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Don't Ignore
©
LAFD - Emergency Preparedness Booklet
PAGE 1
2008
This book is available on the web at:
http://www.cert-la.com/EmergPrepBooklet.pdf
2008 Edition
the need for
Emergency
Preparedness
Don't
Ignore
Los Angeles Fire Department
Emergency Preparedness ©
LAFD - Emergency Preparedness Booklet
PAGE 2
2008
Copyright © 2008 by Los Angeles Fire Department. All rights reserved.
LAFD - Disaster Preparedness Section
The Los Angeles Fire Department encourages the reproduction and distribution of this book. There is no
charge for permission to reproduce this book. No approval is necessary to reproduce this book in its
entirety (without additions or deletions). The book may not be sold or used for commercial purposes. There
can be no conditions, provisos, nor quid pro quos associated with its free distribution.
Contact Disaster Preparedness Section for additional uses, conditions & approvals.
As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not
discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure
equal access to its programs, services, and activities. For additional information, please contact the Los Angeles
Fire Department, Disaster Preparedness Section, at (818) 756-9674.
To those of us who live and work in the Greater Los Angeles area,
earthquakes and other natural emergencies are a reality. In order to deal
with this situation, emergency preparedness must become a way of life.
In the event of a major earthquake or disaster, freeways and surface
streets may be impassable and public services could be interrupted or
taxed beyond their limits. Therefore, everyone must know how to
provide for their own needs for an extended period of time, whether at
work, home, or on the road.
Our goal in distributing this booklet is to encourage you to prepare for a
major disaster and to maintain that readiness. Part of becoming ready is
having the necessary supplies. Earthquakes and major disasters, in our
area, can happen at any time. They are not totally predictable. There
may be long periods between disasters. This is why it is important to
maintain fresh emergency supplies through rotation of older stock into
daily use. The quality of life and the potential for survival are greatly
increased by being prepared.
Los Angeles Fire Department
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS ©
LAFD - Emergency Preparedness Booklet
PAGE 3
2008
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EARTHQUAKE TIPS: ......................................................................................................... 4
FAMILY & HOME PLANNING ......................................................................................... 5
HOME & OFFICE FIRST AID KIT .................................................................................... 6
USEFUL SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT .......................................................................... 7
FAMILY EARTHQUAKE PLAN ....................................................................................... 8
SAFE DRINKING WATER ............................................................................................... 10
PURIFYING YOUR TAP WATER ................................................................................... 11
STRAPPING REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER HEATERS ........................................... 12
PORTABLE/AUTO SURVIVAL KIT............................................................................... 14
EMERGENCY LIGHTING: .............................................................................................. 15
COOKING AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE: ...................................................................... 15
EMERGENCY FOOD SUPPLY ........................................................................................ 16
SAMPLE FOOD STORAGE ITEMS ................................................................................ 17
HOW TO SHUT OFF UTILITIES ..................................................................................... 18
SECURING HEAVY FURNISHINGS .............................................................................. 21
HELPING CHILDREN COPE ........................................................................................... 24
ADULT COPING WITH DISASTERS ............................................................................. 25
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS ............................................................................. 26
EMERGENCY CONTACT CARDS ................................................................................. 27
EMERGENCY OUT-OF-STATE CONTACT.................................................................... 27
CERT SYLLABUS ............................................................................................................. 29
SEISMIC GAS SHUT-OFF VALVES ............................................................................... 30
TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS ................................................................................ 32
FIRE SAFETY .................................................................................................................... 33
UPON DISCOVERY OF A FIRE ...................................................................................... 33
REPORT ALL FIRES AND SMOKE ................................................................................ 33
FAMILY FIRE SAFETY PLAN ........................................................................................ 34
ADDRESSES ...................................................................................................................... 35
SECURITY BARS .............................................................................................................. 35
APARTMENTS .................................................................................................................. 35
FIRE SAFETY EQUIPMENT............................................................................................ 36
SMOKE DETECTORS....................................................................................................... 36
IF YOU ARE TRAPPED IN A ROOM OR APARTMENT ............................................. 36
FIRE - SPECIFIC HAZARDS............................................................................................ 37
SPRINKLERS ..................................................................................................................... 37
FLAMMABLE OR COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS .............................................................. 37
SPONTANEOUS HEATING ............................................................................................. 37
CLOTHING FIRES ............................................................................................................ 38
UPHOLSTERY FIRES ....................................................................................................... 38 ©
LAFD - Emergency Preparedness Booklet
PAGE 4
2008
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If youre in a HIGH-RISE BUILDING, and you
are not near a desk or table, move against an
interior wall, and protect your head with your
arms. Do not use the elevators. Do not be
surprised if the alarm or sprinkler systems come
on. Stay indoors, glass windows can dislodge
during the quake and sail for hundreds of feet.
w
If youre OUTDOORS, move to a clear area, away
from trees, signs, buildings, or electrical wires and
poles.
w
If youre on a SIDEWALK NEAR BUILDINGS,
duck into a doorway to protect yourself from falling
bricks, glass, plaster, and other debris.
w
If youre DRIVING, pull over to the side of the
road and stop. Avoid overpasses, power lines,
and other hazards. Stay inside the vehicle until
the shaking is over. If youre in a CROWDED STORE OR OTHER
PUBLIC PLACE, do not rush for exits. Move
away from display shelves containing objects that
could fall.
w
If youre in a WHEELCHAIR, stay in it. Move to
cover, if possible, lock your wheels, and protect
your head with your arms.
w
If youre in the KITCHEN, move away from the
refrigerator, stove, and overhead cupboards.
(Take time NOW to anchor appliances and
install security latches on cupboard doors to
reduce hazards.)
w
If youre in a STADIUM OR THEATER, stay in
your seat and protect your head with your arms.
Do not try to leave until the shaking is over. Then
leave in a calm, o