STAY CONNECTED DURING A DISASTER

How will you contact your children, friends, or parents when an earthquake has downed power and telephone poles? The only way to talk with the outside world may be by using an amateur "HAM" radio license which is relatively easy to obtain.
Here's how, attend three Tuesday night classes from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. on July 10, 17, 24, and take the final exam on July 31 to earn your license. Once you pass your test, you can purchase a tiny, two-way radio that's smaller than most compact digital cameras.

Communication to the outside world for this type of "Ham" equipment is typically thru "repeaters" that have been installed on tall buildings and mountains, which may be connected to Internet lines that carry voice communications to other "Hams" all over the world.

If "Hams" live in the same area as your relatives, you might be able to talk with them when a disaster disrupts the use of phones. In addition, you could volunteer to use your "Ham" equipment and knowledge to help fire and police communicate during a disaster.

There will be a free Emergency Communications Training Class on August 7 at Menlo Park Fire Station #77, 1467 Chilco St. in East Palo Alto. To register, email Ken Dueker at kdueker@powerflare.com. and let him know you want to attend this class. This course is open to the public but priority goes to disaster volunteer members first.

 

Disaster Training Could Help Atherton Residents Get Home

An upcoming, six-night course in disaster training could be life saving for both you and your neighbors. You'll learn basic disaster skills such as medical first aid, light search and rescue, and how to help yourself and others with the assistance of local disaster relief organizations. The course is called CERT which stands for Community Emergency Response Team.

Besides the knowledge listed above, you'll receive a CERT certificate which shows to all that you're an officially recognized disaster worker. It's that certificate that might get you through police lines when everyone else is told to stay put for awhile, say several officials.

The next CERT course that will be offered by the Menlo Park Fire Protection District is scheduled for September 29, 2007, at the Sacred Heart School.
To register, call Carol Parker at (650) 688-8415 or go to the CERT web site at:
http://www.menlofire.org/cert/courses.html

 

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

This installation would enable Atherton to have multiple command posts at various emergency locations which are capable of interfacing with a central command post as well as county/state/federal emergency coordinators and assistance. These laptops would also be used on a daily basis to facilitate Atherton operations and promote an understanding of how they can be utilized.

"I also want to see the second well in Holbrook-Palmer Park completed in the event we need an additional water source, which hopefully, would remain operational in the event of an earthquake," she said.
"Finally, I am hopeful that we can work on improved coordination with the Menlo Park Fire District, move central command to a safer location than city hall, locate captains for each of our 16 regional districts, and develop a useable community emergency operations handbook for distribution," said McKeithen.

"Some of my personal goals are to speak with the Peninsula Humane Society regarding pet stickers for the outside of one's home, which are intended to notify emergency personnel of the presence of an animal inside, and to speak with our family physician regarding recommended drugs to have on hand for possible health outbreaks." she said. Other preparations for 2007 include the following: Dr. Patricia Engasser is creating a list of Atherton health care workers who might be able to help fellow Atherton residents after a disaster. She asks that anyone who's a physician, nurse, pharmacist, or other health professional call Wendy Protzman, 752-0546, at Atherton Town Hall and asks to be placed on the medical list. Sharyn Vucinich is focusing on drafting an Atherton Disaster Preparedness Manual based on one that's already published by another, nearby town. Teams of neighbors in the 16 designated areas will use this reference to organize themselves so that they can be of mutual assistance to each other. Several communities are now creating their teams so that they can assist each other following a disaster.

 

COMMUNITY ALERT NETWORK

San Mateo County has provided residents a community warning system to notify them through digital devices - cell and smart phones and pagers - and emails of important information and emergency alerts.
To register:

1) Go to www.smcalert.info and follow instructions for "new users"

2) Select places you live, work, and/or you want to receive alerts

3) List specific geographic addresses (optional) Alert examples:

Hazmat (shelter in place or evacuation), Utility outage (power, water, gas, phone), Winter storm warning, Flash floods, Tsunami, Road closure / traffic congestion, Earthquake, Amber alerts, Crime alerts.

