How To Prepare For Any Emergency In San Juan Capistrano: 2022

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — It's a new year, San Juan Capistrano. While the passing of a new year is often a time for people to make resolutions, Ready OC wants Orange County residents to take the opportunity to revisit and establish emergency preparedness plans for their households.

The creation of an emergency preparedness plan is imperative to protecting the safety and wellbeing of your family and loved ones, especially when considering how fickle nature can be. As of Dec. 16, 2021, more than 8,600 California fires had torched more than 2.5 million acres for the year.

Just last year, Orange County residents saw two harsh wildfires: the Silverado and Bond fires. The former burned nearly 12,500 acres, injured two firefighters and led to the evacuation of 90,000 residents, according to Ready OC. The latter torched more than 6,600 acres and destroyed 31 structures.

Related: Silverado Fire: Firefighters Hospitalized, Over 7,200 Acres Burn

More recently, powerful winter storms that drenched the Southland in December caused $22 million in damages statewide and left thousands without power, according to Caltrans.

Orange County's emergency preparedness resource Ready OC, in conjunction with Safe OC, compiled a list of resolutions you can take to guard against disasters, whether natural or manmade.

San Juan Capistrano residents can also sign up for AlertOC, the county's emergency notification system, by using their phone number or email address.

Make An Emergency Kit

It's imperative to stock up on supplies in the case of a disaster. Ready OC's website offers residents information on how to put together emergency kits, and the site also includes a link to Red Cross kits and supplies that can be purchased online. In addition, Ready OC wants Orange County residents to know that many companies offer emergency kits for online purchase, from basic to all-inclusive.

Here are a few items you might want to consider when creating your emergency kit:

• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both.
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• Cell phone chargers.
• First aid kit.
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place.
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
• Sign up for AlertOC to receive mass notifications and disaster information.
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food).
• Whistle to signal for help.
• Personal hygiene products.
• Masks and face coverings as well as soap, hand sanitizer, and towelettes.
• Cash in case automatic teller machines and other automated systems are not working.

Personalize Your Emergency Kit

Every member of your family is different, which means they may require different things in the event of a disaster. When preparing for a possible disaster, Ready OC asks residents to keep the following in mind:

• Any medication you or family members require on a daily basis as well as a list of medications
• Contact lens solution, glasses, hearing aids with extra batteries
• For elderly family members or those with special needs, AARP has a helpful list of items
• For infants, baby food, formula, and diapers
• For pets, a carrier and food
• Compile copies of important personal documents.

Make A Plan

When preparing for a disaster, it's important for residents to remember that disasters don't keep to schedules. Families should consider strategies for communication, evacuation if required and reunification.

Ready OC encouraged residents to learn about evacuation routes and gathering places, and keep the following in mind for developing an emergency plan:

• Write a contact list of important phone numbers of family members, emergency services, medical offices, schools, churches, and civic groups frequented by family members.
• Post phone numbers in a central location at home and distribute lists to family members. Make sure everyone keeps a copy on them. Enter numbers into cell phones.
• Have a trusted out-of-town contact, as it is often easier to connect long distance than in town after a disaster.
• Practice and hold household meetings to discuss strategies, scenarios, and sending sample messages.
• Empower your kids to become part of the process. Quiz children about the family plan at dinner.
• Explain where the family will reunite after an emergency.
• Text messaging can sometimes work when network disruptions prevent a phone call from connecting.
• Arrange places to gather in case of emergency: in home, in the neighborhood, and elsewhere.

For more information on how to prepare for an emergency, visit the Behind The Badge report.