Mission Statement

The disaster preparedness program ensures that City forces can provide appropriate relief and rescue services following major disasters like earthquakes, floods, nuclear power accidents, hazardous material spills, and wildland fires. Program goals are well-trained disaster response employees, citizens who can be self-sufficient within 72 hours following a disaster, and up-to-date disaster response plans 

One of the program's primary focus is having our citizens prepared for natural disasters.  Based on this we offer the following preparedness tips.

Supplies and Equipment Storage

You and your family should also be prepared. In the event of a disaster, normal supplies that you use daily may be unavailable or inaccessible. It is suggested that emergency supply kits that will allow you to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours, be prepared and stored in the most probable locations you and your family may be when the disaster occurs. You should have an emergency supply kit in your home, workplace, and vehicle. The composition of the survival kits will vary in size and contents depending on your individual needs and preferences. To be considered complete, these kits should contain food and water, clothing and supplies, and medical and hygiene items to fit your individual needs.  To help putting this kit together, please click here to review the Disaster Checklist.

Additionally, here is a 24-week Family Disaster Supplies Calendar.  Use this to help your family assemble a disaster kit in small steps over a six month period.  Check off each week as you gather the contents.  Supplies may be stored in a large plastic garbage can.  

Following a Disaster

Following the devastating Southern California fires, Bob Hamilton wrote an article for the California Fire Service Magazine published February, 2008 in which the California Casualty Insurance company provided the following checklist of important items to consider following a catastrophic loss.

1. First contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report your loss and provide general description of damages.
    

2. Prepare a list of damaged or lost items
    

3. Keep damaged items or portions of those items until the claims adjuster has visited your home.  DO NOT throw anything away that you plan to claim without discussing it with your adjuster.
    

4. Keep receipts for all additional expenses such as lodging, kenneling, supplies, food and other expenses.
   
    

5. Keep copies of other documents; i.e. taxes.  If you have lost important documents, find your appropriate agency or vendor by clicking here. 

Another great source of reference is the Business Continuity Plan that can be found on the Chamber of Commerce website.  This plan is a guide to help businesses prepare to quickly recover from a disaster.

Disaster Preparedness Links

Every Business Should Have a Plan

FEMA Ready Business

Office of Emergency Services (OES)

National Organization on Disabilities - Emergency Preparedness