Emergency preparedness is key to navigating disasters, both natural and man-made. Preparing for disaster and mitigating vulnerability is incredibly important to building resiliency. As a large, rural county with many communities located in the Wildland Urban Interface, Mendocino County is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters. The rural nature, relative remoteness, and limited resources of the county make disaster response challenging. As such, county residents must prepare for disaster and mitigate disaster vulnerability to build resiliency in their communities and homes.

Personal Preparedness

• Be Informed
  • Staying informed is an essential aspect of emergency preparedness. All county residents should make sure that they are signed up for emergency alerts with MendoAlert and Nixle. County residents should also be aware of the evacuation zone that they reside in. Go to the KnowYourZoneMendo map and enter your address to find your zone. MendoReady.org has good information on planning and preparing for emergencies.

     

• Make an Emergency Plan
  • Meet with the members of your family or household to discuss how to prepare and respond to emergencies that are most likely to happen where you live. Create a family plan to identify responsibilities for each member of your household in the event of an emergency. Do not forget to include any pets in your plan. Designate an out-of-state emergency contact, make them aware of your plan and share a copy with them. Choose two places to meet after a disaster one right outside your home and the second outside of your neighborhood.
  • Have an evacuation plan! Know the routes out of your community and familiarize yourself with any alternative routes that may be available.
  • Learn how to turn off your utilities (gas, water, electricity) and how to properly use a fire extinguisher.
  • Develop a household inventory for insurance purposes.
  • Keep your gas tank at least half full in case you need to evacuate. Keep a copy of your disaster plan in your vehicle along with a disaster kit.

• Build a Disaster Kit

Assembling and maintaining a disaster kit is essential in the event of a major disaster. Keep your kit in an easily accessible location, ideally in watertight, moveable containers. Make sure all members of the household know where the kit is stored. Make sure your kit is maintained. Switch out the water every three months, the food every 6 months, the medication as needed, and test the batteries every three months.

• Emergency Plan and emergency contact information
• Water (one gallon of water per person per day for at least seven days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a one-week supply of non-perishable food)
• Important documents (Medical, financial, IDs, etc)
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Whistle to signal for help
• N95 respirator masks or cloth face masks for each family member
• Tools, plastic sheeting, and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener
• Unscented liquid household bleach and an eyedropper for water purification
• Maps of the area
• Cell phone with chargers
• Any prescription medication you or anyone in the household requires daily (seven-day supply)
• Infant and children supplies, if needed
• Pet food, water, and supplies (including extra leashes and collars) if needed

 

Other Links:

Rain Ready

Emergency Notifications and Alerts