P REPARE FOR EMERGENCIES L EARN TO RESPOND EFFECTIVELY A CHIEVE SAFETY THROUGH PREPAREDNESS N ETWORK FOR NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY

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1 A Guide for Neighborhood Residents and Animals P REPARE FOR EMERGENCIES L EARN TO RESPOND EFFECTIVELY A CHIEVE SAFETY THROUGH PREPAREDNESS N ETWORK FOR NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY Version Page 1

2 Your Neighborhood Emergency Plan Presented by Agua Dulce Disaster Planning 5 Steps to Establish a Neighborhood Preparedness Program For People and Animals Note: This document is a guide to help you establish a plan to prepare you and your neighbors for emergencies. This plan should be established with neighbors that live in close proximity to your residence your neighborhood group. Have each neighbor in your neighborhood group, meet and complete the forms to provide a reference source to use if an emergency or disaster occurs. A complete copy of all surveys should be given to each neighbor as their reference source. Note: Steps 1 thru 5 of this guide only apply to the organizer, the neighborhood leader and the information coordinator that support the neighborhood group. STEP 1: SET A MEETING DATE Someone in the neighborhood who is interested in preparedness can get the ball rolling by setting a date and time for a neighborhood meeting, thereby being the organizer of the group. This person may be designated as the neighborhood leader or that position can be discussed and filled during the first meeting by any of those in attendance The objective of the meeting is to discuss the threat of earthquakes and other disasters in the area and how the neighborhood can become better prepared by working together. The meeting should be conducted when most residents can attend, but the organizer should not let scheduling conflicts bog down the effort. The organizer should set a date and time and encourage as many members of the neighborhood as possible to attend. After the date and time of the meeting have been set, a flyer can be developed and distributed to promote the meeting. DISCLAIMER The information in this document is for information purposes only. It is not intended to be and should not be considered legal or professional advice, not substitute for obtaining such advice. The user bears all risks related to the use of this information which is presented "as is" without warranty or indemnity of any kind. The information presented here may or may not reflect the most current and should not be solely relied upon to make decisions of a substantive nature Version Page 2

3 STEP 2: CONTACT YOUR NEIGHBORS The meeting can be promoted through personal visits to neighbors by the organizer, flyer distribution or a combination of the two. Personal contact is the preferable choice since it provides the organizer, with a chance to explain the disaster threats the community faces and the importance of increased neighborhood preparedness. It also provides the organizer a chance to win over reluctant neighbors. The organizer can use the following script or develop another: Hello, my name is. I live at. I recently read/heard that we probably will experience a major earthquake or another disaster during the next 30 years, and we may be on our own for at least 72 hours. Are you prepared? Some neighbors and I are somewhat prepared, but think we can be better prepared if we organize as a neighborhood. Do you know who in the neighborhood can help? We re holding a meeting.. give date, time, and location. Let them know that we would appreciate it if neighbors in our area could attend. Give your telephone number and ask them to call if they have any questions. Thank them for their participation. The organizer may encounter some reluctance or other problems in starting a neighborhood preparedness and response program. Following are some possible ways to reduce such problems: If the neighbor doesn t plan to attend, try to reduce their anxiety and encourage them to attend; If the neighbor indicates he/she plans on attending, ask for their phone number so the organizer or a designee can call them if the meeting is postponed or canceled; If no one is home, leave the flyer, note the address and try to contact the neighbor later. See HANDOUT F - Flyer Version Page 3

