During National Preparedness Month, the Los Angeles Fire Department reminds you...

Earthquakes are a risk in many parts of the United States, including California.

More common than earthquakes though, are the myths that surround them. You can learn the facts about earthquakes and how to protect your family by visiting:

earthquakecountry.info

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - In a Disaster: Will You Shake, Rattle and Roll?

During National Preparedness Month, the Los Angeles Fire Department reminds you...

A disaster can cause significant financial impact. Your apartment or home may be severely damaged or destroyed. You could be forced to live in temporary housing. Income might be cut off or significantly reduced. Important financial records could be destroyed. Take time now to assess your situation and ask questions of trusted and credentialed financial advisers, such as your insurance agent and banker.

Consider using the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK), a free on-line tool developed by Operation Hope, FEMA and Citizen Corps - or take advantage of an American Red Cross publication called Financial Planning: A Guide for Disaster Preparedness, available at RedCross.org



Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - In a Disaster: What Will Be Your Financial Future?

During National Preparedness Month, the Los Angeles Fire Department asks you to...

Understand that during an emergency you may be asked to shelter-in-place or evacuate. Plan for both possibilities and prepare those in your household and workplace to listen for instructions from local public safety officials.

In fact, now would be a good time to pre-set local news stations on every car, home and personal radio - and to learn about social media services (such as @LAFD on Twitter) and other systems that may be used to keep you informed.



Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - In a Disaster: Shelter-in-Place or Evacuate?

During National Preparedness Month, the Los Angeles Fire Department reminds you...

In some emergencies you may be required to turn off your utilities. You need to be able to:

• Locate the electric, gas and water shut-off valves.
• Keep necessary tools near gas and water shut-off valves.
• Teach adult family members how to turn off utilities.

NOTE: If you turn off a natural gas supply, a professional must turn it back on. Do not attempt to do this yourself!



Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - In a Disaster: Know How to Turn Off Utilities

During National Preparedness Month, the Los Angeles Fire Department reminds you...

When water is of questionable purity, its easiest and safest to use bottled water for drinking and cooking. When not available, its important you know how to treat potentially contaminated water.

In addition to having a bad odor or taste, water from questionable sources may be contaminated by microorganisms - including bacteria and parasites that cause diseases such as dysentery, cholera, typhoid and hepatitis.

All water of uncertain purity should be treated before use.

We suggest you use one or more of these treatments:

• Filter: Filter contaminated water using a piece of cloth, paper towel or coffee filter to remove solid particles.
• Chlorinate:
• Add 8 drops (1/16 teaspoon) of pure unscented liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water. Double the amount of bleach if the water is cloudy. Stir to mix.
• Let stand 30 minutes.
• If it smells lightly of chlorine, you can use it. If it does not smell of chlorine, discard it and find another source of water.
• Boil: Bring water to a rolling boil for at least five full minutes at sea level. A rolling boil is a vigorous boil that cannot be stopped by stirring. Add one minute for each 1,000 feet altitude above sea level. Double the boiling time if the water is cloudy, and be sure to use a heat source that does not increase your risk of fire.

Swimming pool and flood water can be contaminated by toxic chemicals. Do not attempt to treat pool, spa or floodwater - and be careful not to contaminate yourself or utensils with impure water.



Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - In a Disaster: Treat Contaminated Water

During National Preparedness Month, the Los Angeles Fire Department asks you to visit and bookmark these websites...

• MySafeLA
• CERT - LA
• ReadyLA
• County of Los Angeles - Emergency Survival Guide
• Dare To Prepare
• CalEMA Preparedness
• CERT - Community Emergency Response Teams
• CDC - Emergency Preparedness and Response
• Ready.gov

During a disaster, internet and telephone access may be disrupted. Now is the time to print important information and place a copy with your disaster supplies.

In A Disaster: Knowledge Is Power!

Do you have a favorite non-commercial disaster preparedness site we missed? Please include yours in our comments, and we'll seek to share them!

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - In a Disaster: Knowledge is Power

During National Preparedness Month, the Los Angeles Fire Department asks you to...

Make sure that every child and young person in your household is ready for disaster. Whether living with you or visiting often, your planning for them must take into account that disasters often strike without warning.

