Preparing for emergencies What you and your family should know When disasters strike, police, fire emergency responders and the community come together to save lives and protect property. In our region, wildfires can be catastrophic when hot, dry Santa Ana winds arrive. Prepping for unexpected events is your first step in protecting your family, home and property and potentially saving lives.
Community safety Working together to prepare for emergencies A message from the Fire Chief of San Diego County The San Diego County Fire Chiefs Association, the American Red Cross, the Burn Institute, and the San Diego County s Office of Emergency Services partner to provide you resources and information to get you through this year s fire season. We know from past wildfires how catastrophic they can be. That s why the County Fire Chiefs Association is committed to making sure that you have the information needed to be prepared. Wildfires start in many ways and there are contributing factors that can make the situation go from bad to worse very quickly. Sometimes wild land fires can start by natural causes, though most fires are caused by humans. By exercising care around lit cigarettes, campfires and engine sparks, you can help to prevent wildfires. And if you see any suspicious activity that could involve arson, call 911 to report the situation. It could save lives. Please review the information in this brochure and then take the action steps outlined here to prepare you, your loved ones and your property for this year s fire season. Dave Hanneman President of the San Diego County Fire Chiefs To help you get ready for an emergency, like a wildfire or earthquake, SDG&E, the American Red Cross, San Diego Firefighters and the County Office of Emergency Services, are working together to offer county residents and businesses detailed information about emergency preparedness and safety. Since you never know when an emergency may occur, it s best to always be prepared. Here are four steps to take to stay prepared throughout the year. 1. Have an emergency supply kit. 2. Make a personal emergency plan for your family and be prepared to activate it. 3. Create a defensible space around your home. 4. Know what to do in an emergency and where to find more information. To stay informed during a power outage visit sdge.com/weatheroutage. You ll need your block number and circuit number. Find it by using the tool on the weather outage page. Your block and circuit number are on page three of your bill. San Diego County Fire Chiefs Association
Stepping up emergency preparedness in case of fire Dry conditions statewide have increased the risk of major wildfires, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. CAL FIRE crews have responded to about twice as many fires this year as last year. Look for fire safety tips posted online by CAL FIRE at fire.ca.gov and by us at sdge.com/safety. You ll also find information about our Community Fire Safety Program. We work year-round to help keep people, property and power lines safe in case of wildfires. For example: The SDG&E Mobile Command Center is available for use by city, county, state and other agencies, such as the American Red Cross. Our vast network of weather stations form one of the nation s largest weather networks, monitoring fire risks such as wind speed. Steel poles now stand where more than 2,000 wood poles used to carry electric lines in fire-prone areas. Up to eight fire engines and crews are on standby for rapid response to hazardous conditions. New mobile emergency command centers provide field support. Smart switches on more than 160 electric circuits including remote-controlled switches in high-risk areas improve safety and reliability. New laser technology helps us scan overhead power lines to pinpoint and prevent potential problems, such as outages or sparking wires. Firefighting agencies from across the region remain on high alert during Red Flag Warnings. Local, state and federal firefighting resources are in place should wildfires strike. Know about red flag warnings When the National Weather Service declares a Red Flag Warning in the region, fire danger is extreme. If you live in an area we consider high-risk for fire, we'll call you the day before a Red Flag Warning is issued so you can be ready to activate your personal family plan. To help you be prepared when Santa Ana winds arrive, we ve also developed an online tool to help you gauge wind speeds in your area. Throughout our service area, there are weather stations over 135 that track wind and other weather variables. This weather condition can help you determine hazardous weather conditions all you need is your block number and circuit number that s located on page three of your SDG&E bill. To check out the outage status tool, visit sdge.com/weatheroutage. SDG&E senior meteorologists Brian Dagostino, left, and Steven Vanderburg analyze data that comes from a network of 135 weather stations such as this one.
1 Prepare an emergency supply kit When fire threatens, you won t have time to shop or search for supplies, so have an emergency supply kit assembled that includes items you may need at home or if you have to evacuate. Store them in easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks or plastic crates. A three-day water supply (one gallon per person per day is recommended) A three-day food supply that won t spoil and a can opener/bottle opener Battery-powered radio and extra batteries One change of clothing and shoes per person One blanket or sleeping bag per person A first-aid kit that includes family prescriptions Eyeglasses and sunglasses Extra set of car keys Toiletries Flashlight Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members Learn the basics in our video, Emergency Preparedness: Make a Kit and a Plan, at sdge.com/safety. Pet food, water, carrier and leash To watch the video, visit sdge.com/safety.
