Full Notification

In light of the 6.0 earthquake that struck the Napa area this past weekend, we’d like to remind all Los Altans to make emergency preparedness a priority.  In the event of a disaster, emergency responders will prioritize response efforts, responding to the most critical needs in the community first.  It is important to be prepared with the knowledge and supplies necessary to manage yourself, your family and your surroundings during a potentially hazardous situation.

Start getting disaster prepared today with these four steps:

Step 1 – Be Informed
Step 2 – Make a Plan 
Step 3 – Build a Kit 
Step 4 – Get Involved 

Be Informed
In addition to your Nixle subscription, consider subscribing to the Countywide Emergency Alert system at www.AlertSCC.org.  If you’re active on social media, follow the Police Department at www.twitter.com/LosAltosPD and www.facebook.com/LosAltosPolice.

Make a Plan
Your family may not be together when a disaster strikes so it’s important to plan in advance: how you will get to a safe place; how you will contact one another; how you will get back together; and what you will do in different situations.  Download a Family Communication Plan template now at http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/34330.

Build a Kit
Relief workers will be on the scene following a disaster but they cannot reach everyone immediately so having a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency is critical.  Your emergency kit should contain food, water and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours.  Review FEMA’s Emergency Supply Checklist and get your kit started today: http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1390846764394-dc08e309debe561d866b05ac84daf1ee/checklist_2014.pdf.

Get Involved
Sign up for a free Personal Emergency Preparedness (PEP) class offered once a month by the City of Los Altos in collaboration with Santa Clara County Fire.  This three hour class is a perfect way to kick-start your preparedness activities. Upcoming training dates include:

- Wednesday, September 10, 2014: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 15, 2014: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Monday, November 10, 2014: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Monday, December 1, 2014: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Sign up for Personal Emergency Preparedness training now at https://webtrac.losaltosca.gov/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/wbsearch.html?xxmod=ar&xxkeyword=emergency%20preparedness&xxsearch=yes.

Mobile App Resources

American Red Cross Earthquake App: Download to receive alerts and notifications when an earthquake occurs, prepare your family and home, find help and let others know you are safe even if the power is out.  http://www.redcross.org/mobile-apps/earthquake-app

FEMA App: Contains disaster safety tips, an interactive emergency kit list, storable emergency meeting locations, and a map with open shelters and open FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs). https://www.fema.gov/mobile-app

Emergency preparedness is vital to yours and your loved ones' everyday safety.  For more information and disaster preparedness resources, visit www.ready.gov.