Page 2 Start Here
In a major disaster, it might be several days before vital services are restored.
San Diego/Vista area, is exposed to a wide variety of hazards, both natural and man-made. Earthquakes, fires, severe storms, power outages, and acts of terrorism are just some of the potential emergencies we may encounter.
Imagine that you have no electricity, no gas, no water and no telephone service. Imagine that all the businesses are closed and you are without any kind of emergency services. What will you do until help arrives?
Click on the buttons to the right to find out how you can prepare yourself and your family for an emergency. You can also learn what to do in response to a specific disaster, like a tsunami, just in case.
Household-Family
Home Safety
Children
Seniors & Disabled
Training
Pets
Community
Utilities
Earthquake
Food
Storm-Flooding
Water
Terror
First Aid
Evacuation
Go Bag
No Power
Phone
Fire
Volunteer
Tsunami
Sirens
Be prepared for eventual power loss
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Shelter in Place
Page 3 100 foot defensible space regulations out for public notice
Posted: 09/26/2005
The Board of Forestry and Fire Protections PRC 4291 -100 foot defensible space regulations/guidelines are now officially out for public notice.
Go to: http://www.bof.fire.ca.gov/board/board_proposed_rule_packages.aspx for full documents.
This is a 45 day notice. After 45 days there will be a public hearing by the Board at which they will receive public comment. After that hearing, the Board may adopt the regs as written, or make some changes and re-issue them as a 15 day notice. When all the public noticing is done, they will vote to adopt or reject.
The purpose of these guidelines is to describe fuel reduction treatments that will result in compliance with Public Resources Code (PRC) 4291(a) and (b) and with regulation 14 CCR 1299, Defensible Space. These guidelines are necessary because of recent changes to PRC 4291 that expand the defensible space clearance requirement from 30 feet of a structure to 100 feet.
Please see attached links for:
1) General Guidelines to Implement Performance Based Defensible Space Regulations under PRC 4291 State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (BOF) California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Recommended by BOF for 45-Day Notice of Public Hearing on September 15, 2005
2) Performance Based Regulations.
Page 6 Table of Contents
Introduction
Vista Fire Protection District
Greater Vista Fire Safe Council
Emergency Phone Numbers
Map of District
Members of the Board
Acknowledgements
History of the District
Getting Out Alive (Vista Fire Protection Board)
Living Safe
(San Diego Office of Emergency Services)
A Homeowners Guide To fire And
Watershed Management
Emergency Financial first Aid Kit
Preparing Your Pets for Emergencies
Fire Safety (Educational Coloring Book)
You Live in a Fireplace (Landscaping)
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3
7
15
17
18
19
31
35
43
87
107
109
119
Click here to Download the full PDF Binder File
Page 13 HOUSEHOLD & FAMILY
Talk with your family about the potential disasters that can happen and why its necessary to prepare for them. Involve each member of your family in the planning process. By showing them simple steps that can increase their safety you can help reduce their anxiety about emergencies.
Make sure everyone knows where to find your disaster supply kit and go-bags.
Have a flashlight and a pair of shoes under everyones bed in case there is an earthquake during the night. Use a plastic bag tied to the leg of the bed to keep these items from moving during an earthquake.
Plan where to meet after a disaster if your home becomes unsafe. Choose two places, one just outside your home and one outside your neighborhood in case you are told to evacuate.
Determine the best escape routes from your home. Try and identify two escape routes.
Make sure each member knows who your familys out-of-state contact is and instruct them to call this person and tell him/her where they are.
Locate the gas main and other utilities and make sure family members know when and how to turn them off.
Practice your evacuation routes, Duck, Cover & Hold and Stop, Drop & Roll drills.
Teach each member of your family how to use a fire extinguisher.
Create emergency response cards for each of your family members.
Take into account the special needs of children, seniors or people with disabilities, family members that dont speak English and pets.
