Los Angeles has been hit by two major fires, destroying over 16,000 homes and forcing many to evacuate hastily as danger looms. As a result, emergency preparedness has become a significant topic of community concern. On February 2nd, the Orange County Eagle Forum organized a seminar titled “Prepare Now” to assist individuals in being well-prepared.
Nancy Domino, a small business owner and real estate agent, became an emergency preparedness enthusiast over a decade ago out of concerns for emergencies like earthquakes. “I am passionate about sharing the knowledge I have acquired, hoping that more people can be self-reliant,” she stated. Imagining receiving an emergency alert at 2 AM with a wildfire heading towards your home or a nearby chemical leak requiring evacuation within 5 to 15 minutes, Domino emphasized the importance of being prepared and shared how some evacuees she encountered after the Los Angeles fires lacked essential documents and belongings.
Retired executive Alpha Mike has been training individuals in emergency preparedness since 2012, drawing on his financial and risk management experience. Mike, a certified trainer in CPR, first aid, and having wilderness first aid experience, highlighted the various natural disasters and man-made emergencies people might face, necessitating swift evacuation preparations.
Domino stressed the importance of planning ahead as we age, not just considering but actively preparing for emergencies. The two Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers were invited to share their experiences at the seminar.
Mike advocated for being ready to evacuate within 5 to 15 minutes, sometimes with just 1 to 2 hours or days’ notice. He emphasized the need for planning in advance, being among the first to depart in emergencies, and having clear communication and reunion plans for family members.
In cases of power outages or lack of phone signal, Mike suggested using walkie-talkies and staying informed through broadcasts. Establishing predetermined signals among family members and ensuring everyone is involved in emergency preparedness practices were key elements of his recommendations.
Creating a packing list detailing essential items in each room for quick retrieval, preparing luggage or backpacks in advance, considering the vehicle’s capacity, and organizing belongings efficiently were all crucial aspects of Mike’s advice. He underscored the necessity of carrying supplies for at least 3 to 7 days, tailored to individual and family needs.
Categorizing items such as emergency food, clothing, medication, communication devices, important documents, as well as valuables like heirlooms and memorabilia were essential components of Mike’s emergency preparedness strategy.
Mike highlighted the usefulness of library cards for accessing computers in public libraries during emergencies, the convenience of cash over credit cards, the necessity of camping gear like tents and sleeping bags, and the importance of prepping for pets with all necessary supplies and documents.
Leaving behind some possessions is inevitable during evacuations, so ensuring homes are secured, important documents are digitally stored or backed up, passwords are not forgotten, and utilizing fireproof safes for valuables were all recommended by Mike. He also suggested documenting household items via video for insurance claims before evacuating.
Mike stressed the importance of having a customized evacuation plan to avoid panic during emergencies. While acknowledging that simply attending seminars is not enough, he urged individuals to actively plan and prepare. He encouraged the public to check out their training schedules and register for courses on Meetup.com in Orange County.
By emphasizing proactive planning and practical steps for emergency preparedness, experts like Nancy Domino and Alpha Mike hope to equip individuals with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate crises effectively.