PG&E provides their tips for Power Outage Safety

Storm Season Tips and Information from PG&E

During storm season it is important to have the right information on hand for yourself, friends and neighbors. When individuals experience a power outage they should call PG&E’s outage information line at 1-800-PGE-5002 to report the outage and/or to get updates on the power restoration efforts in their area. Calling this line is the most efficient way to get updated outage information.

What you should have in case of a power outage:

- Battery operated radios with fresh batteries ready for updates on storm conditions and power outages.
- Battery operated flashlights with fresh batteries on hand
- A cell phone, or hard-wired, single line telephone. Cordless phones will not work without power.
- PG&E and the American Red Cross recommend that individuals do not use candles because of the risk of fire.
- Fill used liter sized plastic soda bottles with water and place them in the freezer. During an extended outage, transfer them to the refrigerator to prevent food from spoiling. Open the refrigerator only when necessary, keeping warm air out and cool air in. If food is exposed to warm air for an extended length of time, please reffer to the chart below to assess the food’s edibility.
- If you have a generator, call PG&E’s customer service line at 1-800-PGE-5000. Make sure your generator is installed safely and properly. If it is not, you risk damaging your property and endangering yourself and PG&E line workers who may be working on power lines some distance from your home. Information on the safe installation of generators can be found on PG&E’s website: www.pge.com/generator.

What you should know in case of a power outage:

- If you see a downed power line, assume that it is “live” or carrying electrical current. Do not touch or try to move it and keep children and animals away. Report downed power lines and other electric emergencies immediately by calling 911 and PG&E’s customer service line at 1-800-PGE-5000.
- If your power goes out, turn off and unplug all electric appliances. When the power is restored, several appliances may turn on at once and overload your circuits. Heat generating appliances left on may pose a fire hazard. Leave a single lamp on to alert you when the power returns.

Information given on behalf of PG&E, Central coast and Southern Santa Clara county, 2008

Quick info about floods and mudslides

FLOODS

http://www.redcross.org/services/prepare/0,1082,0_240_,00.html

Reduce Potential Flood Damage By . . .

• Raising your furnace, water heater, and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.
• Consult with a professional for further information if this and other damage reduction measures can be taken.

 

Floods Can Take Several Hours to Days to Develop

• A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area.
• A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.

 

When a Flood WATCH Is Issued . . .

• Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
• Fill your car’s gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.

 

When a Flood WARNING Is Issued . . .

• Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.

 

When a Flash Flood WATCH Is Issued . . .

• Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment’s notice.

 

When a Flash Flood WARNING Is Issued . . .

• Or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!
• Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades . . . they are there for your safety.
• If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.

 

MUDSLIDES

http://www.redcross.org/services/prepare/0,1082,0_254_,00.html#plan

How to Protect Your Property

·         If your property is in a landslide-prone area, contract with a private consulting company specializing in earth movement for opinions and advice on landslide problems and on corrective measures you can take. Such companies would likely be those specializing in geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, or civil engineering. Local officials could possibly advise you as to the best kind of professional to contact in your area. Taking steps without consulting a professional could make your situation worse.

·         Install flexible pipe fittings to avoid gas or water leaks. Flexible fittings will be less likely to break.

 

What to Do Before Intense Storms

·         Become familiar with the land around you. Learn whether landslides and debris flows have occurred in your area by contacting local officials, state geological surveys or departments of natural resources, and university departments of geology. Knowing the land can help you assess your risk for danger.

·         Watch the patterns of storm-water drainage on slopes near your home, and especially the places where runoff water converges, increasing flow over soil-covered slopes. Watch the hillsides around your home for any signs of land movement, such as small landslides or debris flows, or progressively tilting trees. Watching small changes could alert you to the potential of a greater landslide threat.

 

What to Do During Intense Storms

·         Stay alert and awake. Many debris-flow fatalities occur when people are sleeping. Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or portable, battery-powered radio or television for warnings of intense rainfall. Be aware that intense, short bursts of rain may be particularly dangerous, especially after longer periods of heavy rainfall and damp weather.

·         If you are in areas susceptible to landslides and debris flows, consider leaving if it is safe to do so. Remember that driving during an intense storm can be hazardous. If you remain at home, move to a second story if possible. Staying out of the path of a landslide or debris flow saves lives.

·         Listen for any unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together. A trickle of flowing or falling mud or debris may precede larger landslides. Moving debris can flow quickly and sometimes without warning.

