Community Corner

San Juan Capistrano Talks Emergency Preparedness: Don't Wait--Communicate

September is National Preparedness and Orange County communities are getting ready. Here are some tips on planning your earthquake kit, etc.

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Ashley Ludwig, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — Chances are, you have canned goods, batteries and bottled water in case of an emergency like all good Californians should do. But do you know how you would get in touch with your loved ones in case of a disaster?

The old adage states if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

September is recognized as National Preparedness Month, which serves as a reminder that we all must take action to prepare, now and throughout the year, for the types of emergencies that could affect southern California residents.

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It’s essential to plan in advance how you will contact family members and what you will do in in an emergency.

Depending on your circumstances and the nature of the emergency the first important decision is whether you stay where you are or evacuate. Understand, plan for and communicate your decisions for both possibilities to all of your loved ones.

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Plan for Chain of Contact During Emergency:

  • Identify an out-of-town contact for every member of your household. Phone lines are often busy or out of service during major disasters, and it may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town.
  • Equip your family with the contact’s phone number and a cell phone or prepaid phone card. Program your emergency contact as “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) in your phone. If you are in an accident, emergency personnel will often check your ICE listings in order to get a hold of someone you know. You can also add a designated “Home” or “Work” entry so that these phone numbers can be easily accessed in an emergency situation.
  • Teach family members how to use text messaging. This tactic can be used when network disruptions prevent a phone call from connecting
  • Empower your kids to become part of emergency planning process. Quiz kids about the family plan at dinner.
  • Explain where the family will reunite after an emergency.
  • Shop for your emergency supply kit with the kids.
  • Be sure they know where the kits are stored.

    For more information, visit readyoc.org/prepare/plan.html.

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