KXO Radio AM1230 and FM 107.5

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It's important that you be prepared for possible disasters and other emergencies. Natural or human-caused disasters can strike suddenly, at anytime and anywhere.

There are three actions everyone can take that can help make a difference ...

1. You should have at least 72 hours (three days) worth of supplies for you and each member of your family in an easy-to-carry evacuation kit. An easy way to get your kit started is to visit www.sdarc.org to order a kit or to view a complete listing of the items that should be in a kit.

The basic contents include:

• At least three gallons of water per person (One gallon of water per person per day. Often more is needed).

• Canned food and can opener. Other non-perishable food items.

• First aid kit and essential medications.

• Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding, or sleeping bags.

• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.

• Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.

• Items to care for any family pets.

• Medications and eye glasses.

• Written instructions for how to turn off gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)

• Keep essentials, such as a flashlight and sturdy shoes, by your bedside.

2. Planning ahead will help you have the best possible response to a disaster. To get a copy of a complete Family Disaster Plan, visit the County of San Diego's Office of Emergency Services at http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/oes/.

• Choose with your family two places to meet after a disaster - one outside of your home and one outside of your neighborhood.

• Learn how to turn off utilities such as electricity, water and gas. Get training in how to use a fire extinguisher from your local fire department.

• Choose a safe place in every room--under a sturdy table or desk or against an inside wall where nothing can fall on you.

• Practice evacuating your home and DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON at least twice a year. Drop under a sturdy desk or table, hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm.

• Chose an out-of-town family contact. It is common after a disaster for communications, including telephones and cell phones, within an area to be interrupted, and often it is easier to call or text message outside the impacted area.

• Individuals who still have power but cannot call outside the area may still have access to Internet service and should try sending e-mail messages.

• The Red Cross maintains a Web site that enables people to register themselves or search for loved ones who cannot be reached. The Red Cross Safe and Well List site can be accessed at www.redcross.org.

• Inform baby-sitters and caregivers of your plan.

3. Know what may happen and how you can help.

• Learn what disasters or emergencies may occur in our region.

• Identify how local authorities will notify you during a disaster and how you will get important information through local radio, TV or other means.

• Take a first aid, CPR, AED, and/or disaster preparedness class from your local Red Cross chapter. Keep your training current. Visit www.sdarc.org for a class schedule.

Specific Suggestions Related to Earthquakes

Eliminate hazards

• Bolt bookcases, china cabinets, and other tall furniture to wall studs.

• Install strong latches on cupboards.

• Strap the water heater to wall studs. ........................................................................

Know What to Do When the Earthquake Begins

• DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON! Move only a few steps to a nearby safe place.

• Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you're sure it's safe to exit. Stay away from windows.

• If there's no table or desk nearby, sit on the floor against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases, or tall furniture that could fall on you.

• In a high-rise building, expect the fire alarms and sprinklers to go off during a quake.

• If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow.

• If you are outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Drop to the ground.

• If you are in a car, slow down and drive to a clear place. Stay in the car until the shaking stops.

Identify What to Do After the Earthquake Stops

• Check yourself for injuries. Protect yourself from further danger by putting on long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes, and work gloves.

• Check others for injuries. Give first aid for serious injuries.

• Look for and extinguish small fires. Eliminate fire hazards. Turn off the gas if you smell gas or think it's leaking.

• Listen to the radio for instructions.

• Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one. DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!

• Inspect home for damage. Get everyone out if your home is unsafe.

• Use the telephone only to report life-threatening emergencies.

Please take a few minutes today to review the above information with your loved ones and family. Spending a few minutes now on preparedness could save your life or the life of someone you love in a disaster.

Help me, help our community become America's Most Prepared.

Joe W. Craver

Interim CEO, American Red Cross

San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter