Alaska Earthquake Prompts Tsunami Warning for West Coast

English: Travel times (in hours) are shown for the tsunamis produced by the 1960 Concepción, Chile, earthquake (purple curves) and by the 1964 Good Friday, Valdez (Anchorage), Alaska earthquake (red curves). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Damage to Fourth Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska, caused by the Good Friday Earthquake. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

hard times (Photo credit: Genista)

Yesterday two major earthquakes hit in the Pacific rim -- Alaska and New Zealand.

See http://abc7.com/news/80-magnitude-earthquake-prompts-tsunami-warning/134885/

Folks, these are all wake up calls for Long Beach. Good time to make sure you are ready.

Related articles

• Earthquake Activity Reported in 42 States
• 7.9 hits Alaska's Aleutian Islands, 6.9 strikes Kermadec Islands
• 6/23/2014 - 8.0M Earthquake and Tsunami strike Alaska - Aleutian Islands - Major West Pacific activity
• Earthquake with Magnitude 8.0 Strikes Alaskan Coast

Pledge to Prepare

20120325-A-CY398-006 (Photo credit: 29th CAB - Public Affairs)

Interested in preparedness throughout the year? If so, continue here to Pledge to Prepare.  By Pledging you will become part of the National Preparedness Coalition.  There is no cost or obligation in doing so.  As a Coalition Member, you will have access to exclusive resources and be able to collaborate with thousands of fellow members across the country on ways to participate and get your community involved. 


http://community.fema.gov/connect.ti/system/register?nextURL=%2Fconnect.ti%2FREADYNPM%2FrequestJoinGroup%3FSHOWREG%3D%26amp%3BCONFIRM%3DN%26amp%3BDONEM

Related articles

• Mobile Applications and the CDC
• Hospital Preparedness Program
• Emergency Planning for Vacation

If a disaster strikes...how to evacuate

It’s smart to think before you act. For something as traumatic as an evacuation, preparing ahead of time can lessen your stress level and improve your state of mind. Determine your most valuable belongings, pack them up and put them by the door or in the car. Take your important insurance, medical and financial documents with you. Fill up your escape vehicle with gas. Turn off gas and water supplies at main switches and valves. Secure all loose yard items such as lawn furniture, barbecue grills, trash cans and planter boxes. Move more valuable items to inner rooms or, in the case of a flood, upper floors. If a hurricane is approaching, you may want to board up the windows of your home with plywood. Have a clear evacuation route in mind before you leave. Notify your neighbors when you are leaving and where you plan to go. If you do not have a vehicle, arrange a ride with a neighbor or call your local City Emergency phone number.

Okay, time to grab your kids, your pets and your most valuable items. If you’ve planned properly, the actual evacuation process should proceed with in an orderly fashion. Here’s what you should do: Turn off your lights and unplug any unnecessary appliances. Load up your car and get all of your family members into the vehicle as well. Remember to put your disaster supply kit in the car. Close and lock all windows and doors of your residence. Check to make sure that you have a good, up-to-date road map. Don’t forget your cell phones, which should be fully charged. Take your checkbook, credit cards and cash with you. Be sure that you have flashlights with extra batteries. Drive away from your home at a safe speed.

For many people, an office building is like a home away from home. We spend a good portion of our waking hours at work. So it’s possible that, at some point, you may get trapped in a building during a fire, an earthquake or some other disaster. Once again, the best evacuations are those done calmly and orderly. Here’s some advice that could save your life when fleeing a building. Go to the nearest fire escape exit when you hear a fire alarm or see a fire. If you need to descend from a higher floor, always take the stairs… never use the elevator. Alert others to the possible danger as you exit the building. Offer assistance to others if it does not threaten your own life. If possible, as you exit avoid areas in the building that might contain chemicals or other flammables. If it is a fire situation, close doors and windows behind you as you leave, as this can slow the spread of fire and smoke. Follow any designated evacuation signs posted in the building. Once you get outside, go immediately to an area that is safely away from the disaster site. When you are safely outside, make a mental note of any people that seem to be missing and notify emergency personnel at the site.

Related articles

• Survivor Skills: How To Be Ready When Disaster Strikes

New research challenges assumptions that the central part of the San Andreas fault would act as a barrier, preventing a big quake from traveling between the northern and southern parts of the state.

