Public Health unveils new community-based emergency preparedness campaign
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health today unveiled a new disaster-readiness campaign that urges neighborhoods and communities to “connect, prepare and respond.” The three elements of the campaign are designed to encourage residents to meet their neighbors, prepare disaster plans that include a neighborhood map and other resources, and to offer tips on responding appropriately to emergencies.
“While it is critical that every household in Los Angeles County have an emergency kit, sometimes that may not be enough. Surviving an emergency or a disaster that affects a large area should be a team effort,” said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer. “In a disaster, it can take hours or even days for emergency responders to reach those that need help. Neighbors need to be ready, willing and able to help each other in times of need and that means taking time now to connect, prepare, and learn how to respond.”
Communities educated in proper emergency response procedures, such as evacuating, sheltering in place, or recognizing signs of damage to utilities and structures, typically suffer fewer serious injuries, less loss of life and reduced property damage. The campaign encourages residents to educate themselves and their communities through opportunities such as the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), the Public Health Emergency Volunteer (PHEV) Network, and the Medical Reserve Corps.
Connect
Neighbors are also encouraged to get acquainted and exchange contact information. “It is important that neighbors become aware of those on their street that are most vulnerable in times of crisis, such as the elderly, those that live alone, those with medical needs, and others who may need a little extra help,” said Dr. Fielding.
Start a dialogue with your neighbors about resources that can be shared, such as tools or skills; identifying areas of concern, such as streets that may be closed if a mudslide were to occur; potential evacuation routes; and other disaster-readiness topics.
Prepare
Community-based disaster response plans should ideally include:
· A method of communication for all residents,
· A procedure to determine the status of every resident, such as a neighborhood telephone tree or Twitter account,
· A “neighbor inventory” to identify individuals who may need extra assistance,
· A neighborhood map with planned evacuation routes,
· And an emergency plan and survival kit for every household.
Respond
How one responds during a disaster could mean the difference between life and death. Everyone should stay informed and follow instructions from local officials through multiple sources, such as television and radio reports and, in some cases, through social media updates on Twitter or Facebook. Immediate steps to take in the event of a disaster include:
· Making sure the people in your household are safe.
· Activating your emergency plan.
· Getting information by turning on your television or radio or logging onto trusted internet sources.
· Checking on your neighbors, and organizing or providing help if needed.
“Our hope is that every neighborhood will have emergency preparedness items in place and action plans that are reviewed every year,” said Dr. Fielding. “While we understand that may not be possible, we want to impress upon all residents the idea that community-based preparedness is a viable and vital tool for surviving any disaster.”
For more information about developing a family and neighborhood emergency plan, and connecting with local training classes or volunteer activities, visit http://prepare2respond.org.
The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Public Health comprises nearly 4,000 employees and has an annual budget exceeding $750 million. To learn more about Public Health and the work we do please visit http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov, visit our YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/lapublichealth, find us on Facebook athttp://www.facebook.com/lapublichealth, or follow us on Twitter: LAPublicHealth.