Safety & Emergency Preparedness Tips

Basic first aid is a set of skills and knowledge that can help a person provide initial care for an injury or illness until more advanced medical treatment is available. It is important to be familiar with basic first aid procedures and to have a first aid kit available in case of emergencies. Some common first aid procedures include:

• Administering CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) to someone who is unconscious and not breathing.
• Controlling bleeding by applying direct pressure to a wound and elevating the injured limb above the heart.
• Treating a burn by running cool water over the burn and covering it with a sterile bandage.
• Splinting a broken bone by using a firm object to stabilize the injured limb and prevent further movement.
• Treating a concussion by keeping the person awake and alert and seeking medical attention if symptoms persist.

It is important to remember that basic first aid is not a substitute for proper medical treatment and that individuals should seek medical attention for serious injuries or illnesses.

Power outages can be caused by a variety of factors, including storms, accidents, and equipment failures. It’s a good idea to be prepared in case of a power outage, as it can disrupt daily routines and essential services. Here are some steps you can take to prepare for a power outage:

• Keep emergency supplies on hand: Keep a supply of non-perishable food, water, flashlights, and batteries. It’s also a good idea to have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay informed about the situation.
• Charge electronic devices: Charge your phone, laptop, and other electronic devices in case you need to use them during the outage.
• Know how to manually open your garage door: If you have an electric garage door, make sure you know how to open it manually in case the power is out.
• Know how to shut off your appliances: If you have appliances that use natural gas or propane, such as a stove or water heater, know how to shut them off in case of a power outage.
• Keep a list of emergency phone numbers: Keep a list of emergency phone numbers, including the power company and local authorities, in an easily accessible place.

By taking these steps, you can be better prepared in case of a power outage.

A grab and go bag, also known as a bug-out bag or 72-hour kit, is a bag that contains essential items that you would need in case of an emergency evacuation. The contents of a grab and go bag can vary depending on your specific needs, but some common items that you should consider including are:

• Water and water purification tablets
• Non-perishable food and a manual can opener
• A flashlight and extra batteries
• A first aid kit
• A whistle to signal for help
• Personal hygiene items, such as soap and a toothbrush
• A change of clothes
• Important documents, such as identification and insurance papers, in a waterproof container
• A map and a compass
• Cash and any necessary medication
• You should also include items that are specific to your needs, such as baby supplies or items for pets. It’s important to have a grab and go bag prepared in case of an emergency so that you can quickly and easily evacuate your home if necessary.

If you are in a household fire, it is important to take the following steps to ensure your safety and the safety of others:

• Get out of the house immediately: If you are in a room where there is smoke or flames, exit the room as quickly as possible and make your way to a safe location outside the house.
• Close doors behind you: As you make your way out of the house, close doors behind you to help contain the fire and prevent it from spreading.
• Call 911: Once you are safely outside, call 911 to report the fire and request emergency assistance. Provide the operator with your location, the address of the fire, and any other relevant information.
• Stay outside: Do not re-enter the house until it is safe to do so, and you have been given permission by the fire department.
• Gather your family and pets: Once you are safely outside, gather your family members and pets and make sure everyone is accounted for.
• Follow the instructions of the fire department: The fire department will arrive on the scene and take steps to extinguish the fire. Follow their instructions and stay out of their way.
• Seek medical attention if necessary: If anyone was injured in the fire, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• Contact your insurance company: Once the fire has been extinguished, contact your insurance company to report the fire and begin the claims process.

The experience of a house fire can be traumatic, and it is important to take care of your own physical and emotional well-being, as well as the well-being of your loved ones. Consider seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional if needed.

It’s a good idea to have a well-stocked first aid kit in your home in case of accidents or injuries. Some items that you should consider including in your kit are:

• Adhesive bandages in various sizes
• Gauze pads and rolls
• Tape
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• A thermometer
• Disposable gloves
• Antibiotic ointment
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Antiseptic wipes or solution
• Over-the-counter pain medication
• A cold pack
• A manual on basic first aid techniques

You should also make sure that your kit is easily accessible and that everyone in your household knows where it is. It’s also a good idea to check the kit regularly to make sure that all of the items are in good condition and that nothing has expired. You should replace any used or expired items as soon as possible.

There are several steps you can take to prepare for flooding:

1. Understand the flood risks in your area and know where to go if an evacuation is necessary.
2. Create an emergency plan with your family, including an evacuation route, a meeting place, and a plan for communication.
3. Prepare an emergency supply kit that includes items such as water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and important documents.
4. Learn how to turn off utilities such as gas, electricity, and water to prevent damage or injury.
5. Keep sandbags and other flood-protection materials on hand, and know how to use them.
6. If you live in a flood-prone area, consider purchasing flood insurance. It typically is not included in homeowners insurance policies.
7. Keep important documents such as insurance papers, identification, and financial records in a waterproof and portable container.
8. Stay informed during flood events by listening to local news and following the advice of local authorities.

