Steps to Disaster Preparedness: Webinar Recap | |
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Presenter: Lars Eric Holmes, Disaster Preparedness Coordinator at Eden I&R, Inc./211
- Alameda County, non-profit: Eden Information and Referral (Eden I&R)
- 211 is a free, non-emergency, confidential, 3-digit phone number and service that provides easy access to housing information, and critical health and human services. They play an important role in disaster response.
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Website: www.edenir.org
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Email: leholm@edenir.org
Steps to Emergency Preparedness: Why and How!
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Always getting ready. "Listos" – BE READY!
- Everyone can help.
- Special challenges for folks with disabilities, etc.
- Discussing “all” types of disasters: Earthquakes, tsunami, fires, floods, etc.
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4 Simple Steps to Disaster Preparedness
1) Find Your 5 Trusted Allies & Share Your Plan:
- Make a list and include everyone you can think of. Identify 5 trusted allies you can rely on during an emergency, both locally and out of state.
- Keep an updated list of their contact information (address, phone, email, social media) both digitally and on paper. Select a "buddy" for daily check-ins.
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Great Resource: Dr. Atul Gawande's The Checklist Manifesto.
2) Prioritize Healthcare Needs:
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Maintain a list of medications (names, dosages, frequencies). On paper and digitally. Have meds ready for at least 7 days—to take with you, or have on hand if you can’t get refills during the emergency.
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Take the necessary equipment you use daily. Include extra batteries, chargers, and supplies for devices like hearing aids, oxygen tanks/breathing equipment, and communication devices (smartphone, iPad). Don’t forget supplies for service animals and their needs, as well as backup prescription glasses.
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3) Create Emergency Supply Kits: Prepare different kits for different places.
- Keep it with you (SKIP = safety kept in place)
- Grab-and-Go Kit
- Home Kit: Non-perishable food, water, flashlights, cash, keys, and first aid supplies.
- Bedside kit (if you are trapped in your bed)
- Car kit: sturdy shoes for walking, documents in plastic bags, foods, and sanitation items
- Camping equipment close at hand, old clothes, in bin with wheels (throw it all in the car)
- Outside the house: depending on what the disaster is... move outside furniture to a secure area if likely to get blown around; shut off gas at the meter, etc.
Some of the items that you really might need if trapped at home or if evacuated:
- Flashlights and batteries
- Evacuation routes
- Copies of important documents—e.g., photo ID, insurance info (car, home, health)
- Contact info: “trusted friends and family.”
- Non-perishable food and water
- Extra set of keys
- First aid kit
- Credit cards and $200 cash
- Cell phone and charger
- Sanitation: wipes, tooth brush, paste, hand sanitizer, etc.
4) Plan How and When to Evacuate:
- Stay or go. “When in doubt, get out." Be familiar with routes to evacuate.
- Practice routes and prepare a checklist for securing your home during a disaster.
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Sign up for emergency alerts: NOAA, FEMA disaster mobile app, and 211 Alameda County/AC alerts.
- Mapping your way to safety: Evacuation routes
- Make sure you, your family, and trusted allies have a meet-up location away from your neighborhood in case you are separated in an emergency or disaster.
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Sign Up for Local Alert Systems:
Also, here are some Senior Specific Pointers:
- Have a buddy for daily or weekly check-ins.
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Waka Waka - a handy cool thing that is a flashlight & solar rechargeable
- Keep mobility aids easily accessible.
- Secure heavy furniture (e.g., bookshelves) to prevent hazards during earthquakes.
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Watch the Webinar Recording
Missed the live session? No problem! You can watch the full webinar featuring Lars Eric Holmes as he guides you through practical steps for disaster preparedness.
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