In a disaster, local responders may be overwhelmed and unable to assist you. That's why it's essential for everyone to be prepared!

You can assist children in understanding and preparing for emergencies by visiting ready.gov/kids, or downloading the American Red Cross 'Masters of Disaster ®' educational materials via RedCross.org

Your future and theirs depends on a conversation and a few simple steps that can start right now.



Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - In a Disaster: Are Young Family Members Ready?

During National Preparedness Month, the Los Angeles Fire Department reminds you to...

Keep a smaller version of your emergency supply kit in your vehicle, in case you are commuting or traveling when disaster strikes.

Emergency Kit For Your Vehicle

• Bottled water and non-perishable high energy foods, such as granola bars, raisins and peanut butter
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Blanket
• Booster cables
• Fire extinguisher (A-B-C type)
• First aid kit and manual
• Maps
• Shovel
• Tire repair kit and pump
• Flares or other emergency marking devices

Tell us what you keep in your car kit!

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - In a Disaster: Have a Car Kit

During National Preparedness Month, the Los Angeles Fire Department asks you to...

Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person in your emergency supply kit. We suggest long pants and long sleeves for additional protection after a disaster.

• Clothing and Bedding
• Sturdy shoes or work boots*
• Rain gear*
• Blankets or sleeping bags*
• Hat and work gloves*
• Thermal underwear
• Sunglasses

* Indicates an Essential Item


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - In a Disaster: What Will You Wear?

During National Preparedness Month, the Los Angeles Fire Department reminds you to prepare for...

Sanitation

• Toilet paper, towelettes*
• Soap, liquid detergent*
• Feminine supplies*
• Personal hygiene items*
• Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)*
• Plastic bucket with tight lid
• Disinfectant
• Household chlorine bleach

* Indicates an Essential Item

...to be continued tomorrow!


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - In a Disaster: Be Prepared For Sanitation

During National Preparedness Month, the Los Angeles Fire Department reminds you...

The easiest way to prepare for emergencies is to keep some supplies readily available. Your kit should be tailored to meet the specific needs of your family. Below is a general list of supplies you may wish to consider:

Tools and Supplies

• Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
• Emergency preparedness manual and a copy of your disaster plan, including your emergency contacts list
• Battery-operated radio and extra batteries*
• Flashlight and extra batteries*
• Cash or traveler's checks, change*
• Non-electric can opener, utility knife*
• Fire Extinguisher: small ABC type stored near where fires are likely to occur such as a kitchen, or near a fireplace. It should not be kept in the disaster supplies kit*
• Tube tent
• Duct Tape*
• Compass
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Aluminum foil
• Plastic storage containers
• Signal flare
• Paper, pencil*
• Needles, thread
• Medicine dropper
• Shut-off wrench or pliers, to turn off household gas and water
• Whistle*
• Plastic sheeting*
• Map of the area (for locating shelters and evacuation routes)

* Indicates an Essential Item

...to be continued tomorrow!



Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - In a Disaster: What's in YOUR Kit?

During National Preparedness Month, the Los Angeles Fire Department reminds you to...

Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person. Store a minimum of one gallon of water per person per day (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation and sanitation).

Store your water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles.

A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and strenuous activity can easily double that amount. Children, nursing mothers and people who are sick will also need more water.

To learn more about surviving a disaster and keeping your drinking water safe, download the LAFD's free 40-page Emergency Preparedness Booklet at lafd.org/eqbook.pdf



Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - In a Disaster: Water, Water Anywhere?

During National Preparedness Month, the Los Angeles Fire Department asks you to...

Take a minute to check your family's first aid kit and note any depleted or expired items - then add them to your shopping list today!

Don't have a first aid kit?

Add that to your list or build a first aid kit yourself. The American Red Cross recommends that all first aid kits for a family of four include:

• 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
• 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
• 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
• 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
• 5 antiseptic wipe packets
• 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
• 1 blanket (space blanket)
• 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
• 1 instant cold compress
• 2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)
• 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
• Scissors
• 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
• 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
• 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
• 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
• Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)
• 2 triangular bandages
• Tweezers
• First aid instruction booklet

Whether you purchase a first aid kit or put one together, be sure to include an emergency supply of your prescription medications and a copy of your prescription, emergency phone numbers and other items your health-care provider may suggest.