Page 14 HOME SAFETY
During a disaster ordinary objects in your home can cause injury or damage. However there are simple steps you can take to make your home safer. Start by viewing each room with a disaster eye and identify potential hazards bookshelves that could tip over in an earthquake and block exits, heavy objects that could fall and cause injury, or reactive chemicals, such as bleach & ammonia, stored together under a kitchen sink.
Install smoke detectors on each level of your home and change batteries every 6 months.
Move beds away from windows.
Move mirrors and heavy pictures away from couches or places where people sit.
Clear hallways and exits for easy evacuation.
Store heavy items on the lowest shelves.
Keep ABC type fire extinguishers and know how and when to use them.
Strap down your water heater and fit it with a flexible gas supply line.
Store flammable or highly reactive chemicals securely and separate from each other.
Secure pictures, wall hangings and heavy items such as bookcases and file cabinets.
Know how and when to switch off your utilities.
Page 15 CHILDREN
Plan:
Include your children in family discussions and planning for emergency safety. Teach your children their basic personal information so they can identify themselves and get help if they become separated from a parent or guardian. Prepare an emergency card with information for your child, including their full name, address, phone number, parents work number and out of state contact. Teach children to dial their home telephone number and Emergency 911 . Know the policies of the school or daycare center your children attend. Make plans to have someone pick them up if you are unable to get to them. Make sure each child knows the familys alternate meeting sites if you are separated in a disaster and cannot return to your home. Make sure each child knows how to reach your familys out-of-state contact person. Teach children what gas smells like and advise them to tell an adult if they smell gas after an emergency.
Kit:
Include a family picture and a favorite toy, game or book for each child in their go-bag. Include your childs emergency card and include information on reunification locations and out-of-area contact. Provide comfort food and treats for each child in your family disaster supplies kit. Keep a recent photo of your children in your go-bag.
Response:
Role-play with children to help them remain calm in emergencies and to practice basic emergency responses such as evacuation routes, Duck, Cover & Hold and Stop, Drop & Roll. Role-play with children as to what they should do if a parent is suddenly sick or injured. Role-play with children on what to say when calling Emergency 911 .
Page 16 SENIORS & DISABLED
Plan:
Tell your neighbors if you cannot move well or quickly in an emergency and make arrangements for someone to check on you. Develop a personal support network of people who will check on you following a disaster.
Your personal attendant or home health agency worker may have problems related to the disaster and may not be able to help you. Talk with your personal attendant about their agencys plan for continued client services in an emergency.
Try to always maintain a 3-day supply of your prescription medication. If you use oxygen, keep an emergency supply for 3-days or more.
For all medical equipment requiring electrical power, such as breathing equipment and infusion pumps, check with your medical supply company about a backup power source. This could include a battery pack or generator.
Kit:
Include necessary medications, basic toiletries, any special sanitary aids, and important phone numbers as part of your emergency go-bag.
Keep extra mobility aids on hand. In an emergency you may be able to substitute a car battery for a wheelchair battery. Otherwise, have a manual wheelchair, canes, crutches and walkers as a backup for use in an emergency.
Keep a whistle nearby in case you need to signal for help.
Response:
If you are in a wheelchair during an earthquake, stay in it and go into a doorway that doesn't have a door. Lock your wheelchair brakes. Cover your head and neck with your hands. If you are in a bed or out of a wheelchair, stay put and cover your head.
Page 17 PETS
Plan:
Arrange for a neighbor to check on your pets and take care of them if a disaster occurs while you are not at home.
If you must evacuate your home in a disaster, keep in mind that most disaster shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety regulations. Service animals for people with disabilities are an exception. Ask friends or relatives outside the affected area to shelter your animals if necessary.
Ask local animal shelters if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets in a disaster.
Kit:
Sturdy leashes and/or carriers to transport pets and ensure that your animals can't escape.
Current photos of your pets in case they get lost. Food, potable water, bowls, cat litter and pan, plastic bags and can opener.
Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, immunization records and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets. Pet toys.
Response:
Bring all pets into the house so that you won't have to search for them if you have to leave in a hurry.