Tips:

• Create an emergency plan: this should include an evacuation plan, a communication plan for staying in touch with family members, and a plan for sheltering in place if necessary.
• Assemble a disaster supply kit: this should include enough supplies to last each person in your household for at least three days, including water, non-perishable food, medications, a first aid kit, a flashlight, and a portable radio.
• Stay informed: make sure you are aware of any potential emergency situations that may affect your area and stay up to date on the latest information from local authorities.
• Have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts: this may include a weather radio, an emergency notification system, or a cell phone with a plan that includes text messages.
• Keep important documents and information in a safe place: this may include insurance policies, identification documents, and emergency contact information.
• Protect your home: take steps to secure your home, such as installing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and making sure your home is properly insured.
• Be prepared to evacuate: if you are instructed to evacuate, do so immediately, and make sure you have your disaster supply kit with you.
• Know how to turn off utilities: if you need to evacuate, you should know how to safely turn off the gas, electricity, and water to your home.
• Stay safe during the emergency: follow the instructions of local authorities and avoid taking unnecessary risks during the emergency.
• Make sure to take care of your own physical and emotional well-being and support your loved ones during this difficult time.

Tips:

• Physical activity can improve balance and muscle strength. It needs to be part of your routine. If you haven’t already, seek professional advice, such as physical therapists specializing in balance.
• Check with your doctor if you feel unsteady. Review your medications, including over-the-counter ones.
• Get regular vision checks. As you age, vision can deteriorate over time.
• Visit a podiatrist and discuss proper footwear, orthotics, or other devices to assist with steadiness.
• Address safety hazards in the home. Clean up any clutter. Install bath and shower grab bars. There should be handrails wherever the stairs are. Improve lighting. Avoid slippery surfaces.
• Stay healthy and mobile!

Tips:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas.
• Test smoke alarms every month. If they’re not working, change the batteries.
• Talk with all family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.
• If a fire occurs in your home, get out, stay out, and call for help. Never go back inside for anything or anyone.

Tip: In an active shooter situation:

• Be aware of your surroundings and any possible dangers.
• Take note of the two nearest exits in any facility you visit.
• If you are in an office, stay there and secure the door.
• If you are in a hallway, get into a room and secure the door.
• As a last resort, attempt to take the active shooter down. When the shooter is at close range and you cannot flee, your chance of survival is much greater if you try to incapacitate him/her.
• Call 911 when it is safe to do so.

Face – Ask them to smile. Does one side look like it’s drooping?
Arm – Instruct them to raise both arms. Does one arm drive downward?
Speech – Ask them to say something. Does it sound strange?
Time – If you observe symptoms, call 911 immediately.

Tip: What to do if you or someone else may be having a heart attack:

• Call 911, or your local emergency number.
• Begin CPR if the person is unconscious.

Tip: We are at the start of flu season. Consider getting your flu shots.

Tip: News Reports of suicide seem to be on the rise. Note that there is now a National Suicide Prevention Hotline. California residents can now reach the National Suicide Prevention Hotline with just three digits: 988.

Tips:

• If dense dust is observed blowing across or approaching a roadway, pull your vehicle off the pavement as far as possible, stop, turn off lights, set the emergency brake, and take your foot off of the brake pedal to be sure the taillights are not illuminated.
• Don’t enter the dust storm area if you can avoid it.
• If you can’t pull off the roadway, proceed at a speed suitable for visibility, turn on lights and sound horn occasionally. Use the painted center line to help guide you. Look for a safe place to pull off the roadway.
• Never stop on the traveled portion of the roadway.

Tip: If you haven't received one, or misplaced it, there are cards available at the Montecito Clubhouse rounders. Keep them in your clothes closet and place one in a street-facing window in the event of an emergency.

Tip: We remind friends to keep emergency food and water on hand. Don’t forget about prescriptions. Make sure to have adequate supplies of your medicines, just in case.

Tip: Update your emergency contact information on file at the HOA Office as needed.

Tip: We spend plenty of time in our cars. Be sure to have some emergency supplies available in your vehicles in case of an emergency.

Tip: In preparing for disruptive emergencies, remember to provide extra food and water for your pets.

Tip: Recent reports have surfaced of primary monsoonal flooding conditions in California’s Central Valley. It is unclear if the Coachella Valley might experience any such flooding if such an event happens. However, supply chain issues may be affected, so keep food and water stocks up.

Tip: Cases of West Nile Virus are reported in the Coachella Valley. Check your homes and property for standing water to be drained. Standing water provides a breeding ground for mosquito larvae.

Tip: If you own pets, ensure an adequate food supply for them. Also, consider having them “chipped.” Microchips are tiny transponders, about the size of a grain of rice, that can be implanted in your pet’s skin by veterinarians and animal shelters. Microchips are a good option for pet identification. The Emergency Preparedness Committee (EPC) has a chip reader to identify your pet in an emergency.

Tip: Here is a YouTube video with information about this program. You can order stop the bleed kits online. Keep them at home and in your car.

☞ https://youtu.be/dkb-Ddb8QFA

Tip: Power companies are asking for voluntary compliance to reduce energy use. Raise your home thermometers to 78 degrees or higher. Avoid using significant appliances (dishwashers, washing machines, etc.) between 4:00 pm and 9:00 pm. https://www.iid.com/Home/Components/News/News/1026/793