4 STEP 3: PLAN AND CONDUCT A MEETING After the organizer has spoken to residents of the neighborhood or provided them with a flyer, plans for the meeting should be finalized. The plan should have identifiable goals that can be accomplished at the meeting. To ensure the likelihood of having a successful meeting, the organizer should develop an agenda that directs the neighborhood toward those goals. Some of the goals of the first meeting may include: Identifying the earthquake or disaster threats in your neighborhood; Explaining the importance of preparing as a neighborhood; Have neighbors complete assessment surveys See HANDOUTS A, C, D, E, H, P (Developing an inventory of supplies, equipment and tools in the neighborhood & assessing the skills of neighborhood members.) Discuss and choose a neighborhood leader, second in command & information coordinator See HANDOUT R Responsibilities Matrix Decide on date, time & place for next meeting (have follow up meeting within the next month to ensure the ball keeps rolling!` Identifying the earthquake or disaster threats in your neighborhood The organizer can include in the meeting, visual earthquake/fire photos and view downloaded video(s) found on various disaster preparedness websites. This information will help win the support of neighbors by increasing their awareness and personalizing the threat to the neighborhood. Websites offering video(s) such as and (search under disaster preparedness) can reinforce the importance of personal and neighborhood preparedness to residents of the community. Explaining the importance of preparing as a neighborhood Because California s emergency response system has proven successful during many recent disasters, people may not take the threat seriously. My fire and sheriff department will be here, they might think, without realizing that a major or even moderate earthquake or other disaster could damage or overwhelm transportation, utility and emergency response systems for several days. Developing an inventory of supplies, equipment and tools in the neighborhood Because neighbors might be on their own for at least 72 hours after an earthquake or another disaster, the organizer should include on the agenda a time to fill out surveys to determine the skills, supplies, equipment and tools those neighbors have. Supplies, tools and equipment might include a camper or mobile home to serve as the coordination center command post for the neighborhood s response effort; hammers, nails and plywood to cover broken windows; first aid kits and medical supplies for use in post-disaster first aid; crowbars, axes and other tools to assist in light search and rescue efforts; amateur or citizens band radios to assist in communications; and plastic bags to store trash or use as tarps. Other considerations The organizer can consider the following to help increase the success of the first meeting: Event promotion is a key to participation. In addition to personal contacts and the distribution of flyers, consider placing an article in your community newspaper, homeowners association posting or community bulletin board. A social period before the meeting allows neighbors to relax and acquaint themselves with others. Brief self-introductions provide each neighbor with an opportunity to acknowledge their interest in and support of the program and its goals. Version Page 4

5 STEP 4: MEETING FOLLOW UP Leadership and organization After the first meeting, the chosen neighborhood leader, who will work with the neighborhood to implement the plan before and after a disaster, should summarize all completed household surveys and roll them up into a neighborhood group summary. See handout(s) S Summary Neighborhood Contact List and Summary Neighborhood Equipment & Skills Inventory Survey. The surveys can be used to determine the types and quantities of supplies, tools and equipment that might be used in an emergency. Copies should be made to distribute at the second meeting. The neighborhood leader has the overall responsibility for the neighborhood group, which is comprised of households. See handout R Responsibilities matrix for organization neighborhood leader (second in command) information coordinator neighborhood group of households Because an effective response requires decisiveness, the neighborhood group should delegate to the neighborhood leader, the authority to make decisions and set priorities when a consensus can t be reached. A second in command should be chosen from the neighborhood group in the event the neighborhood leader is not in the area when a disaster occurs and to offer help when needed. The information coordinator is also chosen from the neighborhood group to collects/transmits all information during a disaster. It s important that only a limited number of people report directly to the neighborhood leader. No one should directly oversee more than 5-7 persons. Needs assessment The neighborhood leader s review of the surveys will also help identify the supplies, tools and equipment that are available for use by the neighborhood group and those that are still needed. To obtain additional resources, the neighborhood group might consider the feasibility of: Pooling money together to purchase such items and contacts to get items at discount. The neighborhood leader and second in command should assess how well each household is prepared and help them develop a strategy to reduce hazards. Assessing the skills of neighbors It s important to know which neighbors have skills that will be useful after earthquakes or other emergencies. Everyone can help and is needed! A review of the surveys will help all know what resources and skills are available. For example, someone with carpentry skills and tools can reduce hazards before the emergency and help make minor repairs afterward. Someone with a two-way radio system can report injuries and damage in the neighborhood to local officials. Neighbors with management or leadership experience can serve as leaders on your team; those with training in first aid and CPR can provide emergency medical assistance to those who are injured until they can be taken to a medical facility or until professional medical personnel arrive; residents with Version Page 5

