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“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail" Benjamin Franklin
We all know to call 911 in the event of an emergency. Depending on the circumstances and your proximity to such an event, phone lines may be out of service, including cell phones, and if they are operable they may be jammed due to heavy calls. What then? This resource page intends to prepare you with "What to Expect" and "What to Do", as well as offering various references for you to print and keep handy for an emergency. Don't wait to download them "when" the emergency happens as phone and electric outages will also mean no computer service. Think ahead. Prepare to survive!
For detailed information about the various local and regional emergency preparedness groups, visit www.anzacertteam.info.
| What to expect |
We've all see news coverage of devastating disasters and may even have experienced them first hand ourselves. Our lack of warning before an event can be key in how we respond, but without any preparation, chaos from fear and confusion can make matters even worse. We only help the situation if we stay busy and focused on any of several primary concerns involved with a disaster:
- the event itself (fire, earthquake, flood, tornado, etc. and what is happening at the moment)
- seondary results from the event (coping with smoke, gas leaks, explosions, fires caused the forementioned, hot power lines, seeking dry shelter away from flood waters, etc.)
- personal injuries requiring anything from minor first aid to immediate medical attention that may be life threatening. Shock itself can be life threatening.
- emotional well being, which can lead to unclear thinking, panic, and delerium
- sufficient food, clothing, and shelter to wait out a rescue
Communications may be down and help will come first from ourselves, secondly from those around us, and (in the best case scenario) finally from professionally trained emergency services. Time is our worst enemy so it is on each individual to be alert, informed, and organized toward doing all we can to survive. Having a plan helps us remain calm, clear thinking, and stay focused on matters at hand. Take charge of your own life first, then assist your loved ones and neighbors, in that order. This advice comes from CERT training, a free service provided nationwide and beneficial to everyone. |
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| How to prepare |
Be informed, have a plan, and get trained!
What is CERT? Take a class in Riverside County under the "Training" tab and the "Registration" link.
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| What to do after a disaster? |
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| When will help come? |
Plan for the worst. Rely on yourself.
Every situation is different and must be treated as such. There is no way of telling in advance which professionals will arrive at your location or when. Therefore, be as self-sufficient as you can, working with what you have available. Stay busy! Idle minds are left to worry and panic. Focus on caring for yourself and those with you. Plan and train in advance - these are your best tools! |
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| Local Shelters |
The Office of Emergency Services through our Riverside County Fire Department will publicize the location of local shelters at the time of an emergency. If you have no media access or communications, create your own shelter and stay there until help arrives. If you are near town, you might try inquiring at the local fire station, Community Hall or at Minor Park for assistance. |
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| Local Emergency Agencies |
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To post your event on our calendar and for more information about
Mountain Communities of Resilience (M-COR), please email Annika at info@m-cor.org. |
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Know . . .
what to expect, what to do, and where to go ahead of time. Being prepared helps you stay calm and focused so you can be part of the solution rather than part of the problem.
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Always room for more!
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