2 Design your plan and get ready Long before fire threatens, or an emergency happens, plan your evacuation and make a list of essential items and supplies you should take if you need to evacuate. The following items are examples, but since everyone s needs are different, you should prepare your own list of Important Stuff. Important Stuff Keep your list handy and have portable, waterproof containers ready for your items. If possible, involve your children in the planning let them feel part of the process. Review and update your Important Stuff list and emergency supply kit periodically. Learn alternate ways out of your neighborhood in the event of road blocks. Plan how you ll transport your pet get a carrier if necessary. If you have large animals prepare by calling your local Department of Animal Control or Humane Society. Designate a relative or friend as an out-of-area contact with whom family members can relay information. Long distance phone systems often work while local communications are overloaded. Important documents (identification, birth certificates, passports, insurance and tax documents, essential phone numbers, school and vaccination records, photos, etc.) Cash (in the event that ATMs are out of service) Cell phone, tablet and/or laptop and chargers External drive or computer backup A little preparation will go a long way in the event of a fire or other emergency. You may not be home when wildfire threatens. If roads are closed for safety, you may not have access. Have a plan in place for persons or pets that may be home when you re not.
3 Create a defensible space In a wildfire, firefighters are stretched to the limit. By designing or modifying the space around your home to resist wildfire, you have a better chance of saving your property whether or not firefighters can get to it in time. The design and materials of a home, the location where it s built and fire department access all influence whether it survives during a wildfire. Fire-resistant landscaping is a big help in creating a defensible space. There are three zones around your house to consider: Zone 1 - From the structure out to a minimum of 30-50 ft. The area nearest your home should contain low-growing plants with lowfuel volume. Ideally there should be no tall-growing plants close to your home. However, since we all enjoy the shade of a tree or two, select the tree wisely. Zone 2 - A minimum of 30-100 ft. from structures Low-growing ground covers that are resistant to fire and low in fuel volume are recommended in this zone. When properly maintained, a fire may be stopped before it reaches your home. Zone 3 - Beyond 100 ft. from structures Check with environmental regulatory agencies before modifying native vegetation that might include endangered species and habitat. Note that 100 ft. of zoned fire resistant landscaping may not be adequate to protect your home under all circumstances, but protects well in most situations. Fire Department Recommends 100 ft. Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 Undisturbed Vegetation Remember the Three R s of defensible space: Removal Eliminate entire plants, particularly trees and shrubs. Examples: cutting down a dead tree or cutting out a flammable shrub. Reduction Remove plant parts such as branches or leaves. Examples: pruning dead wood from a shrub, removing low branches and mowing dried grass. Replacement Substitute more hazardous vegetation with less flammable plants. Examples: removal of a dense stand of flammable shrubs and planting an irrigated, well-maintained flowerbed.
4 Know what to do and where to find info The basics of natural gas and electric safety You could experience power outages or natural gas leaks for any number of reasons, including fires, earthquakes, storms, high winds, traffic accidents, a planned electric system upgrade or the need for law enforcement to protect public safety. Here s how to respond: If a person or piece of equipment comes in contact with an electric line, or if a line is down or broken: SHUT OFF the power, if possible. CALL 911. Ask for the police department, fire department rescue service or SDG&E. DON T touch the person or any equipment involved. The line may still be energized and dangerous. If you smell a natural gas odor, hear the hissing sound of gas escaping, or see other signs of a leak: REMAIN calm. DON T light a match, candle or cigarette. DON T turn electrical appliances or lights on or off. If you ever have a safety concern involving natural gas or electricity, call SDG&E at 1-800-411-7343, 24-hours a day, seven days a week; or call 911. Disaster information Police, Fire & Medical Emergencies Dial 911 SDG&E Report an outage, downed or damaged power lines or suspected gas leaks. Find gas and electric safety information. 1-800-411-7343 sdge.com/safety American Red Cross San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter Prepare for emergencies; before, during and after. 858-309-1200 sdarc.org Ready San Diego Office of Emergency Services Sign up for reverse 911 to be notified if there is an emergency that will affect you. Be prepared for an emergency and stay informed. 858-565-3490 Readysandiego.org 211 Hotline Dial 211 During a disaster, 211 works with the Office of Emergency Services as a communications point for many agencies. With a database of over 3,000 resources, a live operator can help you find what you need in your location. facebook.com/sandiegogasandelectric twitter.com/@sdge
SPONSORED BY : San Diego County Fire Chiefs Association Preparing for emergencies What you and your family should know PO BOX 129831 SAN DIEGO CA 92112-9831 PRESORTED FIRST CLASS U S POSTAGE PAID San Diego CA Permit No. 213 Preparación para emergencias: Lo que debe saber Para pedir una copia de esta información en español, favor de llamar al 1-800-311-7343 Preparing for emergencies for seniors and those with a disability A little extra preparation for the special needs of seniors and those with a disability can go a long way if a disaster happens. Have a plan for transportation if someone in your home has a mobility issue and/or a need for electricity. And, depending on your needs on a daily basis, here are some things to consider: Medical equipment (and batteries and chargers) supplies Prescriptions List of medical, pharmacy and medical device and supply providers including phone numbers Copies of prescriptions, doctors orders and serial number of medical devices Extra eyeglasses and hearing aids Medical alert tags or bracelets or written description of your disability and/or needs if you re unable to describe the situation in an emergency Assistive technology and/or communication tools Accessible housing A service animal 2012 San Diego Gas & Electric Company. Trademarks belong to their respective owners. All rights reserved. E Printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks. S1210022 0812 44M