6 architectural and engineering backgrounds or experience can assess the safety of buildings in the neighborhood for occupancy; neighbors with citizens band radios and amateur radio (ham) licenses can serve as communications coordinators; and others can take on other assignments. See handout E - Equipment & Skills Inventory Survey Register your neighborhood group Go to to register. Neighborhood Leader should complete this registration after the second meeting. You will receive tips on preparedness, reminders as well as notifying the town of your planning efforts for preparedness. Have the Second Meeting Some of the goals of the second meeting may include Distribute a Summary Neighborhood Equipment & Skills Inventory Survey and Summary Neighborhood Contacts List. Discuss strength and weaknesses in neighborhood. If neighborhood leader, second in command & information coordinator are not amateur ham radio licensed, make plans to become qualified. More information for ham radio testing can be found on or contact a member from AADARC (Acton Agua-Dulce Amateur Radio Club) Discuss INSTRUCTIONS DURING A DISASTER FOR EACH HOUSEHOLD: 1) Check your own family first be sure to account for all family members and their safety. Determine if phones are working, See handout C Card Use What To Do After a Disaster Hand out RED/GREEN Laminate (contact for laminated color cards or make your own). 2) Secure home (gas shut off if needed, etc.) - See handout D Damage Assessment 3) Discuss Neighborhood Animal Rescue Plan who can assist in implementing an evacuation and recovery plan in the event help is needed. See handout A Animal Rescue Plan for Neighborhood Decide on date, time & place for next meeting (have follow up meeting within the next month to ensure the ball keeps rolling!` Determine what if any additional training might be needed. Version Page 6

7 STEP 5: ADDITIONAL TRAINING Depending on how comfortable the neighborhood leader is with the preparedness level in the neighborhood, the neighborhood group might want to take the next steps. Conduct ongoing training and drills. Detailed information on these and other aspects of neighborhood preparedness are available through the Governor s Office of Emergency Services (OES) at the ESP Focus sheets and other programs sponsored by local Offices of Emergency Management Services. Local organizations such as the Red Cross offer first aid and CPR and other online courses can be found on Amateur Ham Radio classes are offered locally and on the web as well as local testing. Most websites offer downloads of Emergency preparedness publications for free. Website listings can be found at under links. Neighborhood/community response team training sources Additional information about local neighborhood or community emergency response team (CERT) training can be found at under links and look for Disaster Planning. Information on the local earthquake risk is available through libraries and universities, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the California Department of Conservation. Preparedness information is available through the Governor s Office of Emergency Services (OES), local Offices of Emergency Services and local chapters of the American Red Cross. (Phone numbers for these agencies are available in your telephone directory.) CONTINUED PREPAREDNESS After an incident the neighborhood command post may be moved due to shifting areas of concern. The neighborhood leader will determine the command post location as the situation dictates. Occasional meetings should occur to keep survey lists up to date and to introduce new neighbors. During an off month, ing is one way to keep everyone mindful of the importance of continued preparedness. Remember, neighborhood preparedness increases your chance of survival! Help your neighborhood P. L. A. N. for future disasters! Be Ready! Version Page 7

8 Handout A Animal Rescue Plan (HOUSEHOLD) A well developed plan needs to include the following : Emergency and disaster procedures before, during and after occurrence Inventory of household s animal inhabitants and needs : LOT SKETCH WITH ANIMAL LOCATIONS, SUPPLIES, FEED,EQUIPMENT AND NUMBER AND DESCRIPTION OF ALL ANIMALS AFFECTED See handout P Plot Plan for Emergencies ANIMAL CHECKLIST (create a list here on your plan) Dogs --- Type and Quantity Cats ---- Type and Quantity Birds Horses --- Type and Quantity Other Livestock RESOURCE LIST OF THOSE THAT CAN HELP Skill Set Names Addresses Phone Numbers FAX Numbers Identification system for all animals and pets (see Agua Dulce Emergency Handbook details online at for detailed information on evacuation Evacuation and recovery plan details (who can evacuate in your absence, where will animals be taken, etc.) Version Page 8

