Preparing for a disaster is a journey. It doesn’t need to be done all at once. But if you can keep chipping away and checking off boxes, you’ll be super happy you did. 

Make a plan: Talk about disaster with your people. Create an emergency plan. This sounds daunting, but really it’s just finding evacuation routes and meet-up spots and writing down the vital contact info.

Get a kit: Prepare an emergency kit with essential supplies, including food, water, medications, and batteries. Pro tip: grab one extra thing each time you’re at the store to help round out your kit.  Need help? Check out our Go Bag, Go Time checklist. 

Secure your house: Secure your home by reinforcing doors, windows and trim tree branches near buildings. Consider Strapping your water heater and tv to the walls and cabinet locks to protect things from falling during an earthquake!

Stay informed: Identify your go-to news sources for local hazards and emergency alert systems. Don’t forget about the City’s website and social media pages, as well as Alert SouthBay Regional Alert and Warning Notification System.

Text HBALERTS to 888-777 to get the latest disaster info.

This is why we plan and prepare. So you’re ready for the unexpected. Take a deep breath, slow it down, and remember your planning. You got this.

Follow evacuation orders: Act promptly, orderly, and move to designated safe locations.

Tune into your network: Listen to emergency broadcasts for updates and instructions from local authorities.  Know where you are going to get the best information for your needs.

Be a good neighbor: Check on those nearby, especially older adults or anyone with special needs. Look for opportunities to get trained and get involved with Hermosa’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

Create a plan to move forward: Determine your next few steps to protect your home and family.

Text HBALERTS to 888-777 to get the latest disaster info.

Experiencing a natural disaster is intense and can be scary, but your planning and prep will help you make it as safe as possible. Again, deep breaths. This is the time to regroup, recover, and reconnect. Onward!

Access injuries: Seek necessary medical attention for assistance with any injuries.

Contact your family: Check in on them and let them know you are safe.

Be careful: Exercise caution when returning home and watch for hazards such as downed power lines or damaged structures.

Document damages: to your property with photographs and notify your insurance company. For public property, report any observed safe conditions through the GoHermosa app.

Stay alert: Another disaster (an aftershock, another wave, etc.) may be close behind. Remain vigilant and realize you may need to adjust your approach to stay safe.

Text HBALERTS to 888-777 to get the latest disaster info.