Disaster Preparedness
- Special Needs Populations
Infants, Toddlers, Children and Latch-key Kids
Infants and toddlers require special attention
immediately after disasters. Your Preparedness kit should
include enough baby formula, baby food, diapers, bottles,
toys and games to keep small infants safe and comfortable
after a disaster.
If children are at preschool, day
care or school, it is important that parents or guardians
know the emergency procedures of the school. Review and
update information on your childs emergency card. Make
sure you authorize someone nearby to pick up your
children from school in case you are unable to travel to
the school after a disaster.
Parents of latch-key kids should
inform neighbors when their children are home alone so
neighbors could take care of them in the event of a major
disaster.
Elderly, Disabled or Persons under Medication
- Wheel Chairs
For those persons confined to a wheel chair, it is
recommended that they store emergency supplies and any
extra medication in a small bag directly underneath or
behind their wheelchair. Store extra batteries and charger if you have
an electric wheel chair. - Medications
Keep at least a weeks supply on hand at all times. Rotate your
medications so you use the oldest medication first,
ensuring that your week reserve is always fresh. Along
with your medication, include the name, dosage and frequency
of the required medication in the event others need to
help you administer your medication. Wear your medical
alert bracelet or tag at all times if you are on
medication or being treated for an illness. - Life support equipment
Make sure that oxygen tanks and other apparatus are securely
fastened so they do not fall over. If vital life support
equipment requires electricity, it is strongly
recommended that individuals have access to an emergency
generator to provide electricity. - Hearing Aids
Replace or rotate spare hearing aid batteries regularly
to ensure availability of a fresh supply. Also include a
pad of paper and a pen or pencil to help communicate with
others. Remind others you cannot hear emergency
information and have them relay information to you from
an emergency radio broadcast.
Pets
Caring for Pets in a Disaster
Stray Pets Following a Disaster -
Your pet(s) may escape home following a disaster. The
City's Animal Control Department, under the Direction of
the Police Department, will hold stray pets at the Animal
Shelter until their owners can claim them. The Animal
Shelter is located at 20612 Laguna Canyon Road.
Have your dog or cat wear an
identification collar tag-- it will make it easier to
identify your pet at a shelter, should they be found
following a disaster.
Pet Preparedness Kits
It is imperative while planning your Preparedness Kit to
include enough dry food and water for your pets. It is
recommended that dry food should be left for your pet
since it will last longer than wet or canned food. Also
remember to secure your pets water supply or bowl so it
cannot be tipped over. If possible, leave a tap dripping
into a bucket so the water will be fresh. A large
capacity self- feeder and water dispenser are best.
Pets are often very frightened
following disasters. Be careful around them as they may
not react as expected. Keep them tied up or confined to a
room so they do not run away or get hurt. Make sure to
separate cats and dogs: even those that are friendly may
fight when they are scared. Keep them on a leash when you
take them outside. Always maintain close contact. Pets
which can normally find their way home can become lost,
since familiar scents and landmarks may have been
altered.
Pet Disaster Preparedness Kits
- Seven days supply of dry food
- Seven days supply of water
- Copy of Vaccination records
- Blanket
- Chewbone for dogs, toys for cats
- Spare leash or collar
- Cat litter and litter box
- Carrying box
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