Happy (and Safe) Holidays, Everyone!

Can you believe that its already December 21?

The time has flown by for many considering the number of people out on the roads and in the stores. The Holidays can be an especially stressful time, as shoppers attempt to find the perfect gifts and families plan their large gatherings. This Holiday, take some time to avoid a potentially enormously stressful situation by remembering to keep your family Red Cross Ready in case of a sudden emergency or disaster, such as an earthquake.

Keeping your family prepared for a disaster doesn’t have to be stressful. The Holidays, believe it or not, is a perfect time to get prepared. As you get ready for the Holidays, use the following opportunities to take simple actions that will help you become Red Cross Ready for disasters and other emergencies:

Get a kit:

• When the spirit of giving moves you to purchase canned goods for a local food bank, add a few non-perishable food items and a manual can opener to store in your disaster supplies kit.
• While you’re making your list and checking it twice, take a minute to think about the items you would want to take with you if you had to leave your home in a hurry. Add these items to the disaster supplies checklist to personalize your kit.
• When wrapping presents, take some time to pack your disaster supplies in a waterproof, sealable container and store it in a place where you can find it easily.

Make a plan:

• Many of us are so busy throughout the year that we don’t get to see our friends and loved ones as much as we would like. While your family is gathered for the holidays, make sure you have everyone’s updated contact information. Ensure that everyone in your household knows the emergency contact numbers.
• While decorating your home for the holidays, identify two exits from each room as part of your evacuation plan. While you string your lights, pick one meeting spot outside your home and then choose one outside of your neighborhood in case you cannot return home.

Be informed

• If the weather outside is frightful, you need to know how to keep your family safe. Find out what types of disasters are likely to occur in your area and how local officials would communicate with you in case of a disaster like a winter storm.
• You know what radio station plays the best holiday carols, but do you know where you would get information about road closures or evacuation routes? Identify radio, TV, and internet resources that can provide this information.

Stocking stuffers
If you run out of gift ideas for your loved ones, follow these tips for sharing the gift of preparedness:

• Want to give a gift that could save a life? Gift certificates for Red Cross CPR, first aid, or babysitting courses make excellent stocking stuffers.
• Contact your local Red Cross chapter for free Be Red Cross Ready preparedness brochures you can send to loved ones with your holiday cards.
• Give emergency preparedness kits that can be kept in homes or vehicles as holiday gifts.

For more information, contact your Santa Cruz County Chapter at 831-462-2881. We would be happy to help you get your family prepared!

Is a Tsunami possible in Santa Cruz County?

Ever since the earthquake last week, I have been overhearing my share of conversations, rumors, scare stories and general hub-bub about the possibility of a Tsunami in Santa Cruz County. Is a Tsunami possible in Santa Cruz County? The short answer is “yes”.

Here’s the long answer:

A fault located just offshore in the Monterey Bay, the San Gregorio fault, would be the most likely cause of a Tsunami in the coastal regions of the Monterey Bay. This fault follows the coastline for approximately 100 miles. This fault has had little recent activity, but an earthquake on this fault could create (and historically has created) a tsunami that would have a major effect on communities along the coastline.

According to the County of Santa Cruz’ Emergency Management Plan, “A tsunami generated by a Richter magnitude 6.8+ earthquake on the San Gregorio fault could arrive just minutes after the initial shock. The lack of warning time from such a nearby event will result in higher casualties than if it were a distant tsunami where the Tsunami Warning System for the Pacific Ocean could warn threatened coastal areas in time for evacuation.”

Don’t be scared… Be Prepared!

All tsunamis are potentially dangerous, even though they may not damage every coastline they strike. Damaging tsunamis are very rare. Our coastlines are vulnerable, but tsunamis are infrequent. Understand the hazard and learn how to protect yourself, but don’t let the threat of tsunamis ruin your enjoyment of the beach. Here are some Tsunami-specific preparedness steps. Remember, you can make sure your family is prepared for every disaster by visiting our FREE online resource Be Red Cross Ready!

In the aftermath of an earthquake, the WC/ATWC and PTWC may issue the following bulletins:

• WARNING: A tsunami was or may have been generated, which could cause damage; therefore, people in the warned area are strongly advised to evacuate.
  
• WATCH: A tsunami was or may have been generated, but is at least two hours travel time to the area in watch status. Local officials should prepare for possible evacuation if their area is upgraded to a warning.
  
• ADVISORY: An earthquake has occurred in the Pacific basin, which might generate a tsunami. WC/ATWC and PTWC will issue hourly bulletins advising of the situation.
  
• INFORMATION: A message with information about an earthquake that is not expected to generate a tsunami. Usually only one bulletin is issued

Be familiar with the tsunami warning signs.

• A strong earthquake lasting 20 seconds or more near the coast may generate a tsunami. A noticeable rapid rise or fall in coastal waters is also a sign that a tsunami is approaching.

