Families, neighbors and community members need to come together to help prepare for any eventuality.

The city of Culver City emphasizes the need for people to be prepared and to build a network of friends and families that are trained and able to help in a disaster. There are steps that everyone can take to help ensure their safety in these uncertain times: Make a plan, build a kit, get trained, and be informed.

During April, Earthquake Preparedness Month, Culver City reminds community members to have a family disaster plan. Having the right tools, medicine and food in a disaster can mean the difference between life and death.  We recommend that everyone have an emergency disaster kit at home, in the car and at work or school. The following tips will help families be better prepared.

Make a Plan

•  Planning ahead is the first step.
• Talk with your family about potential disasters.
• Share responsibilities and work as a team.
• Designate a place to meet after a disaster.
• Designate an out-of-state friend to be your family contact.
• Learn how and when to turn off utilities.
• Tell everyone in the home where emergency contact information is.
• Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms. Test smoke detectors monthly. Change batteries at least once a year.
• Determine the best escape routes out of your home.
• Check for adequate insurance coverage.
• Take a Red Cross first-aid and CPR class. Join the city’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) to get trained for free.
• Practice the plan.

Build a Kit

Keep disaster supply items in a sturdy, easy-to-carry container such as a backpack, duffle bag or covered container. Store in a convenient location. Check dates of both food items and batteries. Change the water supply every six months for freshness. Keep enough supplies in your disaster supply kit to meet the needs of your family for a minimum of three days.

• Water, a minimum of one gallon per person per day.
• Food, non-perishable, high-protein items.
• First-aid kit, including prescription and non-prescription medicine.
• Flashlight, including extra batteries.
• Tools and supplies, including scissors, aspirin, knife, can opener and sanitary supplies.
• Battery-operated radio.
• Clothing and bedding.
• Money.
• Pet supplies.
• Map of the surrounding area.
• Contact information.

Having a plan and knowing what to do can save a life.  See www.culvercity.org/emergencyprep, to take advantage of the many disaster-oriented resources available to you.  310.253.5900.

Ms. Parra, the city’s emeregency preparedness coordinator, may be contacted at christine.parra@culvercity.org