A recent article points to possibility that California could be hit by a statewide earthquake. The San Andreas fault was once thought to be a barrier that would prevent a statewide quake from happening, but now researchers say that assumption may be wrong.

The article appeared in the COPE newsletter (http://cope-preparedness.org/archives/2416). COPE stands for Community Outreach Promoting Emergency Preparedness.

The major earthquakes in Japan pointed researchers to the fact that "Using a combination of laboratory measurements and computer simulations, the two scientists showed how so-called creeping segments in a fault — long thought to be benign because they slip slowly and steadily along as tectonic plates shift — might behave like locked segments, which build up stress over time and then rupture.?

Are you ready?

Do You Know About ENLA?

Emergency Network Los Angeles, Inc. (ENLA) is a network of Los Angeles County, non profit, community based organizations (CBOs) that provide assistance to individuals, families, and organizations following emergencies and disasters. ENLA works in coordination with government agencies and the private sector.

ENLA is recognized by the Los Angeles County Operational Area and the City of Los Angeles as the networking agency for community based organizations.

ENLA is the Los Angeles County VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters), and is recognized by Southern California VOAD and National VOAD.

ENLA is incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization under the laws of the State of California.

OUR MISSION
ENLA’s mission is to enhance the capacity of non-profit, community, and faith-based organizations, government agencies and the private sector for preparedness, response to and recovery from disasters in Los Angeles County by facilitating cooperation, communication, coordination & collaboration.

OUR HISTORY
Following the 1994 Northridge Earthquake, the Mayor of Los Angeles convened a meeting of CBOs that were active in the recovery from the disaster. The combined efforts of members of this group significantly aided the earthquake recovery efforts. In December of that year that group, which had become known as ENLA, merged with the Los Angeles County VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters) and the Los Angeles Access Network to bring all CBO disaster work in Los Angeles County under one umbrella. In 1997, both Los Angeles County and the City of Los Angeles designated ENLA as their primary point of contact with community based organizations for disaster preparedness and recovery efforts.

Related articles

• Clinics Held in Hepatitis A Outbreak Linked to Costco Berries
• What to Do When Disaster Strikes
• The Big One: Preparing for mid-America earthquake

Print Out Free Labels for Door and Window to Alert People Pets Inside

Let people know your pet is inside

Checklist for Pet Owners In Case of Disaster

Pet Disaster Safety Checklist

Earthquake Hits San Diego -- Are You Ready Long Beach?

Earthquake (Photo credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)

4.3-Magnitude Earthquake Felt Throughout San Diego County | KPBS.org
Click on the link to read about the latest earthquake nearby. Smaller quakes have hit the area earlier.

Folks, important that Long Beach get ready for an earthquake -- and not just focusing on replacing a City Hall. We need to make certain we have equipment and emergency personnel that can respond if we are hit by a large earthquake.

Related articles

• Magnitude-3.7 Earthquake Strikes Near San Diego-Imperial County Line
• Earthquake strikes off San Diego coast
• Small quake shakes county

KCET Host Val Zavala Joins Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske for Ready Long Beach

Val Zavala

KCET Host Val Zavala joins Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske on March 9th, 9am until 2 pm at the Ready Long Beach public forum on how to get ready for the next big earthquake. Zavala is featured on the KCET Special Bracing for a Quake and appears on the popular public affairs program SoCal Connected.

1933 Long Beach Earthquake

Ready Long Beach will be held at the El Dorado Community Center, 2800 N. Studebaker.

Clock in downtown Long Beach which stopped at exact time of earthquake in 1933.

 

Councilwoman Schipske will present a historic look at the 1933 Long Beach earthquake followed by experts from USGS, FEMA, CAEMA, Long Beach Fire Department, CERT and American Red Cross who will discuss current information on how to prepare to survive a major earthquake. The event is open to the public. Lunch will be provided and then residents are encouraged to work with representatives of the local American Red Cross in outlining how they can prepare their own neighborhoods.

Ready Long Beach is a project of 5th District Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske.