·         If you are near a stream or channel, be alert for any sudden increase or decrease in water flow and for a change from clear to muddy water. Such changes may indicate landslide activity upstream, so be prepared to move quickly. Don’t delay! Save yourself, not your belongings.

·         Be especially alert when driving. Embankments along roadsides are particularly susceptible to landslides. Watch the road for collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks, and other indications of possible debris flows.

 

What to Do if You Suspect Imminent Landslide Danger

·         Contact your local fire, police, or public works department. Local officials are the best persons able to assess potential danger.

·         Inform affected neighbors. Your neighbors may not be aware of potential hazards. Advising them of a potential threat may help save lives. Help neighbors who may need assistance to evacuate.

·         Evacuate. Getting out of the path of a landslide or debris flow is your best protection.

 

What to Do During a Landslide

·         Quickly move out of the path of the landslide or debris flow. Moving away from the path of the flow to a stable area will reduce your risk.

·         If escape is not possible, curl into a tight ball and protect your head. A tight ball will provide the best protection for your body.

 

What to Do After a Landslide

·         Stay away from the slide area. There may be danger of additional slides.

·         Check for injured and trapped persons near the slide, without entering the direct slide area. Direct rescuers to their locations.

·         Help a neighbor who may require special assistance–infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities. Elderly people and people with disabilities may require additional assistance. People who care for them or who have large families may need additional assistance in emergency situations.

·         Listen to local radio or television stations for the latest emergency information.

·         Watch for flooding, which may occur after a landslide or debris flow. Floods sometimes follow landslides and debris flows because they may both be started by the same event.

·         Look for and report broken utility lines to appropriate authorities. Reporting potential hazards will get the utilities turned off as quickly as possible, preventing further hazard and injury.

·         Check the building foundation, chimney, and surrounding land for damage. Damage to foundations, chimneys, or surrounding land may help you assess the safety of the area.

·         Replant damaged ground as soon as possible since erosion caused by loss of ground cover can lead to flash flooding.

·         Seek the advice of a geotechnical expert for evaluating landslide hazards or designing corrective techniques to reduce landslide risk. A professional will be able to advise you of the best ways to prevent or reduce landslide risk, without creating further hazard.

 

Stormy weather leaving you in the dark?

The biggest storm that Santa Cruz County has seen in 2 years in bearing down on the central coast threatening flooding, wind damage and power outages.  If your power goes out, here are some steps you can take to keep your family safe.

• Use a flashlight for emergency lighting. Never use candles.
• Turn off electrical equipment you were using when the power went out.
• Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer to keep your food as fresh as possible.
• Do not run a generator in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as your home, garage, basement, or crawlspace. Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors. Never use your gas range, oven, or dryer as a source of heat.
• If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a generator to a home’s electrical system.
• Use a portable radio for updated news and weather forecasts.
• Leave one light on so you know when the power returns.

Everyone can prepare ahead of time for disasters like a power outage by taking the following actions:

• Build a disaster supplies kit. Your kit should include at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food items and water (one gallon per person per day), a flashlight, a battery-powered or crank radio, as well as batteries, can opener and special items such as medications, diapers, and infant formula.
• Have a communication plan ready. If you have a telephone that requires electricity to work (such as a cordless phone or answering machine), plan for alternate communication, including having a cellular telephone, radio, or pager.
• Keep your car fuel tank at least half full because gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps.
• Be sure to keep a key to your house with you, in case the garage door does not open. If you have an electric garage door opener, find out where the manual release lever is located and learn how to operate it.
• Follow energy conservation measures to keep the use of electricity as low as possible.

How to keep food safe during a power outage 

Sudden power outages can be frustrating and troublesome, especially when they are prolonged. Perishable foods should not be held above 40 degrees for more than 2 hours. If a power outage is 2 hours or less, you need not be concerned, but how do you save your food when the refrigerator is out for longer times? Being prepared can help. By planning ahead, you can save your perishables.

What do I need?

• One or more coolers. Inexpensive styrofoam coolers can do an excellent job as well.
• Shelf-stable foods, such as canned goods and powdered or boxed milk. These can be eaten cold or heated on the grill.
• A digital quick-response thermometer. A digital thermometer should be a necessity in your kitchen anyway. With these thermometers you can quickly check the internal temperatures of food for doneness and safety.

