The recent spate of deadly hurricanes serves as a reminder that natural disasters can strike anywhere at any time. While Northern Californians don’t have to worry about hurricanes, earthquakes and wildfires are a definite threat, so local police and firefighters are encouraging residents to be prepared for the worst.
September is National Preparedness Month, but Los Gatos’ and Monte Sereno’s preparedness efforts usually take place around the anniversary of the Oct. 17, 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake.
This year is no exception. Los Gatos-Monte Sereno community response team members and amateur radio responders are scheduled to be at the downtown Farmers’ Market at the Town Plaza Oct.1 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. to promote the upcoming Community Emergency Response Team Academy, answer questions and teach people how to build a 72-hour emergency kit.
Being prepared means having enough food, water and medicine stored to survive on your own for three to six days.
“I’m in the process of being fully prepared,” Lt. JR Langer said. “I have a seven-day food and water supply for my family and dog, and a propane- and gas-capable generator for the refrigerator and freezer, so I can run it either way. And I’m a flashlight freak, so I have them throughout the house.”
The food and water are stashed in Langer’s garage, along with extra batteries, medicine, clothes, matches and a first-aid kit—all the things that are needed in an emergency situation.
“The county Office of Emergency Services has developed a preparedness app to help people prepare, and we’re going to push that out to the community,” Langer said.
The free ReadySCC-Santa Clara County app is available on Apple and Google Play stores and has a handy checklist people can use to put together a personal preparedness kit. For example, it encourages users to choose an away-from-home family meeting place and establish an out-of-town contact to take “I’m safe” calls.
Immediately after the 1989 earthquake, landlines were jammed, but long distance sometimes went through.
“Everyone in my family has my uncle’s phone number in New Jersey,” Langer said.
The app has a checklist, too, for vital documents that need to be included in a personal emergency kit.
“That includes copies of passports and drivers licenses, insurance policies, bank records and wills,” Langer said. He also suggested putting aside some toys, books, playing cards and games.
Residents interested in learning more are encouraged to sign up for the free Personal Emergency Preparedness class that takes place Oct. 24, 6-9 p.m., at the police operations building, 15900 Los Gatos Blvd. The three-hour class includes information on home and workplace preparedness, fire safety, treating life-threatening conditions and building a supply kit.
Also in October, the Santa Clara County Office of Emergency Services is sponsoring a Community Emergency Response Team academy that prepares volunteers to help their community and neighbors in an emergency.
“They check in with the control center via radio and report on damage and injuries to help police and firefighters prioritize their response,” David Flamm said. “They might also volunteer to help with traffic, food and water distribution or at shelters.”
Flamm, who is the deputy director of the county Office of Emergency Services, also said that “the more people we have engaged, the more resilient a community becomes and the recovery time is shorter.”
It also helps build community bonds, Flamm said.
The academy costs $35 and represents a 21-hour time commitment since it runs for six weekday evenings and a Saturday morning. The academy is Oct. 16, 18, 23, 25 and 30 and Nov. 1, 6-9 p.m., and Nov. 4, 9:30-12:30 p.m.
“The first day we talk about personal and family preparedness,” Flamm said. “Then we have sessions on shutting off utilities, working with the incident command system and radio communications. People will also learn about reporting possible terrorism incidents and suspicious activity.”
Dealing with hazardous materials, putting out fires and disaster psychology are also taught.
The final class is a disaster simulation exercise, when volunteers get to practice what they’ve learned.
Call 408-378-4010 or email communityoutreach@sccfd.org to register for either the Community Emergency Response Training academy or the Personal Emergency Preparedness class.