Statewide Earthquake Deemed a Possibility

Once thought to be impossible -- an earthquake that could travel the entire length of the State of California is now being considered possible. Check out this story posted in the Los Angeles Times. News like this really should bring home the importance of a City being prepared to take care of its own residents. Get ready, Long Beach.

Related articles

• Study Finds Major Earthquakes Along San Andreas Fault Could Be Felt Statewide
• Statewide mega-quake on the San Andreas now thought possible
• Earthquake Study Finds That 'Stable' Faults May Cause Mega-Quake
• Statewide Quake in California May Be Possible After All

Emergency Kit

Take a moment to download the following checklist of what you and your family need to include in your emergency preparedness kit.

Prepare City Emergency Kit

Tips for Parents

English: A neighborhood watch sign attached to a door. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

From the National Neighborhood Watch: Tips for Parents Kids need to know how to keep themselves safe and knowing this will build the self-confidence they need to . . . Kids need to know how to keep themselves safe and knowing this will build the self-confidence they need to handle emergencies effectively. You can make sure your children are prepared by teaching them how to act in an emergency and planning ahead. Make sure kids know their full name, parents’ full names, address (including city and state), and phone number (including area code). Explain to kids that an emergency is a situation where they need the help of a police officer, firefighter, or doctor. Discuss or role-play different situations and ask children to identify the emergencies. Teach children to call 911 or 0 in an emergency and explain that this will bring a police officer or firefighter to the emergency. With a play phone or one that’s disconnected, have children practice dialing 911 or 0 and telling the “operator” their emergency, full name, full address, and telephone number. Have children also practice dialing on a cell phone that’s turned off. Talk with kids about what to do when they need help if it’s not an emergency, such as if they are home alone and have a headache. Make sure your children know how to reach you at all times, and be sure that you can reach them. Post emergency numbers by the phone, including your work and cell phone numbers. With your children, pick a safe place they can go to near your home if they need help right away. Find out if your neighborhood has a McGruff House. If not, consider starting your own. Find an alternative place your children can go if they cannot reach home, such as a school, library, fire station, or other safe place.

Related articles

• Church Emergency Plan Template

FEMA Has Toolkit for Business Earthquake Survival

FEMA has an excellent toolkit for businesses on how to prepare for and mitigate damages caused by an earthquake.

If you click here you will find numerous resources to prepare your business. Do it today so that you can stay in business and fully recover after a major earthquake.

Related articles

• FEMA Earthquake Drill Masks Public Training for Potential Premeditated Disaster
• Uncorking the Lid on the Preparedness Test

American Red Cross Ready Rating Program Helps You Get Prepared

English: Washington, DC, July 7, 2006 -- A Red Cross "ready to go" preparedness kit showing the bag and it's contents. Red Cross photograph (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Preparedness Essentials

The Ready Rating program is designed to help your business or organization get better prepared for emergencies. Below are the five cornerstone preparedness actions of the Ready Rating program. When you join the Ready Rating program, you'll get access to a detailed Ready Rating Program Guide that guides you through each of these steps. This condensed version of the Program Guide is designed to provide a snapshot of how the American Red Cross can help your business get better prepared.

The 123-point Red Cross Ready Rating 123 Assessment tool and Ready Rating 123 Program Guide are the result of a comprehensive review of preparedness recommendations conducted by the American Red Cross National Office of Preparedness and Health and Safety Services, the national Ready Rating team, and the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. All Ready Rating program steps and recommendations are grounded in scientific research, best practices and/or expert opinion from respected professionals representing multiple disciplines and perspectives.

1. Commit to preparedness

This step indicates your commitment to increasing your business' or organization’s level of emergency preparedness during the course of the calendar year. You will be working to make your business or organization more prepared and to enhance overall community preparedness. Key actions for this step include:

• Having your business or organization make preparedness a priority by having senior leadership involved
• Appointing a Ready Rating liaison dedicated to completing the 123 Assessment

2. Conduct a Hazard Vulnerability Assessment
This step involves gathering information about possible emergencies that could impact your business and your facility’s capabilities to respond to and recover from a disaster or other emergency. Key actions for this step include:

