Santa Clarita’s usual tranquility can be shattered during a disaster such as an earthquake, hazardous material incident, landslide, severe weather or wildfire.
With only a few main transportation arteries, it’s impossible for emergency services to respond to everyone’s needs immediately, so residents should plan ahead, according to Terry Stone, emergency preparedness manager at Henry Mayo.
“Be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for at least the first 72 hours, preferably for up to a week,” Stone said.
Here are the top three steps you can take:
1. Get a Kit
This should support the needs of your family for three days to one week and be stored somewhere on your property, preferably in an area outside the house in case the house collapses or cannot be occupied.
2. Make a Plan
Plan in advance how family members will get into contact and back together, as well as how to get to a safe place for those that are in the home.
3. Be Informed
Learn what protective measures to take before, during and after an emergency
“Evaluate your personal needs and make an emergency plan accordingly, so you and your loved ones can be best prepared,” Stone said. “An excellent resource is www.ready.gov.”
Henry Mayo helps the community during times of emergency.
Henry Mayo’s primary role in a community disaster is to be available to provide medical care to victims of all types of disasters. Henry Mayo has provided services to victims of many disasters in the Santa Clarita Valley for example: the 1994 Northridge earthquake, the Buckwheat fires, the Station fires, and the 5 freeway tunnel fire. Henry Mayo is one of 13 Disaster Resource Centers in LA County. Our emergency management program prepares our facility so we can respond quickly and effectively in an emergency or any kind of disruption to our services. As part of a larger network, funded by the County’s Emergency Medical Services Agency, Henry Mayo is able to coordinate large scale disasters with other area hospitals. Henry Mayo also coordinates with the city of Santa Clarita and the SCV Disaster Coalition to create a comprehensive approach to potential local emergencies.
Emergency Kit Items – Be Prepared
(courtesy of www.ready.gov)
• 1 gallon of water per person per day (one gallon for drinking and sanitation)
• Ready-to-eat food and a manual can opener
• Extra supply of medications
• Unscented liquid household bleach for water purification
• Flashlight, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• Cash in small denominations, copies of important documents and
phone numbers
• First Aid kit, dust mask, essential medications, eyeglasses, hearing aids
or other vital personal items
• Any special needs items for children, seniors or the disabled
• Personal hygiene items including toilet paper, diapers, soap and feminine
products, moist wipes, garbage bags, plastic ties.
• Warm clothes, hats, rain gear, sturdy shoes and heavy gloves
• Blanket or sleeping bag
• A local map
• Plastic sheeting, duct tape and utility knife for covering broken windows
• Extra keys to your house and car
• Wrench to turn off gas is necessary
• Pet food
For more information or a free Family Emergency Preparedness Planning Guide with a magnet that self attaches to your refrigerator, please contact Terry Stone at 200-1700 or stonetm@henrymayo.com.