Do not try and hold onto your pet during the shaking of an earthquake or explosion. Animals instinctively protect themselves and hide where they are safe.
Animals react differently under stress. Outside your home and in the car, keep dogs securely leashed. Transport cats in carriers. The most trustworthy pets may panic, hide, and try to escape or even bite or scratch. When you return home, give your pets time to settle back into their routines. Consult your veterinarian if any behavioral problems persist.
Page 18 UTILITIES
The ability to locate and operate utility shutoffs will increase safety and reduce property damage in a disaster situation.
Natural Gas
Natural gas leaks can cause an explosive and flammable atmosphere inside a building. The main shutoff valve is next to the main gas meter, usually located on the exterior of your home or building. If you smell gas, shut off the main valve and open all windows and doors.
Only turn off the gas if you smell a leak. Another indicator of a leak is if the unmarked wheels on the gas meter are spinning.
Never use candles or matches. Do not turn on electrical switches or appliances. To turn gas off, turn the lever 1/4 turn; when lever crosses the direction of the pipe (across the flow) the gas is off. Keep a crescent wrench or gas shut-off tool nearby to turn the lever.
Once you turn off the gas it may take several days for it to be turned back on.
NEVER ATTEMPT TO TURN THE GAS BACK ON...LET SDG&E DO IT.
Electricity
Electricity can be deadly. Electrocution can result from direct contact with live wires or anything that has been energized by these wires.Know where your homes main electric switch is. It may be a pull handle or very large circuit breakers inside the panel box.
Shut off electricity when
Arcing or burning occurs in electrical devices You smell the distinct odor of burning insulation. The area around switches or plugs is blackened and/or hot to the touch .The complete loss of power is accompanied by the smell of burning material.
Page 19 FOOD
When a disaster occurs, you might not have access to food, water and electricity for days, or even weeks. Store enough emergency food to provide for your family for at least 3 days.
Food Tips:
Avoid foods that require a lot of water, refrigeration or cooking.
Choose foods your family will eat.
Dont forget a manual can opener and utensils.
Recommended Foods Include:
Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
Canned juices, milk and soup.
High-energy foods, such as peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars and trail mix.
Comfort foods, such as hard candy, sweetened cereals, candy bars and cookies.
Dried foods (select carefully as some have a high salt content).
Instant meals that dont require cooking or water.
Page 20 WATER
In a disaster, water supplies may be cut off or contaminated. Store enough water for everyone in your family to last for at least 3 days. More is better.
Store a gallon of water per person per day. Seal water containers tightly in a clean food-grade plastic container, label them with a date, and store in a cool, dark place. Rotate water supplies every 6 months. Keep a small bottle of unscented liquid bleach to purify water. If you have concerns about your water safety do one of the following:Boil water for at least five minutes, let cool, then drink or use to prepare food. Add 8 drops of unscented liquid bleach to each gallon of water. Shake or stir, then let stand 30 minutes. A slight chlorine taste and smell is normal.If you run out of stored drinking water, strain & treat water from your water heater. To strain, pour it through a clean cloth or layers of paper towels. Treat, following the directions above
Water
Water not only creates property damage, but it can also cause electrocution if electrical wires energize it.
An inside water shutoff is usually located in the basement, garage, or alley. The inside water shutoff is located on a riser pipe and is usually a red or yellow wheel.
In either case, to shut off the water, turn wheel clockwise until off. Shut off the water when there is a severe leak inside the building.
Page 21 FIRST AID
In any emergency, you or a family member may be cut, burned or suffer other injuries. Keep the following basic first aid supplies so you are prepared to help when someone is hurt.
Two pairs of disposable gloves.
Sterile dressings to stop bleeding.
Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect.
Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
Burn ointment.
Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes.
Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant.
Scissors.
Over-the-counter medicines such as Aspirin or other pain reliever, laxative, anti-diarrhea medication.
Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine, or asthma inhaler.
Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose monitoring equipment or blood pressure monitors.
