Prep for a Disaster: 5 Things to Do, Just in Case

You've heard all the "no-duh" tips before about preparing for a disaster - keep water and non-perishable food on hand, have a flashlight with extra batteries...

But this month the federal government is hoping you will get down to details to make a plan for, not the unthinkable, but the inevitable: wild fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods or even terrorism and pandemics.

To get the word out FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Authority, has built an extensive website to help citizens plan and prepare.

Ready.gov offers instructions on how to ready your family, your home, your car and even your business for an emergency. The site includes tips specific to disasters common in your area, such as earthquakes or fires. There are even diagrams on how to seal off your home in the event that the outside air is contaminated. 

Here are five things Patch found that can help you get ready:

1.  Build a tailor made kit

You're smart enough to build a kit with food and water, but FEMA suggests making sure you include foods your family will actually eat. If you're kids have never eaten a bean in their life, maybe a disaster isn't the time to present them with a can of cold red kidney beans. Also don't forget high-energy foods like protein bars and, FEMA suggests, skip salty foods that will make you thirsty.

2.  How much water is enough?

Speaking of thirsty, FEMA suggests storing one gallon for each person for three days. But if you live some place hot consider storing more. Click here for more tips about what not to use to store your water.

3.  Some non-food items you should have in your kit:

• Duct tape, plastic sheeting and dust masks in case you need to shelter in.
• Whistle to alert responders to your location
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Baby wipes and garbage bags for personal sanitation
• A can opener
• (Click here for the full list)

4.  Make a national communication plan.

If you've got relatives out of state, they may be just the ones you need when your local friends and family are mired in a disaster. Your Uncle Louie in Detroit or Aunt Emmy in Tampa could be the point person if you and your family become separated. FEMA also offers a PDF family emergency plan you can fill out and email to family and friends. There is also a PDF contact card that kids can carry with them. (We've included both above this story below the photo).

5.  What exactly do you say to a terrorist? 

If you received a bomb threat at work, would you know what do? FEMA has put together a list of questions to ask the caller, which you can view here. If you are caught in a explosion did you know that whistling to a rescuer could save you? FEMA says shouting could lead to inhaling dangerous amounts of dust.

For more information on how to prepare for everything from a black out to a cyber attack, visit www.Ready.gov.

City of Cerritos Offers Free Emergency Response Training Starting Saturday, Sept. 8

In time for National Prepardeness Month, Cerritos residents 18 years and older are invited to become members of the city's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) by attending free CERT training classes and earning a certificate.

The CERT training course will be held on three consecutive Saturdays from Sept. 8 through Sept. 22 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the located at 18135 Bloomfield Ave. at the Cerritos Civic Center.

The program is designed to help residents in the event of a disaster or other emergency. Participants are required to complete 21 hours of training that includes first aid and basic disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, light fire suppression techniques and disaster management. When emergencies occur, CERT members are able to provide critical support to first responders, give immediate assistance to victims and organize volunteers at a disaster site.

The free training is conducted by FEMA certified CERT instructors in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Participants are required to wear closed toed shoes and long pants to the training.

To register for the CERT Training Program or for additional information, call the Department of Community and Safety Services at (562) 916-1252.

- Shannon K. Winning and MarieSam Sanchez contributed to this report.