Follow-up alerts can be sent to update residents on situation (all clear, concluded, power restoration, etc). Charges will depend upon your carrier and the type of text plan you currently have. There are no charges for emails. For more information, visit www.smcalert.info.

 

DISASTER SUPPLIES CHECKLIST

The Family Disaster Supplies Calendar is intended to help you prepare for disasters before they happen. Using the calendar, your family can assemble an emergency kit in small steps over a six month period.
Check off each week as you gather the contents. Supplies may be stored together in a large plastic garbage can or food may be kept on kitchen shelves. Remember to rotate your perishable supplies and change water every six months.

Week 1 Grocery Store
1 gallon of water*, 1 jar of peanut butter*, 1 large can of juice*, instant coffee, tea, powdered soft drinks, permanent marking pen to mark date on cans
Remember: 1 gallon of water for each pet.
Also: pet food, diapers, and/or baby food, if needed.

TO DO: Make a family plan, date each perishable food item using marking pen.

Week 2 Hardware Store
Crescent wrench, Heavy rope, Duct tape, 2 flashlights, "bungee" cords

TO DO: Check your house for hazards, locate your gas shutoffs and attach a wrench near them.

Week 3 Grocery Store
1 gallon of water*, 1 can of meat*, 1 can of fruit*, sanitary napkins, video tape
Also: pet food, diapers, and/or baby food, if needed.

TO DO: Use a video camera to tape the contents of your home. Store video tape with friend/family member who live out of town.

Week 4 Hardware Store
Plumber's tape, crowbar, smoke detector w/battery, instant coffee, tea, powdered soft drinks, permanent marking pen to mark date on cans
Also: extra medications or a prescription marked "emergency use" if needed.

TO DO: Install or test your smoke detector, tie water heater to wall studs using plumber's tape

Week 5 Grocery Store
1 gallon of water*, 1 can of meat*, 1 can of fruit*, 1 can vegetables*, 2 rolls toilet paper*, extra toothbrush, travel size toothpaste Also: special food for special diets, if needed

TO DO: Have fire drill at home

Week 6, First Aid Supplies
Aspirin and/or acetaminophen, Compresses, Rolls of gauze or bandages, First aid tape, Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes, extra hearing aid batteries, if needed.

TO DO: Check with your child's day care or school to find out about their disaster plans.

Week 7 Grocery Store
1 gallon of water*, 1 can ready-to-eat soup* (not concentrate), 1 can fruit*, 1 can vegetables*
Also: extra plastic baby bottles, formula, and diapers, if needed.

TO DO: establish an out-of-state contact to call in case of emergency

Week 8 First Aid Supplies
Scissors, Tweezers, Antiseptic, Thermometer, Liquid hand soap, Disposable hand wipes, Sewing kit
Also: extra eyeglasses, if needed.

TO DO: Place a pair of shoes and a flashlight under your bed so that they are handy during an emergency.

Week 9 Grocery Store
1 can ready-to-eat soup*, liquid dish soap, plain liquid bleach, 1 box heavy-duty garbage bags
Also: saline solution and a contact lens case, if needed.

TO DO: send some of your favorite family photos (or copies) to family members out of state for safe keeping, date each perishable food item using marking pen

Week 10 Hardware Store
Water proof portable plastic container with lid, Portable am/fm radio with batteries
Also: blankets or sleeping bags for each member of the family

TO DO: Make photocopies of important papers and store safely Week

11 Grocery Store
1 large can juice*, large plastic food bags, 1 box quick energy snacks, 3 rolls paper towels, sunscreen

TO DO: store a roll of quarters for emergency phone calls, go on a hunt with your family to find a pay phone near home

Week 12 First Aid Supplies
Anti-diarrhea medicine, Rubbing alcohol, 2 pair latex gloves, Ipecac syrup and activate charcoal (for accidental poisoning)
Also: items for denture care, if needed

TO DO: Take your family on a field trip to gas meter and water meter shutoffs.