Page 22 GO BAG
A go-bag is for use in the event of an evacuation. Be sure that your bag is easy to carry and that it has an ID tag. Prepare one for each family member. Keep a go-bag at home, at work and in your vehicle. Include the following:
Some water, food, and manual can opener
Flashlight
Radio battery operated
Batteries
Whistle
Pocket Knife
Personal medications and prescriptions
Extra keys to your house and vehicle
Basic First Aid kit and instructions
Walking shoes, warm clothes, a hat, and rain gear
Extra prescription eye glasses, hearing aid or other vital personal items
Toilet paper, plastic bags and other hygiene supplies
Dust mask
Paper, pens and tape for leaving messages
Cash
Copies of insurance and identification cards
Any special-need items for children and seniors or people with disabilities. Dont forget pet supplies.
Page 23 PHONE
Plan for how you will communicate with loved ones after a disaster.
Long-distance phone lines often work before local phone lines, so identify an out-of-state contact and provide this person with the contact information of people you want to keep informed of your situation. Share this information with your family and friends locally.
Avoid making non-urgent phone calls after a disaster even if phone lines are un-damaged, increased phone traffic can jam phone circuits.
Dont count on your cell phone - increased traffic on cell phone networks can quickly overload wireless capacity.
Keep coins in your go-bag. Payphones are more likely to work before other phone lines.
Cordless phones or phone systems require electricity, so make sure you have a backup phone that requires no electricity.
After an earthquake, check all your telephones to be sure they have not shaken off the hook and are tying up a line.
Page 24 GREATER VISTA FIRE SAFE COUNCIL
Our Fire Safe Council is used as a forum to share information, solve problems and link related programs in ways that can save money and time. The public safety issues we discuss may even extend beyond fire safety, to earthquake preparedness, emergency medical response, CERT information etc.
The success of the Council depends upon the willingness and participation of the neighbors and community at large that you represent. Your participation is essential to protecting what you value most. Your views will be shared with local decision makers.
GREATER VISTA FIRE SAFE COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE
Site location: Vista Library at 700 Eucalyptus Avenue, Vista, CA
Meeting Dates: January and February meetings are on the second Monday of the
month every other meeting is on the third Monday of the month.
6:30 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. February 12, 2007
6:30 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. March 19, 2007
6:30 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. April 16, 2007
6:30 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. May 21, 2007
6:30 p.m. - 8: 15 p.m. June 18, 2007
6:30 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. July 16, 2007
6:30 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. August 20, 2007
6: 30 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. September 17, 2007
6:30 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. October 15, 2007
6:30 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. November 19, 2007
No meeting in December 2007
Page 25 TRAINING
San Diego / Vista Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) - Free training from the fire department on how to help yourself and your neighbors after a disaster.
Call the Vista Fire Department for locations and to schedule a training session:
760-726-2144
760-726-2104
American Red Cross Disaster Preparedness, First Aid and CPR Training.
Page 26 COMMUNITY RESOURCE
Give blood - http://www.bloodcenters.org or 1-888-393-GIVE.
Donate money to an established organization.
Get to know your neighbors. Find out if anyone has specialized equipment, like a power generator or expertise such as medical knowledge, that might help in a crisis. Make arrangements to check on your neighbors home or pets if one of you is away when a disaster strikes.
To request your "Emergency Phone Number Manual" Contact:
Station 1
175 Melrose, Vista, California 92084
760-726-2144
Page 27 EARTHQUAKE
Know what to do when the shaking begins: DROP, COVER, & HOLD ON!
DROP to the floor.
Take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture or next to an interior wall. COVER your head and neck with your arms. Stay away from windows.
HOLD ON to a sturdy piece of furniture and be prepared to move with it.
Stay where you are until the shaking stops and youre sure its safe to exit use caution when exiting buildings.
