This month, Los Angeles County was ravaged by multiple fires fueled by Santa Ana winds, leading to the destruction of several neighborhoods and thousands of people evacuated from their homes. As the city copes with the devastation, people are looking to this disaster, which is already on track to become the worst in California history, as evidence that they need to be prepared for the next emergency.
“As the climate crisis worsens and disasters become more frequent and intense, being prepared for the disasters happening in your area is one of the best ways to protect you and your loved ones,” a spokesperson for the American Red Cross tells Yahoo Life. “Making a plan to stay safe for you and your family, gathering important supplies and knowing how to stay connected to emergency officials is critical.”
What can you do to be prepared for the next crisis, whether it’s a fire or other emergency? Here’s what you need to know.
Make a ‘go bag’
These survival kits, which should be left in an easily accessible place if you need to grab them quickly, can help you stay prepared with basic needs in case of unexpected situations such as natural disasters or power outages. The American Red Cross is selling emergency kits containing essentials such as basic toiletries, first aid supplies and bags of clean drinking water.
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If you’re putting together your own emergency kit, or adding to a kit you’ve already purchased, be sure to bring the following items, including suggestions from the Red Cross:
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Water (one gallon per day, per person); if you need to evacuate, you will have enough for three days, but it is recommended that the houses are filled with at least enough water for two weeks
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Non-perishable food (another three days’ worth in case of evacuation, a two-week supply at home)
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First aid supplies, including bandages, antiseptics, medications and any personal prescriptions (at least a week’s supply is advised)
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Flashlight and extra batteries
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Phone charger; A fully charged phone power bank is also useful in the event of a power outage
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Multifunctional tool consisting of a knife and can opener
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Copies of important documents, such as your driver’s license, birth certificate and passport
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Cash, because electronic payment systems fail during a power outage
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A radio on batteries or with a hand crank
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N95 masks for protection against dust or smoke
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Pet items, such as dog food or medicine
Talk to your family about a plan
An important part of staying safe during a disaster, according to the Red Cross, is communicating with your family about what to do in the event of an emergency. That could include identifying ways to stay safe, mapping the evacuation route from your neighborhood, and setting up a meeting place if you are separated.
Part of this planning, according to the Red Cross, is assessing which disasters are most likely to strike in your region, whether it is an earthquake, fire, hurricane or tornado. Each potential scenario has unique planning needs.
In addition to talking to your immediate family, talking to your neighbors about their evacuation plans can help you stay safe and protect vulnerable people, such as an elderly neighbor or young children.
Make a list of emergency numbers
You don’t know when you can charge your mobile phone to access all your contacts. Therefore, make a list of emergency numbers that you can take with you in the event of an evacuation. In addition to contact details for friends and family, things you can access include local police and fire brigades, roadside assistance, your doctor and (if you’re a pet owner) a vet. You should also have your auto, medical, and home insurance (or renters insurance) numbers on hand, should you need assistance.
Prepare your vehicle
If you have time to prepare for an emergency that may require evacuation, such as upcoming extreme weather, refill your car’s gas tank, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s preparedness guide. Also check your tires, oil tank and any general maintenance that may be required.
Plan for your pet
Don’t forget your furry friends. If you’re planning to evacuate with your pets, Amber Batteiger, communications manager at Embrace Pet Insurance, says it’s important to first make a list of pet-friendly shelters, hotels or family and friends that can accommodate you and your animals. You should also prepare a specific “go-bag” for your pets, which will contain food, water, medicine, leash, and other supplies.
You can also practice evacuating your pets so they “get used to the process,” Batteiger tells Yahoo Life. She adds that having pets that are microchipped and have up-to-date ID tags will “increase the chances of reunification if you become separated.”
Rethink your refrigerator
As a general rule of thumb, the USDA recommends throwing away food from the refrigerator after a power outage of four hours or more. This is due to the fact that perishable foods can reach unsafe temperatures and promote the growth of bacteria. If the power goes out, be sure to keep your refrigerator closed, as warmer air can speed up the deterioration process. There’s more wiggle room when it comes to freezers — up to 48 hours for a full freezer, and 24 hours for a freezer that’s only half full, according to federal food safety guidelines — but it’s still advised to keep the freezer doors closed.
If you’re worried about losing power due to an upcoming crisis, such as bad weather, consider buying more non-perishable foods on your next grocery trip. For example, try canned fish and canned beans, which you can also throw in a go-bag if you need to evacuate.
Think about air quality
Many natural disasters can cause the air to become unhealthy, which is especially risky for groups with respiratory problems such as asthma. Using an air purifier indoors can help reduce these problems.
The N95 masks you’ve been using during the COVID-19 pandemic can also protect your lungs from wildfire smoke and airborne problems caused by natural disasters. Keep them on hand for those times when you need to go outside in less than ideal conditions.
Make a plan for your sentimental items
In an emergency situation, you may be tempted to take irreplaceable items with you. Realistically, though, you won’t have the space or ability to carry more than you need to survive at the time.
One of the most emotionally important items people lost in the Los Angeles fires were family photos. If you’re concerned about losing photos, consider digitizing images that are important to you, whether that’s your grandparents’ wedding photo or your children’s kindergarten drawings. Digital photo albums are easily accessible online or on your phone.
If you have important items that you may not be able to take with you if you need to evacuate as quickly as possible, such as jewelry, consider investing in a fireproof safe.
Organize your papers
The Federal Trade Commission recommends keeping copies of important paperwork, such as Social Security and Health Insurance cards, prescriptions, financial records, and ownership documents for property and vehicles, in a safe place, such as a lockable, fireproof box that you can grab and take with you in a safe place. place. emergency.
In addition to physical copies of your paperwork, you can use technology to keep your data safe. Upload copies of these documents to cloud storage so you can access the information even if you lose the physical papers. Some banks also offer “virtual safe deposit boxes” for such information. Make sure whatever digital system you use is strongly password protected, such as with multi-factor authentication, the FTC advises.
Do a home inventory
Preparing a home inventory before a disaster strikes can help if you lose items and need to file a claim with your insurance company. Take note (and better yet, take photos) of every valuable item in your home, whether it’s your flat-screen TV, your child’s laptop, or the new running shoes you got for Christmas. Do your best to compile a file that includes the date you purchased the item, its estimated value, any serial numbers associated with it, and a detailed description. You will also need to upload copies of your receipts so that you can access them if you need proof of ownership.
Call your insurance company
If you’re unsure about what your home insurance policy will or won’t cover, it’s important to communicate with your company for clarity, especially if you’re concerned about specific natural disasters that could impact you down the road. If you are a renter, consider getting renters insurance, which can help you replace items if they are lost in a disaster.