"Ready for 7"

Knowing what steps to take in an emergency is the key to protecting oneself and family. Disasters can happen anytime and anyplace. The effects of a disaster can be sudden and devastating.

When a disaster strikes you may have only a short time to respond or prepare for the consequences. An accidental release of a hazardous chemical could mean a need for sheltering-in-place or an immediate evacuation. Strong winds could confine your family to your home. A flood could cut off basic services in the community; things like gas, water, and electricity for days.  Sierra Madre residents are urged to be "Ready for 7", seven consecutive days of being entirely self-sufficient at home. 

• It's important to make a plan. Below are a list of questions that could help prepare a strategy in case of an emergency.
• How do you get in touch with family members if you are not together?
• How will you get to a safe place?
• How do you get back together with one another?
• What would you do in different situations?
• Does everyone know what the emergency plan is?
• Are there enough supplies?

 

Build a Kit

When ordered to evacuate, there may be little or no time to shop or search for supplies. Pre-assemble a disaster supply kit and keep it up to date. The kit should include the following:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least seven days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a seven-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Additional items to consider adding to an Emergency Supply Kit

• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• Cash (in small bills) or traveler’s checks and change
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from ready.gov
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person.
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes.
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, it can be used to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaner
• Fire Extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

 

Get Involved

The formula for ensuring a safer homeland consists of volunteers, a trained and informed public and increased support of emergency response agencies during disasters. Major disasters can overwhelm first responder agencies, empowering individuals to lend support. Training and volunteering with Sierra Madre's Community Emergency Response Team can help individuals and groups prepare for and support the community in times of disaster. For more information about Sierra Madre's CERT program, click HERE.

Stay Informed

There are important differences among potential emergencies that will impact the decisions and actions. Learning what to do in different situations and developing and customizing plans for local hazards, the locations frequented by household members, and the specific needs of household members (including animals) can help reduce the impact of disasters which may save lives and prevent injuries.  Please visit here to see the various communication tools that the City will use during emergencies. 

Basic Protective Measures for All Hazards

• Physical safety is a concern for all hazards and may involve sheltering or evacuating
• Develop a family communications plan
• Make an emergency supply kit to be prepared for any type of disaster
• Sign up to Receive Emergency Alerts via cell phone and email
• Learn about local emergency plans for shelter and evacuation, local emergency contacts, and local advance alerts and warnings
• When recovering from a disaster, safety as well as mental and physical well-being must be considered