If you are downtown, it is safer to remain inside a building after an earthquake unless there is a fire or gas leak. Glass from high-rise buildings does not always fall straight down; it can catch a wind current and travel great distances. Never take elevators after an earthquake. If you are outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Drop to the ground. If you are in a car, slow down and drive to a clear place (as described above). Stay in the car until the shaking stops. After the shaking stops check yourself and others for injuries. Give first aid for serious injuries. Turn off the gas only if you smell gas. Listen to the radio for instructions. Expect aftershocks. Check your phones to be sure they have not shaken off the hook and are tying up a line. Inspect your home for damage.
Page 28 STORM - FLOODING
Under construction
Page 29 TERRORISM
Terrorism may involve devastating acts using weapons of mass destruction. These weapons range from chemical agents, biological hazards, a radiological or nuclear device, and other explosives. The primary objective of a terrorist is to create widespread fear.
If there is a Terrorist Attack:
Stay calm.
Be vigilant. Look out for secondary hazards such as falling debris or additional attacks.
Follow the instructions of emergency service personnel.
If you receive a Bomb Threat:
Ask the caller the following questions: When is the bomb going to explode? Where is the bomb right now? What kind of bomb is it? What does the bomb look like? Why did you place the bomb? Where are you calling from?
Record the exact time and length of the call.
Write down the exact words of the caller.
Listen carefully to the caller's voice and background noise.
After you hang up, call 9-1-1 immediately from a hard-wired telephone do not use cell phones to report a bomb threat
Page 30 EVACUATE
If you are told to evacuate by local officials, leave immediately:
Wear sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing.
Take your emergency go-bag.
Follow instructions of public safety officials and use authorized travel routes.
Lock your home, if possible.
If you have time, leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going.
Once you are safe, call your out-of-state contact and tell them where you are.
Plan Ahead
Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several places--a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.
Keep handy the telephone numbers of these places, as well as a road map.
Consider the need to take any important prescription medications and medical supplies, as well as important documents with you.
Page 31 POWER OUTAGE
Power cuts can be due to rolling black outs, extreme weather conditions, or accompany other disasters such as earthquakes. If there is no power in your neighborhood:
Turn off all appliances, computers, and lights except one that will indicate when power has been restored.
Keep the refrigerator closed; this will help to keep food cold longer.
Be very careful of fire hazards caused by candles and other flammable light sources. Never leave an open flame unattended.
When power is restored, check all appliances.
If a traffic signal is not working, treat it as a stop sign.
Page 32 FIRE
If your smoke detector goes off or if there is a fire:
Remain calm and get out. Do not try to fight the fire.
Call 9-1-1 from a safe place.
If your clothes catch on fire, STOP where you are, DROP to the ground, and ROLL over and over to smother the flames.
Drop to the floor to avoid smoke and fumes - crawl to safety.
Feel the door with the back of your hand before you open it. If it is hot, find another way out.
If you are unable to get out of your home for any reason, stay near a window and close to the floor. If possible, signal for help.
Page 33 TSUNAMI
A strong earthquake lasting 20 seconds or more in the Pacific Ocean region could generate a tsunami. A noticeable rapid rise or fall in coastal waters is a sign that a tsunami is approaching. Tsunamis most frequently come onshore as a rapidly rising turbulent surge of water choked with debris.
In response to a tsunami move inland or move to higher ground immediately.
Do not go to watch the waves or try to surf a tsunami.
Stay away from the beaches and the Bay until local authorities have told you that it is safe to return.
Page 35 SHELTER IN PLACE
One of the instructions you may be given in an emergency is to shelter-in-place. This means you should stay indoors until authorities tell you it is safe or you are told to evacuate.
Select a small, interior room, with no or few windows.
Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.
Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems. Close the fireplace damper.
Bring your family disaster supply kit and make sure the radio is working.
Bring your pets.
It is ideal to have a hard-wired telephone in the room you select (cellular telephone equipment may be overwhelmed or damaged during an emergency)
Use duct tape and plastic sheeting (heavier than food wrap) to seal all cracks around the door and any vents into the room.
Listen to your radio or television for further instructions or updates.
If you are in your car, close windows and turn off vents and air conditioning.
