“The City’s Annual Disaster Drill will take place on the same day as the Great California ShakeOut, the 3rd Thursday in October at 7:00 p.m. The next drill will take place on Thursday, October 19, 2017.
Disasters can strike quickly and without warning. They can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home or work place. Events, such as September 11 and the hurricanes on the East Coast, are powerful reminders that not only our Fire and Police Departments need to be prepared – we all do!
While the City has plans in place for a disaster, it is important that each individual who lives or works in the City does as well. And just as fire and police personnel practice their disaster plan, each individual must also. On the Great California Shake Out Drill Day there will be a community-wide disaster drill. The purpose of this drill is to give you an opportunity to prepare and practice your “disaster plan.” Moreover, it will give us – as a community – an opportunity to practice together. The effects of a major disaster can be minimized if we all cooperate and work together as a team.
There are two components to this drill. The first component is to establish and practice your “Disaster Plan.” Your Disaster Plan is a scenario-driven plan that you prepare with your family that allows you to discuss in advance what each of you will do should a disaster strike. Information on creating a Disaster Plan may be downloaded or be picked up from the Fire Prevention Bureau at City Hall.
The second component is the “OK Sign” Program. Following a major disaster, emergency personnel will conduct search and rescue efforts. Given our resources will likely be overwhelmed initially, it is imperative that you do your part to assist us by verifying that everyone in your home is “okay” and by placing your “OK Sign” in a location most visible from the public right-of-way (e.g., front door, window, garage door). This will let us know you and your family are okay and we can go directly to those who need immediate attention. You may download your “OK Sign” or pick one up from the Fire Prevention Bureau at City Hall. Be sure to keep your “OK Sign” in an easily accessible location. If, when disaster strikes, you cannot access this sign, you can create your own “OK Sign” (simply write the word “OK” in large letters on a piece of paper). In an emergency, you often must improvise and make do with what you have.
Participation in this drill is simple! On the day of the Great California ShakeOut, at 7:00 p.m., there are two things we want you to do. First, activate your “Disaster Plan” (i.e., practice what you will do in the event of a disaster). Second, place your “OK Sign” in a location most visible from the public right-of-way.
We especially encourage families with young children to participate. This is a great opportunity to teach your children where to go, what to expect, and how to behave in case of an emergency. Being prepared and practicing your plan can serve to minimize much of the fear often experienced when disaster strikes.
While we hope that we never have a disaster of any magnitude, we want to be sure if we do that we are all prepared and able to work together effectively. In order to do so, it is essential to have a disaster plan in place and to practice the plan. We encourage you and your family to participate in this important Community-Wide Disaster Drill. For more information contact the Fire Department at (310) 253-5900.
Thank you in advance for your participation!
Your Emergency Responders
Remember: “Emergency Preparedness Begins With You!”
- Download a copy of “Your Family Disaster Plan” created by the American Red Cross by clicking here.
- Download a copy of “Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit” created by the American Red Cross by clicking here.
- Download a copy of an “OK” sign for the “OK” Program by clicking here.
- Help your children learn more about emergencies. Download a preparedness coloring book. “