What to do…

• Do not open the refrigerator or freezer. Tell your little ones not to open the door. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold enough for a couple of hours at least. A freezer that is half full will hold for up to 24 hours and a full freezer for 48 hours.
• If it looks like the power outage will be for more than 2-4 hours, pack refrigerated milk, dairy products, meats, fish, poultry, eggs, gravy, stuffing and left-overs into your cooler surrounded by ice.
• If it looks like the power outage will be prolonged, prepare a cooler with ice for your freezer items.See “Power is Out” download guidelines (PDF file)

Q’s and A’s
What should be discarded after a power outage? As soon as the power returns, check temperatures. If the food in the freezer has ice crystals and is not above 40 degrees you can refreeze. Perishable foods in the refrigerator should not be above 40 degrees F. for more than two hours. Use this chart to see what has to be discarded and what can be kept.

What if I go to bed and the power is still not on? Before you go to bed, pack your perishables into your coolers if you haven’t already done so and put in as much ice as you can. Also, when you go to bed, leave a bedroom light switched on. When the power goes back on, it will wake you, so you can check the condition of your foods in the freezer.

What if the power goes out while I’m at work or out of the house and it has been more than a few hours before I get home? Try to determine how long the power has been out. Check the internal temperature of the food in your refrigerator with your quick-response thermometer. A liquid such as milk or juice is easy to check. Spot check other items like steaks or left-overs also. If the internal temperature is above 40 degrees, it is best to throw it out.

What if the power goes out and comes back on while I am out? If your freezer is fairly full and you know it was not longer than 24 hours, the food should be OK. There will be loss of quality with refreezing, but the food will be safe. If the refrigerator was out for more than 2-4 hours, you are best to discard the perishables.

Prepared by Giant Food, Inc., Landover, Maryland, June 1999. Used with permission. Original content adapted from “Help, Power Outage!” Food News for Consumers, Summer 1989, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service. ARC 1098 September 1999

Frozen Foods
Meat and Mixed Dishes:	Still Contains Ice Crystals. Not Above 40° F	Thawed, Held Above 40° F For Over 2 Hours
Beef, veal, lamb, pork, poultry, ground meat and poultry	Refreeze	Discard
Casseroles with meat, pasta, rice, egg or cheese base, stews, soups, convenience foods, pizza	Refreeze	Discard
Fish, shellfish, breaded seafood products	Refreeze	Discard

Dairy:	Still Contains Ice Crystals. Not Above 40° F	Thawed, Held Above 40° F For Over 2 Hours
Milk	Refreeze	Discard
Eggs (out of shell) egg products	Refreeze	Discard
Ice cream, frozen yogurt	Discard	Discard
Cheese (soft and semi soft) cream cheese ricotta	Refreeze	Discard
Hard cheese (cheddar Swiss parmesan)	Refreeze	Refreeze

Fruits and Vegetables:	Still Contains Ice Crystals. Not Above 40° F	Thawed, Held Above 40° F For Over 2 Hours
Fruit Juices	Refreeze	Refreeze. Discard if mold, yeasty smell or sliminess develops.
Home or commercially packaged fruit	Refreeze	Refreeze. Discard if mold, yeasty smell or sliminess develops.
Vegetable Juices	Refreeze	Discard if above 50° for over 8 hours.
Home or commercially packaged or blanched vegetables	Refreeze	Discard if above 50° for over 8 hours.

Baked Goods Baking Ingredients:	Still Contains Ice Crystals. Not Above 40° F	Thawed, Held Above 40° F For Over 2 Hours
Fruit Juices	Refreeze	Refreeze
Flour, cornmeal, nuts	Refreeze	Refreeze
Pie Crusts, Breads, rolls, muffins, cakes (no custard fillings)	Refreeze	Discard if above 50° for over 8 hours.
Cakes, pies, pastries with custard or cheese filling, cheesecake	Refreeze	Discard
Commercial and homemade bread dough	Refreeze	Refreeze

Refrigerator Foods
Dairy/Eggs/Cheese:	Food Still Cold, Held At 40° F Or Above Under 2 Hours	Held Above 40° F For Over 2 Hours
Milk, cream, sour cream buttermilk evaporated milk yogurt	Keep	Discard
Butter, margarine	Keep	Keep
Baby Formula, opened	Keep	Discard
Eggs, egg dishes, custards puddings	Keep	Discard
Hard & processed cheeses	Keep	Keep
Soft cheeses, cottage cheese	Keep	Discard