• Tsunamis most frequently come onshore as a rapidly rising turbulent surge of water choked with debris. They are not V-shaped or rolling waves, and are not “surfable.”

If you are at risk from tsunamis, do the following:

• Plan an evacuation route from your home, school, workplace, or any other place you’ll be where tsunamis present a risk. If possible, pick an area 100 feet above sea level or go up to two miles inland, away from the coastline. If you can’t get this high or far, go as high as you can. Every foot inland or upwards may make a difference. You should be able to reach your safe location on foot within 15 minutes. After a disaster, roads may become impassable or blocked. Be prepared to evacuate by foot if necessary. Footpaths normally lead uphill and inland, while many roads parallel coastlines. Follow posted tsunami evacuation routes; these will lead to safety. Local emergency management officials can help advise you as to the best route to safety and likely shelter locations.

• ·Practice your evacuation route. Familiarity may save your life. Be able to follow your escape route at night and during inclement weather. Practicing your plan makes the appropriate response more of a reaction, requiring less thinking during an actual emergency situation.

• Use a NOAA Weather Radio with a tone-alert feature to keep you informed of local watches and warnings. The tone alert feature will warn you of potential danger even if you are not currently listening to local radio or television stations.

• Talk to your insurance agent. Homeowners’ policies do not cover flooding from a tsunami. Ask about the National Flood Insurance Program.

• Discuss tsunami with your family. Everyone should know what to do in case all family members are not together. Discussing tsunamis ahead of time will help reduce fear and anxiety, and let everyone know how to respond. Review flood safety and preparedness measures with your family.

Tsunami-specific supplies should include the following:

• Evacuation Supplies Kit in an easy-to-carry contanier (backpack) near your door

• Disaster Suplies Kit basics

• See: Be Red Cross Ready! for more information about disaster supply kits!!

If you have further questions about Tsunamis and Tsunami preparedness, please click here. or call us at 831-462-2881.

Santa Cruz Rocks

Where were you last night at approximately 8:04 p.m.?

The strongest earthquake since the Loma Prieta quake of 1989 struck the bay area last night, a magnitude 5.6. I was at the Del Mar Theatre, watching Nosferatu. What I assumed was a large truck rumbling the building became quite a bit stronger - lasting for 30 seconds. What was really surprising was that in a town where earthquakes can be a major hazard, why did so many people head outside? It occurred to me that perhaps the last earthquake was so long ago that people have forgotten the correct steps to take to keep themselves safe in an earthquake.

Our blog has never received so many hits in one day. We are thrilled that people are reaching out to take the steps necessary to prepare themselves for the next quake. Here are some EASY steps you can take to make sure you and your family are prepared during and in the aftermath of an earthquake:

Prepare a Home Earthquake Plan

• Choose a safe place in every room–under a sturdy table or desk or against an inside wall where nothing can fall on you.
• Practice DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON at least twice a year. Drop under a sturdy desk or table, hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. If there’s no table or desk nearby, sit on the floor against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases, or tall furniture that could fall on you. Teach children to DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!
• Choose an out-of-town family contact.
• Consult a professional to find out additional ways you can protect your home, such as bolting the house to its foundation and other structural mitigation techniques.
• Take a first aid class from your local Red Cross chapter. Keep your training current.
• Get training in how to use a fire extinguisher from your local fire department.
• Inform babysitters and caregivers of your plan.

Eliminate Hazards, Including–

• Bolting bookcases, china cabinets, and other tall furniture to wall studs.
• Installing strong latches on cupboards.
• Strapping the water heater to wall studs.

Prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit For Home and Car, Including–

• First aid kit and essential medications.
• Canned food and can opener.
• At least three gallons of water per person.
• Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
• Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
• Written instructions for how to turn off gas, electricity, and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you’ll need a professional to turn natural gas service back on.)
• Keeping essentials, such as a flashlight and sturdy shoes, by your bedside.

Know What to Do When the Shaking Begins

• DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON! Move only a few steps to a nearby safe place. Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you’re sure it’s safe to exit. Stay away from windows. In a high-rise building, expect the fire alarms and sprinklers to go off during a quake.
• If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow.
• If you are outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Drop to the ground.
• If you are in a car, slow down and drive to a clear place (as described above). Stay in the car until the shaking stops.

Identify What to Do After the Shaking Stops

• Check yourself for injuries. Protect yourself from further danger by putting on long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes, and work gloves.
• Check others for injuries. Give first aid for serious injuries.
• Look for and extinguish small fires. Eliminate fire hazards. Turn off the gas if you smell gas or think it’s leaking. (Remember, only a professional should turn it back on.)
• Listen to the radio for instructions.
• Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one, DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!
• Inspect your home for damage. Get everyone out if your home is unsafe.
• Use the telephone only to report life-threatening emergencies.

Learn how you can be “Red Cross Ready”
We would be thrilled to help you put together your family emergency plan! If you have any questions, give us a call at 831-462-2881.