January Industry Highlight:

Add Safety to Your New Year’s Resolution

According to FEMA, disasters are becoming more frequent due to the growing threat of climate change. These natural disasters cause immeasurable damage to property and lives. California experiences wildfires, mudslides, earthquakes, and floods. Stay safe by preparing for emergencies as part of your New Year’s resolution.

Have a plan. Make sure everyone in your household knows the evacuation routes. Make sure each family member knows where to shut off the utilities. Know where to meet if you become separated. Be sure to include pets in this planning stage.

Prepare your finances. Do you have the right type of insurance? Consider saving up an emergency fund in case of a disaster. Make sure you include cash in your emergency kit in case ATMs are down and banks are closed.

Update your emergency kit. The New Year is a perfect time to inspect your emergency bag and update emergency supplies.

We asked our very own C3 Producer, Rich Hallett what he includes in his kit and he mentioned, “Don’t forget the dog biscuits – Bruno needs his treats”.

FEMA recommendations the following:

  • An emergency blanket
  • Duct tape to shelter in place
  • First aid kit
  • Map
  • Cash in case ATMs and banks are not available
  • Phone charger
  • Battery or hand crank radio
  • Water and non-perishable food,
  • Manual can opener
  • An emergency whistle,
  • Flashlight
  • Extra batteries
  • Garbage bags and moist towelettes
  • A wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

Some additional sound advice from Wella Campbell: “Water — two liters of water per person, per day (include small bottles); food that won’t spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods (replace once a year); manual can opener; and a wind-up or battery-powered flashlight (and extra batteries).”

Brush up on your safety skills. Take a first aid and CPR class so that you know what to do if someone gets hurt. This keeps you calm during the chaos. Learn how to use a fire extinguisher as natural gas leaks and explosions are common causes of fires after a disaster. Know how to turn off utilities.

When disaster strikes, being prepared can give you some control over a stressful situation. Learn more about how to protect you family and be prepared for an emergency by visiting FEMA’s website or Ready.gov.