Emergency Preparedness Guidelines

One of the most important factors in being able to respond to a disaster, whether man-made or natural in origin is preparedness. The ability to be self-sufficient and self-reliant during and after a crisis is essential to the safety of our families, communities and nation. A well prepared America is far more resilient to crisis and disruption than an ill prepared America. The consensus of government agencies is that citizens may be on their own for up to four days following a disaster, and should therefore be prepared to survive without outside help. Experience with large scale natural disasters shows that it can be a period of weeks before full functioning of power and sanitation systems can be restored.

As part of CUSA’s dedication to public service and improving readiness, we have assembled this preparation and response guide to help citizens protect themselves in the event of a disaster, be it natural, accidental, or intentional. This guide is only a starting point. Where available we provide hyperlinks to more information. Additionally, there are a number of resources available to help people who want to receive emergency response training. We also encourage individuals and groups to assess the needs and resources of their neighborhoods and communities. Find out which neighbors have special needs or skills that could be useful such as plumbing, carpentry, medical training or even a hobby like short wave radio operation. The effective use of all available resources to respond to a disaster will play an important role in determining how America deals with a crisis or disaster.

Download Emergency Preparedness Guidelines (in PDF format)

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- Links to other CUSA Resource Pages -

Information about Pandemic Influenza and Avian Influenza

An influenza (flu) pandemic is a widespread outbreak of disease that occurs when a new flu virus appears that people have not been exposed to before. Pandemics are different from seasonal outbreaks of influenza. Seasonal flu outbreaks are caused by viruses that people have already been exposed to; flu shots are available to help prevent widespread illness, and impacts on society are less severe. Pandemic Flu spreads easily from person to person and can cause serious illness because people do not have immunity to the new virus.

School Safety

School Safety is a shared responsibility among teachers, students, school officials, parents, law enforcement agencies and first responders. We have created a page to provide information and resources about school safety.

Emergency Supplies

Water

You should plan for one gallon of water per person per day, at least a four day supply (Some circumstances may require more water: pregnant or nursing women, sick people, or warm climates).

Food

Keep foods that need little preparation and no refrigeration – a minimum four-day supply – as well as utensils and openers.

 First Aid

A First Aid kit should include: latex or other sterile gloves, sterile wound dressings to stop bleeding, soap and disinfectant, antibiotic ointment, burn ointment, adhesive bandages, eye wash, thermometer, extra prescription medications (insulin, inhalers) prescribed medical supplies (blood pressure monitor, eyeglasses), tweezers, petroleum jelly, potassium iodide, pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medicine, antacid, laxative, and activated charcoal.

Other useful items

Cell phone, battery or solar powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, whistle, moist towlettes, wrench/pliers, extra garbage bags and ties, rain gear, tent, compass, fire extinguisher, matches stored in a waterproof container, signal flare, paper and pencil/pen, paper towels, cash (to last your family for a week), personal hygiene items, extra clothing, important family documents and identification in protective sealing, infant supplies if needed.

Air Purification Tools in case of a chemical or biological attack: Individually custom-fit painters’ masks or densely-woven cotton cloths that tightly cover nose and mouth, HEPA Hfiltration fans.

Though somewhat controversial, the Department of Homeland Security still recommends keeping heavyweight garbage bags or plastic sheeting, duct tape, and scissors to seal off any windows, doors, or vents that may let harmful particles into your sheltering spot.

Remember your needs many vary by location and season. For cold climates also include warm outerwear, a change of clothes and shoes, hat and gloves, sleeping bag or warm blanket. Those in warm climates may need more water than recommended.

Planning for Emergencies  

Find out what disasters your area is vulnerable to.                

Learn about emergency response plans at your family’s workplaces and schools.  If none exist, offer to develop one yourself.

Talk with neighbors about community collaboration in the event of a disaster, establish the locations of generators and other useful or specialized equipment, and account for the assistance of the elderly.

Select disaster rendezvous points with family members.

Decide on an out-of-town contact for communication coordination.

Learn how and in what situations to shut off utilities at work and home.

Learn how to administer first aid using items in your kit and know CPR and other emergency procedures.  Classes are offered by your local Red Cross.

Responding to Emergencies

In all disaster situations it is important to be aware of the danger you are facing.  Listen for official TV and radio broadcasts to decide your course of action. Consult your local public health agency, contact information for which may be found by a web search or in the government pages of your phone book.  Click here for Orange County or Los Angeles County.

If you decide to evacuate your area, make an effort to accomplish the following things before leaving: Shut off the power, gas, and water if time permits; take your emergency kit with you; lock your house; call your out-of-town contact and give them details of your plan.

• For more detailed information about responding to different kinds of emergencies, please download our full Emergency Preparedness Guide (Adobe Acrobat is Required).

Links for More Information

• The National Preparedness Month Website - National Preparedness Month 2007 is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The goal of the month is to increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies and to encourage individuals to take action.

• Ready.gov - For specific, easy-to-navigate information and a disaster management website for kids, see the Department of Homeland Security’s website at: www.ready.gov. This site has sections for families, businesses and children.

• For further information, consult Are You Ready?, “the most comprehensive guide to personal emergency preparedness published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency:”  www.fema.gov/areyouready

• For detailed guides on preparing, responding to, and coping with disasters in the workplace, school, home, and neighborhood, and for specific instructions for the handicapped, see the Red Cross’ materials dealing with terrorism and unexpected events at: www.redcross.org/pubs/dspubs/terrormat.html

• For information concerning illnesses caused by terror attacks, including symptoms and basic remedies, consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.bt.cdc.gov

• In California, visit the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services for local information and training opportunities: www.oes.ca.gov

• Learn more about emergency preparedness and response at the University of California, Irvine: http://today.uci.edu/news/preparedness/intro.asp

Center for Unconventional Security Affairs
University of California, Irvine
Social Ecology I
Irvine, CA 92697-7075
Phone: (949) 824-8804
E-mail: cusa@uci.edu