.

Learn how to properly use an extinguisher in the event of a small fire.

Earthquakes

Fortunate Factors from Loma Prieta

Recent Earthquakes

ABAG Maps

•

ABAG Shake Map

ABAG Liquefaction Map

Earthquake Hazards Fires Debris Power Outages Landslides Flash Floods Tsunamis

Earthquake SafetyIf you are indoors:

DROP, COVER & HOLD.

Under a sturdy table or object Doorway? Seniors Sit Down!!!

* Most earthquake-related injuries are from flying glass & falling objects, not collapses.

Outside:- Drop & Cover!- Open space is best- Away from buildings, trees,

telephone lines, etc…* If driving, pull over in an

OPEN space & stay in the car

What if I’m driving on a bridge?

Earthquake Safety

After the Initial Shock Wave Be prepared for aftershocks within first hours, days, weeks and months after quake Listen to local radio for latest emergency

information Stay out of damaged buildings and

return only if authorities say it is safe. Leave area if you smell gas or fumes. Open closet and cupboard doors cautiously.

Bolt down water heaters & large furniture to wall studs.

Secure other large/mobile items (TVs, light fixtures, computer equipment).

Install latches on cabinets.

Make a Plan

FloodsIn the United States, about 90% of damage related to

natural disasters is caused by floods and associated debris flows.

Floods: Make a Plan

Learn about your area’s flood risk and elevation above flood stage. If you are at risk for floods:

Talk to your insurance agent. Discuss a meeting place if need to evacuate Discuss your plan.

Take Action• Listen to radio for current information and follow advice.• Stay out of flood-prone areas.• If you are outdoors, move away from flood

waters, climb to higher ground and stay there.• If driving and encounter flood waters, turn

around and go another way. DO NOT drive through flood waters.

Afterwards…

When it is safe to return home:

Use caution; search for fire hazards. Take pictures of the damage. Discard food that came in contact with flood

waters. Follow advice of public health officials about

how to treat water.

Pandemic Flu

What is the difference between Seasonal and Pandemic Flu??

Ways to Protect Yourself and Loved Ones

Flu Protection

Wash your hands !

Cover your mouth/nose when you cough or sneeze

Don’t go to work if you are sick!

Get a flu shot!

Apply alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Start today . . . Do the easy “stuff” first! Put a pair of shoes and flashlight by your bed Start your Communications PlanCheck around the home – Hazard HuntCheck your smoke detectorStart to build your kitHave a Family meeting Learn First Aid/CPRTest your plans

Volunteer: Visit www.siliconvalley-redcross.org or call (877) 727-6771 for more information regarding volunteer opportunities at a Red Cross chapter near you!

Give Blood: Go to www.beadonor.com or call (800) 448- 3543 for eligibility requirements and information regarding giving blood in the Bay Area.

Donate: Visit www.siliconvalley-redcross.org or call (877) 727-6771 to learn how to donate.

Get Involved

Questions?