What Is Neighborhood Watch? - Masters Hill Owners` Association

Masters Hill Owners
Association
Safety and Preparedness
Handbook
Neighborhood Watch
Emergency Preparation
Disaster Planning
Disclaimer: The contents of this handbook are derived predominantly from public
service and governmental sources. They ae provided here for your convenience and
should be independently verified and evaluated. As such Masters Hill Owners
Association, its Board of Directors and Management Company PCM, take no
responsibility for its efficacy or veracity. The contents have been edited to
reflect the fact that Masters Hil is a Common Interest Development with
substantial Common Area.
MHOA Safety Handbook 3-9-2009
Table of Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
15.
16.
Emergency and Non-Emergency Phone Numbers and CALL-EM-ALL………
What is Neighborhood Watch…………………………………………………………………………
Useful Websites, (Neighborhood Watch, eWatch, Stolen Mail)……………
Reverse 911, Alert San Diego…………………………………………………………………………
Basic Safety Information…………………………………………………………………………………
Suspicious Behavior, Reporting Crimes…………………………………………………………
When You Are Out ……………………………………………………………………………………………
Crime Prevention…………………………………………………………………………………………………
Residence Security – Doors………………………………………………………………………
Residence Security – Sliding Glass Doors………………………………………………
Exterior Lighting…………………………………………………………………………………………………
Lighting at Night………………………………………………..…………………………………..…………
Secure Electrical Power……………………………..………………………………………………..……
Garages…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Neighborhood eWatch Sample Crime Map……………………………………………………
Evacuation Checklist (post in obvious location: near interior door in
garage, refrigerator or on bulletin board) …………………………………………………
Suspect Description Form………………………………………………………………………………
Vehicle Description Form………………………………………………………………………………
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
FEMA Information:
What to do Before a Wildfire…………………………………………………..…………………
Before the Fire Approaches Your Home……………………………………………………
Preparing to Leave……………………………………………………………………………………………
Create Safety Zones Around Your Home……………………………………………………
What to do After a Wildfire…………………………………………………..……………………
What to do Before an Earthquake…………………………………………..……………………
Communication Plan……………………………………………………………………………………………
What to Do During an Earthquake…………………………………………………………………
What to Do After an Earthquake…………………………………………………………………
Your “To-Go” Bag………………………………………………………………………………………………
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
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EMERGENCY PHONE DIRECTORY
Masters Hill is in Neighborhood Watch District F17
To report a crime in progress, about to happen or a life-threatening situation, call
911
immediately.
Be prepared to give an accurate description of what your
emergency is and your location, especially when using a cell phone.
up until you are told by the dispatcher
Don’t hang
Pomerado Hospital………………………………………………………………(858) 613-4000
Palomar Medical Center (Escondido)…………………………… (760) 739-3000
San Diego Gas & Electric (Power Outage)………………….(800) 611-7343
Radio Station – Local Emergency…………..AM 600 KOGO & KFMB 760
NON-EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS:
Police Non-Emergency*:………………………………………………
(858) 484-3154
Fire Department Non-Emergency………………………………… (619) 533-4300
Neighborhood Watch Storefront…………………………….. (858) 538-8148
SDPD Community Relations Officer voice mail 24/7.… (858) 538-8091
San Diego Gas & Electric (Customer Service) ………… (800) 411-7343
PCM-Barbara Day…………………………………………………………... (760) 918-7082
*Non-emergencies and suspicious activities. The Police Department’s response to nonemergency calls will depend on the relative seriousness or priority of the situation, the
likelihood of making an arrest at the scene, and the availability of an officer. Minor
burglaries can be reported on-line at www.sandiego.gov/police/forms.
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CALL-EM-ALL
Your Masters Hill board has enrolled in a telephone alert system by the name of
Call Em All. Simply put, we have provided the home phone numbers on file of our
residents to this service and in the event of an urgent message, one of our board
members can access the system, record an important message and “Call-em-All” will
dial all the phone numbers on our automated phone list.
When a live person answers the call, we give them the option to hear the
automated calling message again.
