Crisis information

Crisis Information 12

Disaster readiness … Don’t panic!

Be prepared for any emergency that might arise. Inquire about emergency plans that will be put in place at schools or workplaces. Discuss emergency plans and procedures with other members of the household so everyone can act as a unit, each holding individual responsibilities. Emergencies sometimes occur while driving. Some of the items listed at the right also should be kept in the car.

Local Disaster Preparedness Programs

Mountain Disaster Preparedness is a volunteer unit of Civil Defense organized to help meet the community’s needs in the event of an earthquake, a wildfire or unusually severe weather. Its members are from Idyllwild, Mountain Center and Pine Cove. They include amateur radio operators, medical personnel and other community residents assigned to various portions of the Hill. Their job is to serve as a local support for agencies responsible for fire suppression, protection of life and property and the maintenance of civil order. Volunteers are needed. For information, call Nancy Layton at 659-8100. Although natural disasters alone pose a threat to the Hill’s citizens, their resultant effects on roads leading to the mountain communities also are a threat. Road closures could temporarily isolate residents from off-Hill support. Emergency radio station WNKI, 1610 AM, gives updates on conditions following an emergency situation. It will include information on roads, school closures, food and shelter locations and emergency medical facilities. The station broadcasts 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily in nonemergency situations and 24 hours in emergency situations as long as the emergency exists. Also, Hill residents may visit the Idyllwild Town Crier’s Web site at www.towncrier.com during emergencies for updates. In the case of a disaster, Hill residents should go to one of the eight designated Neighborhood Collection Points shown on bulletin boards at the Idyllwild and Pine Cove post offices.

Important items to have on hand...

A plan for family members to reunite if a telephone is not available. Flashlights with spare batteries. Portable radio with spare batteries. First aid kit and instructional handbook. Fire extinguishers. Food (canned, dry or dehydrated) for a week to 10 days for all members of the family (including those with special dietary needs). Don’t forget household pets. Water, two quarts per day per person. Water heater and toilet tank (not bowl) can be used as emergency sources. Alternate cooking source, such as a barbecue grill or outdoor stove, with appropriate fuel. Matches, kept in a watertight container. Alternate heat source, such as a wood-burning stove or fireplace, that does not rely on electricity or gas service. Tools, such as a pipe wrench and crescent wrench for turning off gas and water mains. Supplies for hygiene and sanitation, such as plastic bags, pre-moistened towelettes, toilet paper and soap, and chlorine bleach. Heavy shoes and work gloves for each member of the household. Warm clothing and blankets. Alternative housing, such as a tent, sleeping bags, etc.

In an earthquake...

If indoors — stay there. Get under a table or desk or stand in a doorway. Stay away from windows, mirrors, bookcases and fireplaces. If possible, turn off the stove if it is on.

If outdoors — stay in the open, away from buildings, walls, trees or power lines.

If in a car — pull over to the side of the road, away from power lines, rocky hillsides, bridges or overpasses. Stay in the car and turn on the radio.