Do you know what to do in case of an emergency?

Huge disasters, such as major earthquakes and wildland fires, seem a remote possibility, but the experts say we live in one of the highest risk places in the state. If you think a disaster can't happen here, you are gambling with your life. We must each recognize and expect that in the event of a major disaster:

• We may not be able to get home for several days.
• Children or others needing help may be home alone.
• Our homes may be seriously damaged or destroyed.
• Someone in our families may experience serious injury or death.

Complacency and reliance on government have no place in preparing for these anticipated disasters. We must become actively involved, taking personal responsibility for our own survival. That means planning and preparing for an event, knowing how to survive an actual event, and knowing how to live in a disaster area.

FIRE:

Did you know that major fires burned out of control on Mt. Tamalpais in 1929 and 1945? There have been no major fires on Mt. Tam since then, and so much brush has accumulated that the potential for a major fire now ranks among the worst in the State of California. The Emergency Preparedness Handbook outlines what to do when the flames come, evacuation, protecting lives from fire, and notification of an emergency.

EARTHQUAKE:

If your odds of winning the lottery were 67%, would you buy a ticket? If your odds of experiencing a devastating earthquake were 67%, would you take steps to prepare yourself? The U.S. Geological Survey has calculated a 67% chance for an earthquake of magnitude 7.1 or greater in the Bay Area within 30 years. It could happen today. There is a real potential for widespread devastation here. The soft soil along Highway 101 in Corte Madera can be expected to liquefy in a major quake, causing damage similar to that suffered in the San Francisco Marina District in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. The Emergency Preparedness Handbook outlines what to do during the earthquake, what to do immediately after the earthquake, preparing yourself and your home, and reduction of hazard risks.

FLOOD:

Flooding in Corte Madera could occur with a combination of high tide and heavy rainfall. Flooding rarely occurs here, and when it does it is usually gradual. The Emergency Preparedness Handbook outlines what to do when the water comes.

YOUR PERSONAL DISASTER PLAN:

Major disasters, such as earthquakes, fires, and floods, have a way of occurring at times when family members are away at work or school. Naturally, you will have concern for separated loved ones, but you can at least be confident that they will be able to take care of themselves if your family is prepared for the emergency. Sit down with your family and discuss what you will do during and immediately after a major disaster, regardless of where you may be when the disaster occurs. Decide such things as how and where you would evacuate and where you would rendezvous, how you would communicate with each other, and where you would stay. A “Disaster Plan Worksheet” is provided with the Corte Madera Emergency Preparedness Handbook. The handbook outlines family earthquake drills, family fire drills, evacuation planning, communications, family reunification, school plan, what to do if you are a senior or are disabled, and insurance.

LIVING IN A DISASTER AREA:

The Emergency Preparedness Handbook outlines housing, childcare, first aid assistance, sanitation, using emergency food, using and purifying water, travel, pets, and recovery.

 

NEIGHBORHOOD PREPAREDNESS:

The Corte Madera Fire Department offers Community Emergency Response Training (CERT). This program was developed to train neighbors to work with each other during a disaster. After completing the course, you will be better prepared to help yourself and your neighbors in the event of an emergency. You will be taught how to shut off your utilities, perform first aid, and perform light rescue and firefighting. The course consists of five classes. Call the Corte Madera Fire Department at 927-5077 if you are interested in CERT classes. The Emergency Preparedness Handbook outlines general neighborhood disaster planning and neighborhood fire prevention.

The Town of Corte Madera Emergency Preparedness Handbook includes checklists for emergency supplies, first aid supplies, and mini survival kits. There is also instruction on how to strap a water heater, secure furniture, sheath cripple walls, and add foundation bolts.

TO OBTAIN A COPY OF THE CORTE MADERA EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS HANDBOOK, WITH MORE COMPLETE INFORMATION, CALL 927-5077, OR STOP BY THE FIRE STATION AT 342 TAMALPAIS DRIVE.

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MEDICAL EMERGENCY

Follow these simple steps to get help if you have, or witness, a medical emergency.

WHO TO CALL

From any telephone in Marin County DIAL 9-1-1 for reporting a medical, fire or police emergency.
When calling from a pay phone, 9-1-1calls are free.

WHAT TO SAY

1. State calmly, “This is a medical emergency. I need an ambulance.”
2. Tell what is wrong with the victim (unconscious victim, bad fall, heart attack, etc.)
3. Give location of the victim, nearest cross street and your name.
4. Follow any instructions you are given.
5. DO NOT HANG UP until asked to.

AFTER YOU CALL

1. DO NOT MOVE THE VICTIM unless there is danger from fire or other hazard.
2. Keep the victim warm and comfortable.
3. Apply first aid, according to your ability.
4. Remain with the victim.
5. Watch for, or have others watch for, emergency vehicles, and assist rescue personnel in locating the victim.

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WHAT IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY?

• An accident or sudden illness may be a MEDICAL EMERGENCY that needs immediate attention. A medical emergency is usually characterized by a sudden, rapid change in the victim’s condition. These are some conditions requiring immediate emergency medical care:
• Not breathing or difficulty in breathing
• Unconscious person
• Choking
• Severe bleeding or injury caused by a vehicle accident, fall, gunshot, stabbing or other assault
• Heart attack warning signs such as:
  • severe squeezing pains or discomfort in the chest
  • pain or discomfort that radiates from the chest into either arm, neck, or jaw
  • sweating or weakness, nausea or vomiting
  • pain or discomfort that extends across the shoulders to the back
    Suspected poisoning
• Drug overdose
• Serious burns
• Electric shock
• Seizure

DON’T WAIT, MINUTES CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE & DEATH

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LEARN CPR & FIRST AID

( SEE OUR CLASS SCHEDULE )

Would you know what to do if you found someone not breathing, choking, unconscious, or bleeding?
Knowing what to do can make the difference between life and death.

Everyone should be trained in First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
While these first aid techniques cannot be taught in a brochure, they can be learned in a class.
The Corte Madera Fire Department offers First Aid and CPR classes. Call (415) 927-5077 for information or to register.
Listed below are some organizations which provide information about classes in first aid and CPR training.

• American Heart Association
• American Red Cross
• Community Colleges
• Hospitals

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PETS AND DISASTERS

For more information on disaster assistance and preparedness for your pet, please visit the Marin Humane Society Disaster Preparedness Web Page.