When we get an answering machine, we leave a message
When we get a busy signal or no answer, we try several more times after
waiting a few minutes.
This system may be used for important announcements, safety issues or
emergencies pertaining to all the residents of Masters Hill. If any resident
witnesses a major emergency and feels notification using this system may benefit
all residents, please contact PCM or one of the current members of our Masters
Hill board of Directors.
If you feel your phone number may not be included, we urge you to call or email
PCM and provide them with the correct phone number information.
To learn more about the system, you may access their web site at www.Call-emall.com
What Is Neighborhood Watch?
The Neighborhood Watch Program is a successful effort that has been in effect
for over thirty years in cities throughout the country. Based on the concept of
cooperation, Neighborhood Watch programs bring together law enforcement, city
officials and residents and ask them to work together to provide protection for
their homes and communities. Crimes such as burglary, vandalism and mischief
threaten every member of each community in San Diego and crime watch efforts
such as The Neighborhood Watch Program help discourage this type of activity.
The Neighborhood Watch is considered by many to be one of the most successful
ways in which we can help one another to reduce residential crime. Active
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participation among the public and local law enforcement is an essential element in
a successful neighborhood watch program.
Rancho Bernardo’s Neighborhood Watch is not only focused on crime prevention. A
number of new initiatives have been created. All Rancho Bernardo residents can
keep informed about Neighborhood Watch by logging onto the website rbnhw.com
and clicking on the menu items for our district news, upcoming events, crime facts
and emergency preparedness. Rancho Bernardo now has an automated 30-second
phone alert to more than 130 community Neighborhood Watch leaders who can
pass “alert” information on to Block Captains when an emergency situation exists
This booklet will be a resource for all residents and to assist you when an
emergency occurs.
Neighborhood Watch is a crime prevention program, which enlists
the active participation of community members in cooperation with
law enforcement to reduce crime in their neighborhoods.
It involves:
•
Neighbors getting to know each other, taking the time to care about each
other and working together in a program of mutual assistance.
•
Citizens being trained to recognize and report suspicious activities in their
neighborhoods.
•
Crime prevention strategies such as home security upgrades, property
identification and other security measures being implemented by community
members.
Neighbors looking out for each other! Remember-gather and share
information.
•
Neighborhood Watch also serves as a vehicle to address other community
concerns that impact the quality of life in neighborhoods.
5
•
Neighborhood Watch leaves the responsibility for apprehending criminals
where it belongs – with the Police Department.
USEFUL WEBSITES:
•
Neighborhood Watch site: www.rbnhw.com Click on the District
Information-Choose a District and scroll down to Bernardo Heights, for
upcoming events, crime facts and emergency preparedness. For additional
information, click on the top of the “home page”, (i.e. Emergency
Preparedness Information for the disabled readers, scroll down to bottom
for information on resources for the disabled).
•
The City of San Diego has a Neighborhood eWatch. You can subscribe, free,
at www.sandiego.gov/ewatch. You will receive e-mails of crimes in our area.
•
Masters Hill management company is PCM (760) 918-7082 Barbara Day –
email: [email protected] with any problems.
•
Masters Hill website: www.mastershill.org
•
The e-mail address for the association is [email protected]
•
To report stolen, opened, rifled mail and other mail-related crimes, call the
Postal Inspector, U.S. Post Office, at (619) 233-0610.
Reverse 911
Anyone who has not previously registered their cell phone or mobile phone with
ALERT SAN DIEGO, should do so by going to the following websites:
City of San Diego: www.sandiego.gov/ohs/emergencynotification/index.shtmul
OR
County of San Diego: www.sdcounty.ca.gov/oes/ready/signup.html
Alert San Diego
Calls are voice activated—SAY HELLO & WAIT 15-20 SECONDS FOR
MESSAGE. Answering machines will activate the messages. Evacuate if you feel
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uneasy. It is YOUR LIFE AND YOUR DECISION—no one can make that decision
for you.
Knowing more about your neighbors, their vehicles and their daily routines will help
you to recognize unusual or suspicious activities. Consider exchanging the following
types of basic information with your neighbors:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Home and work phone numbers.
E-mail addresses.
Number, ages and names of family members or residents.
Typical work hours.
Gardener/housekeeper typical days of work.
School hours of children.
Pets.
Planned vacations or visitors.
Scheduled deliveries or repairs.
•
Be alert to unusual or suspicious behavior in your neighborhood and call the
police department if warranted. Write down descriptions of the person(s)
and license numbers of any vehicles involved.
•
Tell a trusted neighbor if your residence will be unoccupied for an extended
period. Tell him or her how to reach you in an emergency.
•
Look after your neighbor’s property when they are away, and ask them to
look after yours. This includes picking up mail or newspapers and putting
back the garbage cans or recycling bins. Don’t leave signals that say “no one
is home”.
•
We have had burglaries in our neighborhood in the daytime. We have had
criminal activity while our neighbors were home. Know who is at your door
before opening it.
•
Ask for photo identification before letting anyone you don’t know in your
home. Check out the identification with the company or agency if you are
suspicious. Never let a stranger enter your home to use the telephone.
Offer to make the call yourself in an emergency.
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•
Be suspicious of alleged deliverymen with a wrong address or asking if
someone lives there.
•
Unoccupied homes – homes for sale. Property could be stripped from the
home.
•
We do not allow any soliciting in our neighborhood. Ask them to leave and
tell them you are calling security.
•
For those with computers, the City of San Diego has a Neighborhood
eWatch. You can subscribe – free - at www.sandiego.gov/ewatch. Just type
in your street address, radius 1 mile, and the matters that concern you. You
will only receive an email alert if a crime occurs matching the location, radius
and crime types you selected. You will receive an email alert within 24 hours
after the selected crime activity has been entered into the database.
In any confrontation with a criminal:
•
Be calm and follow instructions exactly.
•
Don’t risk your personal safety. Don’t resist and try to be a hero.
•
Consider all guns as loaded weapons.
•
Observe the criminal’s features, clothing, behavior, means of escape (car, by
foot), without being obvious about it.
•
Remember, your job is to report crime. The responsibility for apprehending
criminals belongs to the police department.
•
Call the Police Department immediately. A five-minute delay can reduce the
chance of ever catching the criminal. The longer you wait, the harder it is to
catch the criminal. Being a good witness is critical in helping the police to
locate and arrest the criminal.
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Reporting Crimes and Suspicious Activities.
Persons reporting crimes are routinely asked for their names, addresses and phone
numbers. This is done so that they can be contacted later if necessary during the
investigation of the crime. Persons desiring to remain anonymous should request
that the officers responding to the call not contact them. Even if contacted later
by a detective, the identity of the caller will not be revealed to anyone involved in
the crime. In this sense, reports of crimes are treated as confidential and the
identity of the caller is protected. However, if the case goes to trial, the report
could be released to the prosecuting agency and, under the rules of discovery, to
the defense. It could also be subpoenaed in a civil trial.
The ability of the police to locate and arrest criminals often depends on the
thoroughness and accuracy of the report you submit. The following information
checklist should be used for reporting both emergency and non-emergency crimes:
•
Type of crime.
•
Location: exact street address and nearest cross street.
•
Time of occurrence.
•
Any weapons used.
•
Number of persons injured and types of injuries.
•
Vehicle information: type, license number, color, year, make, model, unusual
characteristics (e.g., dents, bumper stickers), number of persons, etc.
•
Suspect information: race, gender, age, height, weight, hair color, hair
length and style, eye color, facial hair, clothing type and color, other
characteristics (e.g., tattoos, missing teeth, scars, glasses), direction of
flight, etc.
Once You Have Reported The Crime, Stick With It!
What Is Suspicious?
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Basically, anything that seems even slightly “out of place” or is occurring at an
unusual time of day or night could be criminal activity. Although many burglaries
occur during the day!
Many homeowners are updating their homes. Landscapers and other workers are
here on a daily basis. Several trucks and workers can be found at any given time.
Take the time to make yourself seen. Just walk outside a few times and let your
presence be known. Remember, it only takes a couple of minutes to slip into an
unlocked door!!
