• Where will your family be when disaster strikes?
• How will you find each other? Will you know if your children are safe?
• What would you do if basic services including water, gas, electricity or telephones were cut off?

Disasters can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away.

Families can cope with disasters by preparing in advance and working together as a team. Download and follow the steps listed in this brochure to create your family's disaster plan. Knowing what to do is for your protection and is your responsibility.

Various agencies throughout the County, such as the County Fire Department, County Sheriff, County Animal Care and Control, and the American Red Cross, partner together to facilitate your safe evacuation.

Special Populations

Do you know a senior or someone with a disability?

• Seniors and people with disabilities that are self-sufficient under normal circumstances may have to receive help of others in a disaster.
• Create a self-help network of relatives, friends, and co-workers to assist in an emergency.
• Wear medical alert tags and bracelets to identify your disability in case of an emergency.

If you have a severe speech, language, or hearing disability: keep on hand a writing pad and pencil to communicate with others.

Shelter Types

There are two types of shelters:

1. Evacuation Centers, which are for short-term sheltering.
2. American Red Cross shelters, which are for long-term sheltering.

You may also be told to “shelter in place” if conditions warrant. This involves staying in your home/business with doors and windows closed.

Many pets are injured or killed every year because no provisions were made for them in family disaster plans. The time to contact animal shelters for information on caring for pets during emergencies is before disaster strikes. Public emergency shelters often exclude pets for space and health reasons.

For more information about Pets and Disaster Planning, go to the Human Society Web Site at: http://www.hsus.org/pets/

Evacuate immediately if told to do so:

• Local Government agencies have developed plans to coordinate evacuations.
• Obey orders from law enforcement and fire officers. Your failure to evacuate could jeopardize your family and emergency responder safety. Lives take priority over property.
• Load your “important stuff” (important documents, photographs, medications, etc.) and Emergency Supply Kit into your car. Load pets at the last minute when the family leaves.

You have been asked to leave:

• Drive with your headlights on for visibility.
• Drive calmly with special attention to public safety vehicles.
• Do not attempt to re-enter the area until officials declare it safe for re-entry.

And if there’s time…

• Be sure that all windows and doors are closed and locked.
• Close metal window blinds.
• Cluster lawn furniture and other things that might snag firefighter hose lines.
• Leave exterior lights on, it helps firefighters find the house in the smoke.
• Don’t leave garden sprinklers on, they can waste critical water pressure.
• Shut off water, gas, and electricity before leaving, if instructed to do so.
• Post a note telling others when you left and where you are going.
• Listen to your battery-powered radio and follow the instructions of local emergency officials.
• Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
• Take your family disaster supplies kit.

THREE STEPS TO SAFETY

1) Create a disaster plan:

Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for a disaster. Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather and earthquakes to children. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team.

	Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.
	Determine two (2) places to meet outside of your home, such as: Right outside your home in case of an emergency, such as a house fire. Outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return to your home. Everyone must know his or her address and phone number.
	Ask an out of state friend to be your “family contact.” After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. All must know the “family contact” numbers.

2) Complete this checklist:

	Post emergency telephone numbers by phone (fire, police, ambulance, etc.).
	Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Services number for emergency help.
	Show each family member how to turn off the water, gas and electricity at the main switches.
	Teach each family member how to use a fire extinguisher (ABC type) and show them where they are located in your home.
	Install smoke detectors of each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
	Stock emergency supplies and assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit.
	Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two (2) ways out of each room if possible.
	Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster.
	Second story homes should have a ladder for escape and all family members need to know how to use it.

3) Practice and maintain your plan:

	Quiz your children every six (6) months so they remember what to do in case of an emergency.
	Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills in your house with family members. Year ____________ Drill Date ___________
	Replace stored water every three months and stored food every six months.
	Test and recharge your fire extinguishers according to manufacturer’s instructions.
	Test your smoke detectors monthly and change batteries at least once a year.   January ___ February ___ March ___ April ___ May ___ June ___ July ___ August ___ September ___ October ___ November ___ December ___
	Remember to change batteries in the months of ______ and _____ each year.

Emergency Alert System (EAS)

The EAS is a warning system to provide the public with immediate messages that affect life and property. EAS is a way to provide emergency information quickly by radio, television, and cable licensees to the public. During an emergency tune to your local EAS radio broadcast stations listed below or a station in your area.

93.3 FM	KBHR	Big Bear Valley
95.1 FM	KFRG	High Desert / Valley
98.9 FM	KHWY	High Desert
102.3 FM	KZXY	Victor Valley
107.7 FM	KCDZ	Yucca Valley / Joshua Tree
1620 AM	CalTrans Information Station

909.355.8800
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY EMERGENCY INFORMATION PHONE LINE