Fruits & Vegetables:	Food Still Cold, Held At 40° F Or Above Under 2 Hours	Held Above 40° F For Over 2 Hours
Fruit juices, opened; Canned fruits, opened; Fresh fruits	Keep	Keep
Vegetables, cooked; Vegetable juice opened	Keep	Discard after 6 hours
Baked potatoes	Keep	Discard
Fresh mushrooms, herbs spices	Keep	Keep
Garlic, chopped in oil or buffer	Keep	Discard

Meat, Poultry, Seafood:	Food Still Cold, Held At 40° F Or Above Under 2 Hours	Held Above 40° F For Over 2 Hours
Fresh or leftover meat, poultry, fish, or seafood	Keep	Discard
Lunchmeats, hot dogs, bacon, sausage, dried beef	Keep	Discard
Canned meats NOT labeled “Keep Refrigerated” but refrigerated after opening	Keep	Discard
Canned hams labeled “Keep Refrigerated”	Keep	Discard

Mixed Dishes, Side Dishes:	Food Still Cold, Held At 40° F Or Above Under 2 Hours	Held Above 40° F For Over 2 Hours
Casseroles, soups, stews, pizza with meat	Keep	Discard
Meat, tuna, shrimp, chicken, or egg salad	Keep	Discard
Cooked pasta Pasta salads with mayonnaise or vinegar base	Keep	Discard
Gravy stuffing	Keep	Discard

Pies, Breads:	Food Still Cold, Held At 40° F Or Above Under 2 Hours	Held Above 40° F For Over 2 Hours
Cream or cheese filled pastries and pies	Keep	Discard
Fruit pies	Keep	Keep
Breads, rolls, cakes, muffins, quick breads	Keep	Keep
Refrigerator biscuits, rolls, cookie dough	Keep	Discard

Sauces, Spreads, Jams:	Food Still Cold, Held At 40° F Or Above Under 2 Hours	Held Above 40° F For Over 2 Hours
Mayonnaise, tartar sauce, horseradish	Keep	Discard
Opened salad dressing, jelly, relish, taco and barbeque sauce, mustard, catsup olives	Keep	Keep

Prepared by Giant Food, Inc., Landover, Maryland, June 1999. Used with permission. Original content adapted from “Help, Power Outage!” Food News for Consumers, Summer 1989, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service. ARC 1098 September 1999

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!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving

Did you know that house fires are 3 times more likely to happen on Thanksgiving? In fact, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Here are some tips to make sure your Thanksgiving doesn’t go up in flames:

10 PREPAREDNESS TIPS

1. Never leave cooking food unattended.
2. Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
3. If you are simmering, baking, boiling, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on.
4. Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
5. Keep kids away from cooking areas by enforcing a “kid-free zone” of three feet around the stove.
6. Keep anything that can catch on fire—pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains—away from your stove top and oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.
7. Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
8. Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen. Contact your local fire department to take training on the proper use of extinguishers.
9. Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off.
10. Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.

Visit www.redcross.org/homefires for more information on how to prevent cooking fires.

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.

Trick or Treat?

By Rodoni Farms (www.rodonifarms.com)

Only a few weeks until all the littlest ghosts and goblins flood the streets in search of their feast of sugar! Halloween has been one of my personal favorite holidays since I was dressing up like Strawberry Shortcake in the mid 80’s; But, let’s be frank… Santa Cruz can get a little crazy around Halloween - especially for the little ones. Fortunately, there are lots of ways you can keep your little monsters safe!

To See and Be Seen – A Look at Costumes

Whether your child wants to be frightful or delightful, ghoulish or goofy, costume selection criteria should include how safe it is for the wearer. The Red Cross offers these tips to help keep your little monster trick-or-treating for many years to come:

• Masks can restrict peripheral vision and hearing. If choosing a mask, ensure it fits well, offers good ventilation and has large eye holes. Or, go with non-toxic face paint instead.
• Big hats, helmets or scarves can be problematic as well. If you kids must have them, have them try hats on to ensure proper fit and secure hats and scarves well to prevent slipping.
• Select light-colored or reflective costumes to be seen by drivers. The same goes for props. If necessary, add reflective tape or trim to brooms, swords, scythes and the all-important candy bag.
• Purchase fire-retardant costumes. Check tags and labels to ensure they are flame-resistant .
• Large or loose costumes—including billowy skirts, sleeves or capes—can cause falls and may pose a fire risk. Select appropriately-sized costumes and keep trick-or-treaters away from candles.
• Don’t clown around with oversized shoes. Choose sturdy shoes that fit and be sure that shoe covers will remain secure while trekking around the neighborhood.
• Check costumes and accessories for loose pieces or parts, such as buttons, that might be choking hazards.
• Accessorize with care. Look for soft, flexible—not rigid or sharp—toy swords and other props. Select props and costume accessories at an appropriate scale for children.

