1. Draw a floor plan of your home. Mark at least two escape routes from each room.
2. Post emergency numbers near all telephones and pre-program emergency phone numbers with autodial capabilities.
3. Pick a friend or relative that all family members will call if separated (it is often easier to call out-of-state during an emergency than within the affected area).
4. Take a Basic First Aid and CPR Class. Contact American Red Cross for more information.
5. Teach children how and when to dial 9-1-1 to get emergency assistance.
6. Teach adults how to turn off the water, gas, and electricity at the main switches.
7. Keep family records in sealed plastic bags in a fire and impact resistant safe. Inexpensive models can be purchased at most hardware stores.
8. Practice your emergency plan every six months or so.

1. At least a 3-day supply of water (1 gallon per person per day).
2. A 3-to-5 day supply of non-perishable packaged or canned food and a non-electric can opener.
3. A change of clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes.
4. Blankets, bedding, or sleeping bags.
5. A first aid kit and prescription medication (check expiration dates).
6. An extra pair of glasses or contact lenses and solution.
7. Paper and pencil.
8. A fire extinguisher, ABC type.
9. A portable butane or charcoal stove.
10. A shut-off wrench to turn off utilities.
11. A battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.
12. Tent, camping type for the family.
13. Sanitation items: toilet paper, soap, personal hygiene items, plastic bags, a plastic bucket with a tight lid, disinfectant, liquid chlorine bleach.
14. Special items for infants, the elderly, or family members with disabilities.

• Identification collar and rabies tag
• Carrier or cage
• Leash
• Any medications
• Newspapers and plastic trash bags for handling waste
• At least a two week supply of food and water, along with food bowls
• Veterinary records (most animal shelters won't allow pets without proof of vaccination)

If you have no other choice but to leave your pet at home, place your pet in a safe area inside you home with plenty of water and food. Never leave pets chained outside. Place a note outside your home listing what pets are inside, where they are located, and phone numbers of where you can be reached.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
The City of Lawndale, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Fire and Sheriff’s Departments, we will be offering the CERT training to residents (Fall 2007). The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following a disaster, when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.
For more information on CERT training contact Mr. Jaime Guerrero, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, at (310) 973-3285 or via email at jguerrero@lawndalecity.org.

Neighborhood Watch
Working with neighbors in an emergency can save lives and property. Meet with your community members to plan how you could work together until help arrives. If you are a member of a Neighborhood Watch, introduce emergency preparedness as a new activity. Know your neighbor's special skills and consider how you could help those with special needs, such as people with disabilities and elderly persons.

Los Angeles County Disaster Communications Service
Founded in 1951, the Los Angeles County Disaster Communications Service
(DCS) is a volunteer organization administered by the Sheriff's Department Emergency Operations Bureau for the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. The main function of DCS is to provide disaster relief communication for the citizens of Los Angeles County.

Each City in the County has chosen amateur radio as their government communications back-up system. During major incidents volunteer members serve as a critical link that allows information and ultimately resources to get to their destination. Volunteer members coordinate, transmit and receive command and liaison traffic while staffing locations and shadowing key personnel. This allows County Governments, City Governments, Law Enforcement, Fire Agencies, and other disaster relief agencies to coordinate and communicate their efforts in real time.

DCS operates at each Sheriff Station in addition to Emergency Operations Centers in 56 Cities, Fire Stations and with other agencies throughout Los Angeles County. The Lennox Sheriff Station is home to the DCS group that serves the City of Lawndale.

We welcome Ham Radio Operators and those who have an interest in volunteering to help their community in times of need. Though our main function is to provide a secondary communication system to agencies, we also train and provide other services assisting however the agencies we are working with see fit. If you would like additional information on becoming a DCS Member, please contact Sergeant Jeff Jablonsky at (323) 980-2246 or via email at staff1@lacdcs.com.

Documents Releated to Emergency Preparedness*