9 HANDOUT C CARD USE What To Do After a Disaster (HOUSEHOLD ) RESOURCE PHONE NUMBERS: Emergency Fire, Sheriff, Ambulance 911 Sheriff (Palmdale Sheriff Station) Los Angeles County Emergency Referral Service 211 EMERGENCY BROADCAST STATIONS: KNX 1070AM KFI 640 AM KHTS 1220 AM Neighborhood Leader : Phone Number: Second in Command : Phone Number: If the phones are working and you or someone is injured in your household FIRST call 911. Call your neighborhood leader and second in command if you are all ok or if you need help. If they do not hear from you in a timely matter they will be calling to check on you. If the phones are NOT working, please place either the GREEN or RED card in the package in your window or front gate where it can be seen. Your neighborhood leader and second in command will be coming around to check on those in the neighborhood group. It is important to stay in communication with a 3 rd party, the information coordinator using FRS (walkie talkies) or better yet, ham radios during this process and family and home conditions noted. Practice this process before any disaster occurs to familiarize everyone with their roles. If a GREEN card is visible, those assessing the site will note that everything is O.K. and continue to the next household. This will allow for a timely check of all households in the neighborhood group and allow for quicker aid to those that urgently need it. If a RED card is visible, the neighborhood leader and second in command dispatched to the site should stop to assess the needs of the household a notation should be made and they should determine if immediate aid is required Good judgment should be used when assessing each home site that may have incurred damage or may be threatened. If required, a subsequent emergency report should be made via amateur ham radio to the nearest emergency agency. Knowledge of first aid can be critical in the event no agency can respond. Additional recruits from the neighborhood group may be required as the situation dictates. All neighborhood members should immediately update the information coordinator for significant changes in conditions. Households exhibiting GREEN cards will be likely candidates for this. Version Page 9

10 HANDOUT D DAMAGE ASSESSMENT FORM (HOUSEHOLD COMPLETES AFTER A DISASTER) Address: Family Name: Persons Found Home : Known to Have Been Evacuated : yes no Note any physical injuries none slight severe Bleeding Unconscious Emotional Other (describe) Broken Limbs Note damage to house none slight severe Roof Damage Wall Damage Fire Damage Propane Tank Damage Gas Line Damage Electrical Damage Water Damage Water Line Damage Water Heater Damage Water Tank Other (describe) Other (describe) Use back of form for additional notes if necessary. Date: Name: Version Page 10

11 Handout E - Equipment and Skills Inventory (HOUSEHOLD FIRST MEETING) EQUIPMENT & SKILLS INVENTORY SURVEY SKILLS & EQUIPMENT Check Box Household Name Last Name, First Name Household Address SKILLS First Aid Training CPR Mental Health Exper. Mgt Leadership Fire Suppression Trng Plumbing Skill Carpentry Skill Electrical License Engineering Background Child Care Experience Survival Training Search and Rescue Advanced Trng Radio/Communication Skills Heavy Equip Experience Cooking Experience CERT Experience OTHER Skills -- list EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE Mobile Radio License or Skill HAM FRS GMRS CB Winch Portable Crane Bolt Cutters Heavy Lift Jack Fire Extinguisher Chain Saw Crow Bar Power Drill / Saw First Aid Kit Axe Ladder Generator Strong Rope Shovels, Picks, etc. Tents Plywood & Nails Gas/Water Shutoff Tools EQUIPMENT CONTINUED Portable Water Pump Bulldozer Dump Truck Open Bed Trailer Tractor with Plow or Bucket Horse Trailer Off Road Vehicles Motorcycle/Motorbike Quad Truck Flat Bed Truck Motor Home Camping Trailer Airport access pilot / plane OTHER Version Page 11

12 HANDOUT F - FLYER (ORGANIZER BEFORE FIRST MEETING) WE RE HAVING A NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING PLEASE COME! ======================================================================== HELP OUR NEIGHBORHOOD... P REPARE FOR EMERGENCIES L EARN TO RESPOND EFFECTIVELY A CHIEVE SAFETY THROUGH PREPAREDNESS N ETWORK FOR NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY FOR FUTURE DISASTERS ATTEND OUR MEETING TO ORGANIZE THE NEIGHBORHOOD FOR SAFETY (Date) (Time) (Location) (Address) For more information please contact Phone Version Page 12

