By The Bay Area hosts a number of major fault lines. The San Andreas fault is only a few miles away, and 3 major faults traverse the town of Los Altos hills – the Berrocal fault, the Altamont fault, and the Monta Vista Fault. Recent earthquakes here in the Bay Area and in Haiti serve as a reminder that we always need to be prepared for an earthquake.
Here’s a quick checklist of actions you and your family can take to be prepared in the event of an earthquake affecting our towns:
- Hazard Hunt – walk through your home to confirm tall or top heavy furniture is secured, loose objects are stored so that they don’t become flying missiles, and escape routes are likely to stay clear in the event of an earthquake.
- Water Heater – when you bought your house, one of the many real estate disclosures confirmed that the water heater was properly strapped. If you have replaced it since then – make sure it is still properly strapped to the wall!
- Utilities – make sure everyone in the family knows how to shut-off the gas and water lines if needed. Where are the needed tools stored? Does everyone know where the electrical breaker box is located?
- Disaster Supplies –Spot Pizza may not be able to deliver after a major earthquake – so make sure you have what you need! Assemble water, food, first aid kits, clothing, bedding, tools, medication, and other emergency supplies that your family may need for 3 to 5 days to be self-sufficient.
- Meeting Plan – identify an alternative to your home (if needed) for your family to meet after an earthquake. Perhaps a neighbor’s house or a Los Altos landmark.
- Radio – When requested by the cities of Los Altos and Los Altos Hills, local volunteer amateur radio operators will activate an emergency 2-way radio communication network. This will link public schools, local Red Cross shelters, police, fire, hospitals and other emergency services. Disaster information and emergency instructions will be announced on commercial radio stations. Does your radio have fresh batteries or a hand crank?
- Communication Plan – Stay off the phone as much as possible. Identify an out-of-state relative or friend for all family members to call to report their location and condition after an earthquake. Setup a plan for that person (not you) to relay the news to other friends and family.
- School Plan – check the emergency plan at your children’s school. Authorize a trusted neighbor or relative to pick up your child if you are not available.
- Pets – make sure your pet has a current ID tag. Is their leash or carrier accessible? Make sure you have 3 to 5 days of food and water on hand for them too!
- Vital Documents – are your vital documents organized and stored in a fire-proof safe? Make sure they are ready to “grab and go” if needed.
- Get to Know Your Neighbors – consider organizing a neighborhood group to support one another during an earthquake or other emergency. Contact the Los Altos Police Department for information on the Citizen Corps Council and organizing your first meeting.
- CERT Me – In the case of a major disaster, emergency support will be scarce. Consider becoming a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member. The Los Altos Police Department offers CERT training that is open to everyone with priority given to Los Altos residents.