Obvious Things to Watch For:
__ A stranger entering your neighbor’s house when it is unoccupied.
__ A scream heard anywhere.
__ Offers of merchandise at ridiculously low prices may mean stolen property.
__Anyone peering into a parked car may be looking for a car to steal or for
valuables left in the car.
__ A sound of breaking glass or loud noises could mean a burglary or vandalism.
__ Persons loitering in the neighborhood who do not live there.
Some Things to Watch for That Are Not So Obvious
•
Strangers and Solicitors
•
Someone Carrying Property
•
Someone Going Door-to-Door In Your Neighborhood
•
Check identification of all solicitors, meter readers, and repairmen prior to
allowing them entry into your home. Be suspicious of alleged deliverymen
with a wrong address or asking if someone lives there.
If it’s at an unusual hour, or in an unusual place, or if the property is not
wrapped as if just purchased.
If after a few houses are visited, one or more persons tries a door to see if
it is locked, looks into a window, or goes into a back or side yard, it could be
a burglar. Call the Police Department immediately; don’t wait for the person
to leave.
Any Person Taking A Shortcut Through A Backyard
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•
Any Vehicle Moving Slowly And Without Lights
•
Parked, Occupied Vehicles Containing One Or More Persons
•
An Abandoned Vehicle Parked in Your Neighborhood may be a
•
Unoccupied homes – homes for sale.
If it is an unusual hour they could be lookouts for a burglary in progress.
stolen vehicle.
home.
Property could be stripped from the
WHEN YOU ARE OUT
The home with a “lived-in” or “at home” look is a deterrent to burglars.
Follow these simple rules, even when you are leaving the house for “just a
couple of minutes”:
•
Set your house alarm. Those who have them – use them!
•
Lock all outside doors and windows.
•
At night, leave one or more lights on in locations not visible from windows.
For extended absences, there are inexpensive plug-in timers that will turn
lights on and off.
•
Leave a radio playing, preferably tuned to a talk show with the volume set
on low. This will create the impression of a conversation.
•
Do not leave notes indicating your absence.
•
Cars have been broken into and garage door remote controls stolen.
Burglars’ drive by homes, open garages with remote control and steal items
out of cars and garages. It’s important that garage doors are closed—even
when residents are home. Make sure doors leading from the garage to
your home are closed and locked.
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•
Source:
Do not leave an extra set of keys in obvious places; such as under
a mat or under a flower pot.
West Hollywood Public Safety Division
Crime Prevention
Residence Security.
1.
Doors
(a)
Single Door Construction.
All exterior doors should be solid, at least 1-3/4 inches thick and have
a deadbolt lock.
(b)
Double Doors.
Double doors should have flush bolts installed at the top and bottom
of the inactive door. These offer additional security because
intruders cannot easily get them unlocked when the door is properly
secured. The bolts should be made of steel and have a throw of at
least 1 inch.
(c)
Deadbolt Locks.
All exterior doors and interior doors to garages should have an
additional high-quality deadbolt lock.
(d)
Sliding-Glass Doors.
Exterior sliding-glass patio-type doors must be secured to prevent
both horizontal and vertical movement. Deadbolt locks provide the
greatest security. Less effective secondary locking devices include
the following: a pin in the upper track that extends downward
through the inner door frame and into the outer door frame, a
thumbscrew-type lock mounted on the top or bottom track, a wooden
or metal dowel placed snugly in the lower track to prevent horizontal
movement, and a metal strip or a few metal screws in the track above
the door to prevent vertical movement.
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EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Lighting at Night
Our Associaton is responsible for the maintanance of the light attached to the
front of the garage, and as such, our contractor replaces the bulbs when
necessary.
Secure Electrical Power
Because lights and other security systems work on electrical power, it is important
that measures be taken to prevent disruption of external power or provide internal
backup power. At a minimum, external circuit breakers should be installed in a
sturdy box that is locked with a shielded padlock.
Garages
Garage doors should be closed at all times. The door from the garage to the home
interior should also have a deadbolt lock. This provides for additional security.