13 Handout H HOUSEHOLD Contact List (HOUSEHOLD FIRST MEETING) HOUSEHOLD CONTACT LIST HOUSEHOLD Address Phone HOUSEHOLD HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS (Include number of family members *do not include names of children if you are not comfortable doing so) PHONE NUMBERS ADDRESS & address LAST NAME (Contact first name) TOTAL NUMBER HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS NOTE: ATTACH GOOGLE MAP OF NEIGHBORS LOCATIONS WITHIN THE AREA Version Page 13

14 HANDOUT P Plot Plan for Emergencies (HOUSEHOLD FIRST MEETING) CREATE YOUR EMERGENCY PLOT PLAN ON THIS PAGE TO HELP OTHERS QUICKLY LOCATE YOUR ANIMALS AND KEY UTILITIES House location Livestock locations Other Utilities Electrical panel location - Horse Barn - Propane Tank House Exits - Dog Kennels - Water Tank, Water Sources Pet locations in house - Other Pets - Gasoline Tanks, etc. Note: Refer to Emergency Handbook found on for details on gas shut off, pet evacuation preparations, electrical considerations, etc. Version Page 14

15 Handout S SUMMARY Neighborhood Group Contact List Survey NEIGHBORHOOD LEADER COMPLETES FOR SECOND MEETING) SUMMARY NEIGHBORHOOD GROUP CONTACT LIST Neighborhood Leader Name Address Phone NEIGHBORHOOD MEMBERS NAMES HOUSEHOLD (Include number of family members by household) PHONE NUMBERS ADDRESS & address No. 1 TOTAL HOUSEHOLDS NOTE: ATTACH GOOGLE MAP OF NEIGHBORS LOCATIONS WITHIN THE AREA This summary sheet is used to provide a contact listing of households and household members for those within a neighborhood group. This list will be created by the neighborhood leader and distributed to all that reside in the neighborhood group to facilitate communication. Version Page 15

16 Handout R Responsibilities Matrix for Neighborhood Organization Organizer Conducts kickoff of Neighborhood Meeting and works to help I.D. Neighborhood Leader and other positions to assume group responsibilities Distribute neighborhood guides Determine boundaries for neighborhood group Collect completed plan information and summarize Distribute completed information to neighborhood households Neighborhood Leader Works with Organizer during initial meetings to establish Neighborhood Group Assesses level of neighborhood preparedness and need for training Conducts and coordinates neighborhood assessments during and after disasters Coordinates follow up for households by taking calls and designating assistance where needed during and after disasters Determines priorities for meeting neighborhood group needs during and after disasters Communicates critical information to local agencies for neighborhood group during and after disasters Second in Command Assume role of acting neighborhood leader in the absence of regular Leader during a disaster Accompany leader during neighborhood group assessments during and after disasters Work with information coordinator to compile action lists during neighborhood assessments and provide timely updates to leader Information Coordinator (During Disaster/Emergency) Collects data from leader and second in command during neighborhood assessments to record conditions that exist and follow up actions that should occur Communicate status on all written/oral actions to leader, and second in Command, to ensure timely follow up is conducted and actions are closed out Provide written summary of ongoing and completed actions for post disaster follow up and a review of lessons learned from the event Version Page 16

17 Sources for this publication included: ESP Emergency Survival Program Neighborhood Preparedness AWARE Plan Organizing Neighborhoods for Earthquake Preparedness Governor s Office of Emergency Services Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country United States Geological Survey (USGS) Southern California Earthquake Center LDS Church Agua Dulce Ward Your neighbors from Agua Dulce Disaster Planning The Agua Dulce Disaster Planning Committee meets bi-monthly usually on the last Wednesday of the month at 7pm Shepherd of the Hills Church on the corner of Agua Dulce Canyon & Sierra Hwy. Changes to meetings (venue/time) are made online so check website prior to attending. Come on by! DISCLAIMER The information in this document is for information purposes only. It is not intended to be and should not be considered legal or professional advice, not substitute for obtaining such advice. The user bears all risks related to the use of this information which is presented "as is" without warranty or indemnity of any kind. The information presented here may or may not reflect the most current and should not be solely relied upon to make decisions of a substantive nature Version Page 17

18 GREEN SHEET / RED SHEET Print out Green/Red Sheets and secure back to back with a piece of cardboard between them with glue, or if possible, laminate back to back. Version Page 18