Week 13 Hardware Store
Whistle, ABC fire extinguisher, Pliers, Vise grips,

Week 14 Grocery Store
1 can fruit*, 1 can meat*, 1 can vegetables*, 1 package of paper plates, 1 package eating utensils, 1 package paper cups, adult vitamins

TO DO: Make a plan to check on a neighbor who might need help in an emergency.

Week 15 Hardware Store
Extra flashlight batteries, Masking tape, Hammer, Assorted nails, "L" brackets to secure tall furniture to wall studs, wood screws

TO DO: Brace shelves and cabinets.

Week 16 Grocery Store
1 can meat*, 1 can vegetables*, 1 box large heavy-duty , garbage bags, Kleenex, 1 box quick energy snacks (such as granola bars or raisins)

TO DO: Find out if you have a neighborhood safety organization and join it!

Week 17 Grocery Store
1 box of graham crackers, assorted plastic containers with lids, assorted safety pins, dry cereal

TO DO: Arrange for a friend or neighbor to help your children if you are at work.

Week 18 Grocery Store
"child proof" latches or other fasteners for your cupboards, Double- sided tape or Velcro-type fasteners to secure moveable objects.

TO DO: Pack a "go-pack" in case you need to evacuate.

Week 19 Grocery Store
1 box large, heavy-duty garbage bags, 1 box quick energy snacks ( such as granola bars or raisins)

TO DO: have an earthquake drill at home

Week 20 Hardware Store
Camping or utility knife, extra radio batteries Week

Week 21 Hardware Store
Heavy work gloves, 1 box disposable masks, screwdriver, plastic safety goggles

Week 22 Grocery Store
Extra hand-operated can opener, 3 rolls paper towels,

Week 23 Hardware Store
battery powered camping lantern with extra battery or extra flashlights

Week 24 Grocery Store
Large plastic food bags, Plastic wrap, Aluminum foil

 

The Year for Disaster Preparationin Atherton

"2007 is the year Atherton residents should get ready for the Big One," said Atherton resident Peter Carpenter. "A huge temblor could happen at any time so all of us have got to be prepared.
"If we have a really serious disaster, nearly all the things that we normally rely upon, on a day-to-day basis, will either be degraded or unavailable," he added.
Many people think they'll get help from safety personnel in just two minutes by picking up their phone and dialing 911, said the director of the Menlo Park Fire Protection District. But if it really is a major disaster, fire and police personnel will first head for the largest problems like a collapsed school or wrecked long-term-care facility where they can make a big difference.

In addition, electrical power may not be available for days or even weeks. Past experience has revealed that Lindenwood, for example, is of relatively low priority for having its power restored since it's taken as long as three days to get the lights going in past events, Carpenter said. That's why Carpenter, and approximately 100 other Atherton residents, have recently purchased generators that can run on gasoline or other fuels like diesel or propane. These power sources can keep a refrigerator and freezer cold with only a few hours of generator operation per day.
"To prepare for a major disaster, we must create a new mindset that says, 'I'm not going to wait for the government to help me...I'm going to do it for myself,'" he said.
Carpenter added, "And don't think that because you made it thru the Loma Prieta Earthquake that you're going to have it unscathed after the next one. You should know that a 1906-type earthquake released almost 32 times as much energy as Loma Prieta."

Here are Carpenter's tips about how to prepare for the coming major
disaster:

• Store enough drinkable water to last several weeks. If you have a pool, you can use that water but you must have chlorine to make it sanitary. You should have enough water to drink, to cook with, and to flush your toilets (which may not be working if the sewage plant is without power).
• Always keep a minimum of a month's supply of "must have"
  pharmaceuticals because the pharmacy might not have enough stock or may be unable to sell it to you because the computers are down, or they can't verify your credit card.
• Since credit cards may not be useable for a period of time, you must have enough $5 and $20 bills to pay for what you'll need. Keep in mind that entrepreneurs might invoke "supply and demand" pricing, so you might have to hand over up to three times the usual price.
• Fill up your car's tank when it reaches the half-way-full point so that you can get home without depending on gas stations that might be closed down.
• Think primitive so that you can sustain yourself and your family even if your house is damaged so much that it would be dangerous to stay inside. If you do a lot of camping you may already have much of what you need.
• Be generous in your preparations because the emergency might last much longer than you might expect. That's because the Association Bay Area Governments expects approximately 300 road closures in San Mateo County alone following a major earthquake. Contributing to the blocked roads will be downed bridges, telephone poles, and trees.

