Are you prepared for an emergency? If not, here’s how to be

Create a go-bag with clothes, medication, important documents and other essentials. Have a planned meet-up point with loved ones. Know where your county’s emergency shelters are located.

These are all pieces of advice most people have probably heard at one point in their lives. Being prepared for an emergency is something we all know in theory we should be, but most are probably not. Because of this reality, California has various emergency preparedness programs dedicated to teaching Californians what to do when the next big emergency inevitably comes.

The Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is tasked with identifying any possible threat to its residents and teaching them how to prepare for it. From heat waves to earthquakes, Angelenos can use the program Ready LA County to find information and helpful guides to make it through virtually any disaster that may come their way.

The problem, officials say, is getting residents to actually trust expert advice and be prepared to take action.

“We're definitely finding ourselves at a time where people distrust the government at all levels,” said Emily Montanez, communications director for the L.A. County OEM. “I think that's very much a challenge.”

Besides being aware of a general apathy toward government, the OEM also takes into consideration the over 200 languages spoken in L.A. Different languages and cultures are taken into consideration when creating resources, as well as different ways people choose to access information.

The entire Ready LA County webpage can be translated to Spanish, and its main emergency survival guide is available in 15 languages.

The office breaks down emergency preparedness in four steps: have a plan, keep supplies, stay informed and get involved.

Have a plan

In case of an emergency, it will be crucial for households to have communication plans and tangible steps every member of the home can take to ensure their safety.

Some of the most important steps families can take are to identify meeting places nearby in the neighborhood and knowing evacuation routes out of the home. Families should also have a plan for how to help with children, pets or seniors in the home. 

Ready LA County has a list of the top 10 actions families should take before an emergency strikes.

Having a plan also includes a written out communication plan including contact information for nearby hospitals, pharmacies, schools and employers and other family members.

Keep supplies

Creating an emergency bag does not need to be overly complicated, Montanez explained. Individuals should take a look around their homes and identify the items they use everyday like prescriptions and toiletries, and then expand out to the typical “go-bag” items like dry food and water, pet food, cash in small amounts and marriage and birth certificates.

“Keep it simple, each of our lives look very different,” Montanez advised.

Officials recommend that emergency bags are stocked with enough supplies to last at least 10 days. A full list of examples of what can or should be packed can be found on Ready LA County’s disaster supply kits webpage.

“That's always a good place to start,” Montanez said. “And then just kind of go from there because only you know your personal situation and what you need on a daily basis to get through the days.”

Stay informed

One of the most important ways to be ready for an emergency is to actually know when an emergency is happening. Signing up for Alert LA County means that as soon as something big is happening, you will be aware.

The alert system is a way for residents to opt-in to a mass notification system run by L.A. County. Individuals can choose to receive emergency alerts by text, email or a phone call and there are also accessibility options for those with disabilities.

Individuals can also opt into emergency notification systems specific to their cities. Individuals can register for emergency alerts at this link.

Get involved

During emergencies, local responders will be overwhelmed with requests for help. According to the OEM, nine in 10 victims during major disasters are rescued by neighbors, not first responders.

This is why individuals are encouraged to utilize free training resources provided by the county to know what to do if someone nearby needs help.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training is a free 20-hour FEMA-approved training taught by local fire and law enforcement agencies to help create a “neighborhood preparedness network.”

Volunteers are taught fire safety, search and rescue techniques, disaster medical operations and team organization. CERT training dates and locations are posted by the Los Angeles County Fire Department online. 

Ready LA County also has a five-step neighborhood action kit for communities to come together and have a plan to help each other.