• Knowing your region and the types of disasters most likely to impact your business
• Obtaining a Hazard Vulnerability Assessment from your local emergency management agency
• Considering which hazards your facility is most likely to experience, based on proximity and past events
• Knowing your business or organization’s current capacity to prepare for, respond to and recover from a disaster 
• Assessing the physical capacity, supplies, equipment and human resources of your facility to resist damage during a disaster

3. Develop an emergency response plan
An emergency response plan describes the steps your business or organization will take to protect your business and employees before, during and after an emergency. Key actions for this step include:

• Identifying an emergency planning committee that is responsible for developing and implementing an emergency response plan
• Developing a written plan describing how your business or organization will respond during a disaster or medical emergency
• Creating a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP)

4. Implement your emergency response plan
This step involves continuing to work with the planning committee to implement the emergency response plan with employees. The key to implementing the plan is to make preparedness a part of the corporate culture. Key actions for this step include:

• Training employees on a regular basis about what to do during a disaster or emergency
• Acquiring and maintaining needed safety equipment and emergency preparedness supplies
• Showing employees how to be prepared at work and at home so they are better equipped to help the business respond to and recover from an emergency
• Conducting and assessing regular drills and exercises to determine the readiness of your employees and facilities

5. Help your community get prepared
Now that your company and employees are prepared, make at least one additional commitment to ensure that the overall community is prepared for a disaster or other emergency. Key actions for this step include:

• Hosting blood drives
• Contributing supplies and/or services to emergency response efforts
• Adopting a local school or school district and support their disaster and emergency preparedness program

 

Related articles

• Disaster Preparedness in 6 Steps
• Red Cross Urges Disaster Readiness in Light of Tsunami Scare and Hurricane Season
• Help Victims Of Hurricane Sandy By Donating Blood And Funds To The American Red Cross

Schipske Joins CDC in Urging Residents to Get Prepared for Zombies

For Immediate Release

Contact: Office of Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske

562 570-6932

Schipske Joins Federal CDC In Calling For Long Beach Residents to Prepare for 

A “Zombie Apocalypse” -

“If You Can Prepare for a Zombie Attack – You Can Prepare for an Earthquake”

Long Beach, CA – In just a few short days, the good people of Long Beach will have to face the invasion of zombies at the annual “Zombie Walk,” reminds Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske. “October 27^th may be traumatic for some, so I am urging residents to following the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and get prepared.”

Schipske, who has been working over the past 6 years to encourage residents to get ready for an earthquake, thinks the CDC is clever in getting people’s attention by using the popular “zombie” as a way to remind how to get ready to face any emergency. 

Through a website, blog and “novella” comic book, the CDC is urging residents to get ready for any type of emergency by posting such messages as: “There are all kinds of emergencies out there that we can prepare for. Take a zombie apocalypse for example. That’s right, I said z-o-m-b-i-e a-p-o-c-a-l-y-p-s-e. You may laugh now, but when it happens you’ll be happy you read this, and hey, maybe you’ll even learn a thing or two about how to prepare for a real emergency.” The site (http://www.cdc.gov/phpr/zombies.htm)  also includes resources for teachers who want to teach preparedness in the classroom.

“Getting prepared for a major emergency, no matter what type, involves the same process,” says Schipske, who is also a Registered Nurse Practitioner. “You need to assemble an emergency kit with things like water, food, and other supplies to get you through the first couple of days.  It will buy you some time until you are able to make your way to an evacuation shelter or utility lines are restored. Then you need to sit down with your family and come up with an emergency plan. Decide where you will meet, how you will let people know you are ok, and an evacuation route.”

Schipske has launched “Ready Long Beach” – a blog (www.readylongbeach.blogspot.com ) and Facebook page which posts weekly tips on how to get ready for an emergency. “I just held a community workshop ‘Let’s Get Ready Long Beach’ and it was clear from the questions of the participants that we need to educate residents on how to get ready in case of an earthquake.” Schipske will sponsor another community workshop on the weekend of March 10, 2013 which marks the 80^th anniversary of the Long Beach earthquake.

Information on the Long Beach Zombie Walk can be found at: http://zombiewalklb.com/tickets/ .

Related articles

• No, really: Govt warns of 'zombie apocalypse'
• CDC, DHS, FEMA Preparing for Zombie Apocalypse?
• Uncle Sam Wants You to Prepare for Zombies (And Hurricanes)