Since teenagers and adults enjoy dressing up as well, the same basic rules apply for making smart, safe costume selections.

Getting to Know Jack

• Take proper precautions when preparing “Jack” (O’Lantern) for his autumnal debut:
• Select a stable, flat surface with good lighting for carving your pumpkin.
• Use blunt tools with serrations specially designed for cutting thick-skinned pumpkins.
• Grown-ups should do the cutting, and supervise children at all times during the activity.
• Draw and follow patterns on the pumpkin instead of freehand carving. Or, forego slicing up Jack and use paint, markers and other materials to decorate your pumpkin—not only is it safer, but it also means less mess from pumpkin “guts” and provides a longer lasting display.
• Consider battery-operated or electric lights for an interesting and safe way to illuminate your squash creation this year. One-use glow sticks also work well as an alternative to candles.

Avoiding Frightful Accidents Inside and Out

• Clear porches, lawns and sidewalks of any debris, tools, etc., that could cause visitors to trip and fall.
• Have a well-lit path and consider adding a temporary fence around decorations—spooky decorative styles are available these days—if you have lawn decorations that could cause a fall, ruining an otherwise ghoulishly good time.
• Place jack o’lanterns away from doorways or landings.
• If electronic decorations have short cords, use a surge protector with a longer cord to reach outlets and plug into it, then use care in placing that cord so it is out of the traffic path. Be careful not to overload circuits, and for decorating outside only use items that are rated for outdoor use.
• Check and discard holiday lights or electronic decorations with broken or frayed cords or plugs.
• Keep exits and steps clear of decorations and other obstacles.

Treat Visitors to a Hauntingly Safe Time

• Consider string lights or other electronic or battery-operated lighting in lieu of candles to decorate your haunt. If you do choose candles, keep them away from all flammables (fake spider webs, paper streamers, dried cornstalks, etc.) and never leave burning candles unattended.
• Plan party menus with care. Avoid small, hard foods that pose a choking risk. While particularly relevant to small children, anyone eating while talking and laughing at a party could find a bite “going down the wrong way.”
• Select treats that are soft rather than hard candies that can get lodged in a child’s throat. According to the National Confections Association, most kids prefer chocolate anyway!
• Decorations also need to be age appropriate and hung correctly. Watch not only for objects that children might swallow but also for decorations that could trip or entangle visitors or have rough or sharp edges that cut or poke.
• Children aren’t the only ones looking to score sweet treats at Halloween. Before, during and after the holiday, store candy, particularly chocolate, where canine family members can’t get it. Even a small amount of chocolate can be fatal to dogs.

A Word or Two to Mummies (and Daddies)

Don’t wait until Halloween to teach children about safety. In the excitement of the costumes and anticipated sweet booty, your pint-sized pirates and princesses may forget instructions if given just minutes before departing. By talking with your children now, you can improve the odds of them remembering advice later. Try associating it with a holiday activity and repeat it often while preparing for the big day…or night.

For example, take a few minutes while…

• Carving pumpkins to review the rules of stop, look and listen for crossing the street and stop, drop and roll in case a piece of clothing were to catch on fire.
• Shopping for candy and costumes to talk with children about only going to houses they know with lights on and waiting to eat their candy until its been checked by an adult.
• Decorating your home or lawn to go over important rules such as not hiding between cars or darting into the street.

Finally, now is a good time to learn first aid and CPR. The Red Cross offers child and infant CPR classes that help caregivers recognize and care for breathing and cardiac emergencies in infants and children 12 and younger. Also learn to recognize the signs of choking and the proper steps to help them.

Remember, being prepared isn’t about not having a good time - being prepared for an emergency will give you the confidence of knowing what to do should an emergency happen. Having that piece of mind will keep you monster-mashing all year long.