CERT Notes

                                                                               Class One---Preparedness

Use plastic film (impact hazard glazing) on windows to prevent shattering, especially in high occupancy areas

Secure Stove, refrigerator, water heater and all other large objects with metal straps

Test Gas valve for (smell or sound).  Especially check “flex tubing” for water heater, gas dryer and stove

NOTE:Keep shut off wrench and Glo-Stick by gas shut off valve.  Put a little motor oil on moving parts of wrench.  Put wrench & glow stick in a sealable plastic bag and then tape the bag to the gas pipe with duck tape.

            Even better--Have Automatic gas shut off valve installed

NOTE:  Gas Shut Off Valves & Water Heater Strapping – Done by plumbers or there are retrofit companies who can do the work.  Retrofit companies also do Impact Hazard Glazing on sliding glass doors that do not have tempered glass.  You may call Lynn Lustig @ 310-967-0506 for the names of some retrofit companies.

Emergency Kits (Prepare three)

            Bedroom (especially shoes, flashlight)

            Car

            Work Place

            Have Diaper wipes, wet wipes and hand sanitizer in all three kits

Have Light Sticks (Omni-Glo) in all three, as well

            NOTE: Have cash (small denominations of paper money and have small change in all your kits). If phone lines are down, communication for governmental agencies and public phones and long distance will be restored before local/residential.

Have one major first aid kit and one minor kit available

Have Omni-Glo sticks available for lighting

Store plastic water bottles off cement (Water good for 6 months to two years)

Don’t ever drink pool water

Hot water heater is source of drinking water

NOTE: In a disaster, contaminants may enter the city water system.  To prevent contamination of water within your house system (pipes, water heater, toilet tank [not the toilet bowl]), shut your water main off to the house or shut the water off at the DWP meter in the curb way.

Have food and water (1 gallon/person/day) available for 3-5 days. Store comfort foods that you enjoy eating.

NOTE: Those with babies should have formula stored, for children some play toys

Have ABC fire extinguishers available

Immediately move car out of garage, out of harm’s way

Always have a half tank of gas in car as gas pumps may not be working

Note:  All the above information and more good survival tips can be obtained from the LAFD websites and other governmental websites. 

PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO RESEARCH AND BE PREPARED.  YOU MAY SAVE YOUR OWN LIFE, THE LIVES OF LOVED ONES AND THE LIVES OF OTHERS IN YOUR COMMUNITY.

Prepared and edited by Lynn Lustig and Bruce Remick