EMC146  Home Disaster Kit 1/2
To:   Emergency Communications Units - Information Bulletin
To:   Emergency Management Agencies via Internet and Radio
By:   Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS) of the
        California Governor's Office of Emergency Services  

EMC146  Home Disaster Kit 1/2      8/24/98

When disaster strikes, will you be ready to respond? We don't 
necessarily mean having your bags packed; we mean having your 
mental, physical and technical bags packed, ready to go in case of 
emergency.

In terms of your family and work commitments, can you respond for 
several days to the scene of an emergency?  It's important to get those
agreements from your employer, in writing, before you have to leave in a
rush.  Whether you can leave on vacation time, on a shift trade or other 
agreement, your leaving will severely task your co-workers and your
workplace.   (They may not be entirely happy with you when you get back 
for all that overtime they had to work for you).  Now is the time to let them
know of your responsibilities as a first responder, and to secure the 
commitment of your employer, acknowledging your participation in 
emergency services, and granting you a certain amount of time off in an 
emergency.  A great way to do this is to introduce them ahead of time 
to your emergency organization.  Chances are, they probably aren't aware 
that you have an emergency role.  Who can say?  Maybe you can sign up 
additional members for your emergency response team!

Are your home and  family prepared for disaster if you're away?  Many times 
we may forget the people we leave behind may not be as prepared for a 
disaster response as we are.  Do they know how to shut off utilities?  
Perform first aid?  Is there enough food in your own home to sustain them 
for several days in case of a widespread emergency?   Your continued 
training as a responder should include getting your family prepared as well. 

First aid, CPR and disaster response classes are available from several
organizations, including the American Red Cross.

Technically, are you prepared at home?  Do you have a generator or other
power device in your own home if the power goes out?   We have seen quite 
a few radio operators who have an extensive power grid system to backup 
their station if the power goes out, but their stove and refrigerator won't
work.  
Does your vehicle have a half tank of gasoline?  In an earthquake, gas 
stations may not have power to pump your fuel, leaving you stranded.  Does 
your local gas station have emergency power capability?  Don't forget that 
you can also use gasoline from your own home resources, such as the fuel 
you already may use for a lawnmower or other garden equipment.  Rotate the 
fuel often; it will begin to buildup sticky deposits if left to sit for an
extended 
period of time.   You may also add a fuel stabilizer,which is available at 
motorcycle centers, that will extend the life of your fuel.  Of course,
gasoline
is highly flammable and extreme care should be extended in its care 
and storage.

(continues next week)
                               ---
ACS Web page: http://acs.oes.ca.gov       FTP archive:
ftp.ucsd.edu/hamradio/packet/tcpip/incoming for new
bulletins and ftp.ucsd.edu/hamradio/races for earlier ones.
Landline BBS: 916-262-0856 (graphical & standard interface).
Dave Larton, ACS Training Officer: email: Dave_Larton@oes.ca.gov
EOM EMC146