Along with your home and car, know the location of the nearest first aid kits at work, recreation or worship, and encourage those in charge to inspect and restock them regularly.




Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - In a Disaster: First Aid

During National Preparedness Month, the Los Angeles Fire Department reminds you...

Preparing for emergencies needn't be expensive, if you're thinking ahead and buying small quantities at a time.

When it comes to your disaster food supplies list, select items that:

• Have a long shelf-life and will not spoil (non-perishable)
• You and your family like
• Do not require cooking
• Can be easily stored
• Have a low salt content, as salty foods will make you more thirsty

Keep the list in your purse or wallet and pick up a few items each time you're shopping - and don't forget a manual can opener! Soon you'll have the well-stocked supply necessary to sustain each member of your family for at least three days following an emergency.



Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - In a Disaster: Think Food

During National Preparedness Month, the Los Angeles Fire Department asks you to...

Keep enough supplies in your home to meet the needs of your entire family for at least three days - and to build an emergency supply kit to take with you in an evacuation.

Among the basic items to stock in your portable kit are: water, food, battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, first aid supplies, change of clothing, blanket or sleeping bag, whistle, dust mask, wrench or pliers, plastic sheeting and duct tape, trash bags, map, a manual can opener for canned food and special items for pets, infants, seniors, the sick and people with disabilities.

Keep these items in a clearly marked and easy-to-carry container such as a wheeled trash can, a large backpack or a duffle bag. Visit ready.gov today for more information about what to include in your kit.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - In a Disaster: You Need A Kit

During National Preparedness Month, the Los Angeles Fire Department asks you...

What if disaster strikes while you're at work? Do you know the emergency preparedness plan for your workplace?

While many companies have been pro-active in preparing for disasters of all types, a national survey indicates that many employees still don't know their workplace plan for major or minor disasters.

If you don't know yours, make a point to ask!

Your workplace survival may depend on knowing multiple ways to exit your building, participating in workplace evacuation drills, and keeping emergency supplies at the office.

Visit ready.gov for more information about business and worker preparedness.



Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - In a Disaster: What's the Plan, Boss?

During National Preparedness Month, the Los Angeles Fire Department reminds you...

A community working together during an emergency makes sense.

• Talk to your neighbors about how you can work together during an emergency.
• Find out if anyone has specialized equipment like a power generator, or expertise such as medical knowledge, that might help in a crisis.
• Decide who will check on elderly or disabled neighbors.
• Make back-up plans for children in case you can't get home in an emergency.
• Sharing plans and communicating in advance is the best strategy for surviving a disaster!

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - In a Disaster: Work Together

During National Preparedness Month, the Los Angeles Fire Department asks you to...

Practice - Conduct fire drills and practice escaping your home at least twice each year.

Drive your planned evacuation route and plot alternate routes on a map in case main roads are blocked or severely congested.

Practice earthquake and other disaster drills at home, school and work. Commit just a few hours this weekend to update telephone numbers, emergency supplies and review details of your plan with everyone in the household.

Disasters will happen, and you need to be ready!



Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - In a Disaster: Practice Makes Perfect!

During National Preparedness Month, the Los Angeles Fire Department suggests you...

Teach your children and review with all family members, how and when to call 9-1-1 for help.

By placing your phone number, address and cross street legibly near any fixed location phone, you can help dispatchers confirm important details that can speed emergency response.

Its also good idea to post alternate emergency and family contact numbers in, on and near each of your telephones.

If you accidently dial 9-1-1, stay on the line and answer the call-takers questions so they can be certain yours is a false alarm that requires no emergency response.



Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - In a Disaster: Get Emergency Help

During National Preparedness Month, the Los Angeles Fire Department asks you to...

Check your child's school website or call the school office to request a copy of the school's emergency plan. Keep a copy at home, at work and other places where you spend considerable time. Most importantly, make sure the school plan is incorporated into your family's emergency plan.

Now is also a great time to learn about the disaster plans at your workplace and other locations where you and your family spend time - it's all part of being ready!



Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - In a Disaster: Is School In or Out?