Source: San Diego Police Department
Neighborhood eWatch
Below is an image from an eWatch report from the SDPD. Any resident can request
automatic e-mail notification of selected incidents. The e-mail will list such
incidents and provide a link to a map such as show below. The markers will be in
color and you can zoom into areas of interest.
You can subscribe, for free, at
www.sandiego.gov/ewatch, and receive e-mails of crimes in our area.
Total Incidents found=1.
--> Click on the first link below to Display the Map or scroll down to
view a list of incidents.
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http://apps.sandiego.gov/ewatch/map/webpub/eWatchMap.asp?mapid=2
009020919683
Incident Type
Date
Time
Location
------------------------------------------------------------------------------AUTO_BURGLARY 02/07/2009-02/08/2009 1300-1200 12400
MANTILLA RD (SD)
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EVACUATION CHECKLIST
(Suggested Location: Refrigerator Door, Bulletin Board, Garage)
PLAN---BE PREPARED—BE INFORMED
Television Stations: SD NEWS Ch. 15 or Ch. 8 – 10 – 6
Radio Stations: KOGO-600 AM, KFMB 760, KPBS 89.5
KLSD/1360 am, San Diego County’s Backup Emergency Alert Radio
“ALERT SAN DIEGO” CALLS ARE VOICE ACTIVATED—SAY HELLO & WAIT 15-20
SECONDS FOR MESSAGE. Answering machines will activate the messages. Evacuate if you feel
uneasy. It is YOUR LIFE AND YOUR DECISION—no one can make that decision for you_________
If you are asked to evacuate due to an emergency, use the following list of items as a suggestion
/reminder of what to take with you. Remember your Family Disaster Plan/Survival Guide
-
CASH ($5-10s-$20s) & CREDIT CARDS
-FAMILY PHOTOS
REMOVE CARS
- Camera, videos, CDs,
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
- BABY ITEMS
--Social Security Card
--Diapers
--Medical ID card
--Formula
--Driver’s License –checkbook –purse --wallet
--Food
--Passport --Safe Deposit Key
--Change of clothing
--Medical Records --Tax Records
--Music tapes --Toys
--Insurance Information--car—home—health
-COMPUTER
--Trust Information—Wills
--Laptop – ID codes
- CHANGE OF CLOTHING—2 days
--Flashcard --Memory sticks
--For each family member --Jewelry
--CDs --DVDs
- PERSONAL HYGIENE ITEMS
-CELL PHONE
--Toothbrush & toothpaste
--Charger
--Shampoo --lotion --soap
--Address Book
--Deodorant –Kleenex – Toilet tissue
-FOOD
--Cosmetics --razor –sunscreen
- Water (1 gal. per person-3 days)
--Wash cloth – towel – mirror
- Energy bars
-PERSONAL AIDS—SPECIAL NEEDS
-PET CARE ITEMS
--Eye glasses –contact lenses & cleaners
- Identification
--Dentures --cane – CPAP machine
- Immunizations
--Medications (2 weeks) – hearing aid –batteries - Carrier or cage
--Oxygen + carrier –wheelchair--crutches
- Muzzle and leash
--Flashlight –Radio w/batteries, maps
- Food & water - dish
--Vitamins, tool kit, First Aid kit
List other items of particular importance to YOU below.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE – CLOSE ALL WINDOWS, DOORS & GARAGE DOOR.
Name and Telephone number where you will go if you need to evacuate:
Who to call if you need transportation __________________________________Revised 2/09
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Suspect Description Form
Sex
Ethnicity
______________________________________________________________
Age:
Height
Weight
______________________________________________________________
Hair:
Color
Style
Length
Eyes:
Color
Glasses
______________________________________________________________
Face:
Complexion
Clean Shaven
Mustache/Beard
______________________________________________________________
Other:
Tattoos
Scars/Marks
______________________________________________________________
Clothing:
Cap/Hat
Jacket
Pants/Shorts
Weapon:
Handgun/Knife
______________________________________________________________
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Vehicle Description Form
License Plate:
Make
State
Number
Model
Year
Color
______________________________________________________________
Body Style (Truck, 2-door, etc.)