These obstructions will delay outside assistance at least two to three weeks. Restoration of power and telephone lines could be significantly longer because many power poles will have to be replaced.
Carpenter added, "Don't hesitate. The welfare of you and the people you care about is in your hands. So you should begin taking precautions now and don't stop until you're fully prepared."
Council Member Kathy McKeithen said her goal is see a laptop in each police car with appropriate software.
cont'd on page 10

Are You Prepared for a Disaster?

Since the Atherton Disaster Preparedness Committee's first meeting a few months ago, committee members have heard from experts how a 1906- type earthquake could destroy highway bridges and block local roads with downed trees and power poles. It might take weeks or months to repair these damages.

Following such a severe earthquake, drivers and passengers that listen to the radio will soon realize that the only way to get home is to walk. (That's why disaster experts urge everyone to carry walking shoes in their vehicles along with enough clothing, food and water to sustain them for the long trek home.) This scenario is backed up by a study available at the web site of the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG).

http://www.abag.ca.gov/bayarea/eqmaps/eqtrans/penm_rslt.html

ABAG's on-line documents states that a relatively small 7.2-magnitude earthquake on the Peninsula would affect State Routes 1, 9, 35, 84, and 92. They are critical access routes for rural communities in western San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. The research further says "that for planning purposes, it should be assumed that all of these routes may have one or more major closures. I-280, which runs parallel to the fault source, may also be affected by this earthquake. Many highways and roads near the fault source are also susceptible to landsliding. The local roads in the eastern portions of San Mateo County and along the southern Hwy. 101 corridor will probably only experience scattered road closures. The 101 corridor from the San Francisco Airport north to Marin County is more vulnerable (from liquefaction)."
All in all, ABAG expects about 300 road closures after a local, 7.2- magnitude earthquake.
About bridges, the ABAG study says the San Mateo, Dumbarton, and Bay Bridges are key links between the heavily impacted areas on the Peninsula and the East Bay. For planning purposes, it should be assumed that these bridges are closed, at least for a few days. At the present time, the Bay Bridge can be assumed to be most heavily damaged. In addition, emergency planners should expect that approaches to these bridges, as well as local roads feeding the bridges, will be affected. Also, the Golden Gate and Richmond bridges, as well as southern approaches to the Benicia-Martinez Bridge, may also be affected by this earthquake. In addition, non- retrofitted bridges on local roads should be considered a weak link along transportation routes.

Atherton Disaster Committee members have also been told that the town's limited number of on-duty fire and police personnel would be overwhelmed by a major disaster. That's because only a portion of all staff are actually on duty at any given time.

Off-duty police officers and fire fighters would probably stay with their families after a severe earthquake because they won't be able to drive to Atherton. Their impediments might be a number of collapsed bridges and the desire to protect their own families in the East Bay and Central Valley. "So, each Atherton resident will be largely on his or her own for many days after a disaster," committee members are told.

What to do
If you're concerned about being prepared in the event of a disaster, like a very strong earthquake, the following resources will help you get started:

* Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country is a wealth of preparedness information. Go to: http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/2005/15/.

* Many useful Web sites are provided by the United States Geological Survey at: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/hazards/prepare.html.

* How men and women faced the 1906 disaster is revealed in an on-line document with many pictures: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/hazards/prepare.html.

* You get to customize the disaster information you want at this web site offered by the Association of Bay Area Governments at:
http://quake.abag.ca.gov/ and http://1906centennial.org/.