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Identifying characteristics: (dents, bumper stickers, decals, wheels)
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
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What to do Before a Wildfire
If you see a wildfire, call 9-1-1. Don't assume that someone else has already called.
Describe the location of the fire, speak slowly and clearly, and answer any
questions asked by the dispatcher.
Before the Fire Approaches Your House
•
Evacuate. Evacuate your pets and all family members who are not essential
to preparing the home. Anyone with medical or physical limitations and the
young and the elderly should be evacuated immediately.
•
Wear Protective Clothing.
•
Remove Combustibles. Clear items that will burn from around the house,
including wood piles, lawn furniture, barbecue grills, tarp coverings, etc.
Move them outside of your defensible space.
•
Close/Protect Openings. Close outside attic, eaves and basement vents,
windows, doors, pet doors, etc. Remove flammable drapes and curtains. Close
all shutters, blinds or heavy non-combustible window coverings to reduce
radiant heat.
•
Close Inside Doors/Open Damper. Close alt doors inside the house to
prevent draft. Open the damper on your fireplace, but close the fireplace
screen.
•
Shut Off Gas. Shut off any natural gas, propane or fuel oil supplies at the
source.
•
Water. Connect garden hoses. Fill any pools, hot tubs, garbage cans, tubs or
other large containers with water.
•
Pumps. If you have gas-powered pumps for water, make sure they are fueled
and ready.
•
Garage Doors. Disconnect any automatic garage door openers so that doors
can still be opened by hand if the power goes out. Close all garage doors.
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•
Valuables. Place valuable papers, mementos and anything "you can't live
without" inside the car in the garage, ready for quick departure. Any pets
still with you should also be put in the car.
Preparing to Leave
•
Lights. Turn on outside lights and leave a light on in every room to make the
house more visible in heavy smoke.
Protect Your Home
Any porch, balcony or overhang with exposed space underneath is fuel for an
approaching fire. Overhangs ignite easily by flying embers and by the heat and fire
that get trapped underneath. If vegetation is allowed to grow underneath or if the
space is used for storage, the hazard is increased significantly. Clear leaves, trash
and other combustible materials away from underneath sun decks and porches. If
a fire is approaching, move flammable patio furniture, cushions, indoors. Extend
1/2-inch mesh screen from all overhangs down to the ground. Enclose wooden stilts
with non-combustible material such as concrete, brick, rock, stucco or metal. Use
non-combustible patio furniture and covers. If you're planning a porch or sun deck,
use non-combustible or fire-resistant materials. If possible, build the structure to
the ground so that there is no space underneath.
Use fire resistant materials.
Use fire resistant materials in the siding of your home, such as stucco, metal,
brick, cement shingles, concrete and rock. You can treat wood siding with ULapproved fire retardant chemicals, but the treatment and protection are not
permanent.
Choose safety glass for windows and sliding glass doors.
Windows allow radiated heat to pass through and ignite combustible materials
inside. The larger the pane of glass, the more vulnerable it is to fire. Dual- or
triple-pane thermal glass, and fire resistant shutters or drapes, help reduce the
wildfire risk. You can also install non-combustible awnings to shield windows and use
shatter-resistant glazing such as tempered or wireglass.
Prepare for water storage, as well as a 2-week water bottle supply for each
member of the family.
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Other safety measures to consider at the time of construction or remodeling.
•
•
•
•
Use fire-resistant materials when renovating, or retrofitting structures.
Avoid designs that include wooden decks and patios.
Use non-combustible materials for the roof.
The roof is especially vulnerable in a wildfire. Embers and flaming debris can
travel great distances, land on your roof and start a new fire. Avoid
flammable roofing materials such as wood, shake and shingle. Materials that
are more fire resistant include single ply membranes, fiberglass shingles,
slate, metal, clay and concrete tile. Clear gutters of leaves and debris.
What to do After a Wildfire
•
Check the roof immediately. Put out any roof fires, sparks or embers. Check
the attic for hidden burning sparks.
•
If you have a fire, get your neighbors to help fight it.
•
The water you put into your pool or hot tub and other containers will come in
handy now. If the power is out, try connecting a hose to the outlet on your
water heater.
For several hours after the fire, maintain a "fire watch." Re-check for
smoke and sparks throughout the house.
•
What to Do Before an Earthquake
Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Identifying potential
hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious
injury or loss of life from an earthquake. Repairing deep plaster cracks in ceilings
and foundations, anchoring overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling, and following
local seismic building standards, will help reduce the impact of earthquakes.
Six Ways to Plan Ahead
1. Check for Hazards in the Home
o Fasten shelves securely to walls.
o Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
o Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low,
closed cabinets with latches.
20
o
o
o
o
o
o
Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds,
couches, and anywhere people sit.
Brace overhead light fixtures.
Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are
potential fire risks.
Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it
to the floor.
Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if
there are signs of structural defects.
Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in
closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.
2. Identify Safe Places Indoors and Outdoors
o Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
o Against an inside wall.
o Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors,
pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall
over.
o In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines,
overpasses, or elevated expressways.
3. Educate Yourself and Family Members
o Contact your local emergency management office or American Red
Cross chapter for more information on earthquakes. Also read the
"How-To Series" for information on how to protect your property
from earthquakes.
o Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department
and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
o Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity,
and water.
4. Have Disaster Supplies on Hand
o Flashlight and extra batteries.
o Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
o First aid kit and manual.
o Emergency food and water.
o Nonelectric can opener.
o Essential medicines.
o Cash and credit cards.
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o
Sturdy shoes.
5. Develop an Emergency Communication Plan
o In case family members are separated from one another during an
earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work
and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the
disaster.
o Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family
contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance.
Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone
number of the contact person.
What to Do During an Earthquake
Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake. Be aware that some earthquakes are
actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake might occur. Minimize your movements
to a few steps to a nearby safe place and stay indoors until the shaking has
stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.
If indoors:
•
•
•
•
•
•
DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other
piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a
table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch
in an inside corner of the building.
Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that
could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and
protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture
that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you
know it is a strongly supported, loadbearing doorway.
Stay inside until shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has
shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move
to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire
alarms may turn on.
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If outdoors:
•
•
•
Stay there.
Move away from homes, buildings and streetlights.
Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger
exists directly outside buildings, at exits, and alongside exterior walls. Many
of the 120 fatalities from the 1933 Long Beach earthquake occurred when
people ran outside of buildings only to be killed by falling debris from
collapsing walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct
cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from
collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.
If in a moving vehicle:
•
•
Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near
or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges,
or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.
If trapped under debris:
•
•
•
•
Do not light a match.
Do not move about or kick up dust.
Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is
available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale
dangerous amounts of dust.
What to Do After an Earthquake
•
Expect aftershocks. These secondary shockwaves are usually less violent
than the main quake but can be strong enough to do additional damage to
weakened structures and can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even
months after the quake.
•
Listen to a battery-operated radio or television. Listen for the latest
emergency information.
•
Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
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•
Open cabinets cautiously. Beware of objects that can fall off shelves.
•
Stay away from damaged areas. Stay away unless your assistance has been
specifically requested by police, fire, or relief organizations. Return home
only when authorities say it is safe.
•
Help injured or trapped persons. Remember to help your neighbors who
may require special assistance such as infants, the elderly, and people with
disabilities. Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured
persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.
•
Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline or other flammable liquids
immediately. Leave the area if you smell gas or fumes from other chemicals.
•
Inspect the entire length of chimneys for damage. Unnoticed damage
could lead to a fire.
•
Inspect utilities.
o
o
o
Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise,
open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the
outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a
neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be
turned back on by a professional.
Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or
frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at
the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to
get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for
advice.
Check for water lines damage. If water pipes are damaged, contact
the water company and avoid using water from the tap. You can obtain
safe water by melting ice cubes.
Remember, if you evacuate, leave a message at your home telling
family members and others where you can be found.
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/fire/fire_before.shtm
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