Calabasas to recognize ‘Earthquake Preparedness Month’

By Michael Picarella pic@theacorn.com

Californians haven’t experienced a major earthquake since the 1994 Northridge disaster and should always be prepared for the next one. Experts last week predicted an earthquake of about 6.4 on the Richter scale will hit the Southern California desert by this September.

April is Earthquake Preparedness Month, and the Calabasas Emergency Response Program (CERP) is hosting an open house from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mon., April 19 at Calabasas City Hall. The topic is, of course, preparing for disasters.

"During the last fires, we had a lot of people calling us wanting to know what they should do," said CERP president Karmen Brower.

CERP sponsored a similar open house last year, she said, but this year the event will have more hands-on learning opportunities. Brower hopes that CERP can host it annually.

The open house will emphasize two aspects of home safety. Fire department officials and law enforcement officers are expected to participate.

Attendees can learn how to use a fire extinguisher and how to turn off utilities at home.

"We’ll also have a federal firefighter from Point Mugu, who’s exceptionally well-trained, who will teach how to make a family plan," Brower said. "He’s also the one who does our citizen’s emergency response training."

Brower encouraged families to bring children to the open house.

For more information, call Calabasas City Hall at (818) 878-4225 and ask for Tom Wheeler.

The city released the following emergency supply checklist:

Essentials

1. Water—one gallon per person per day (a week’s supply of water is preferred)

2. Water purification kit

3. First aid book

4. Food

5. A non-electric can opener

6. Blankets or sleeping bags

7. Portable radio, flashlight and spare batteries

8. Essential medications

9. Extra pairs of eyeglasses

10. Extra set of house and vehicle keys

11. Fire extinguisher (A-B-C type)

12. Food, water and restraints (leashes or carriers) for pets

13. Cash and coins

14. Baby supplies: formula, bottle, pacifier, soap and baby powder, clothing, blankets, baby wipes, disposable diapers, canned food and juices

Sanitation Supplies

1. Large plastic trash bags for waste, tarps and rain ponchos

2. Large trash cans

3. Bar soap and liquid detergent

4. Shampoo

5.Toothpaste and toothbrushes

6. Feminine hygiene supplies

7. Toilet paper

8. Household bleach

Safety and Comfort

1. Sturdy shoes

2. Heavy gloves for clearing debris

3. Candles and matches

4. Light sticks

5. Changes of clothing

6. Knife or razor blades

7. Garden hose for siphoning and firefighting

8. Tent

9. Communication kit: paper, pens, stamps, etc.

Cooking

1. Plastic knives, forks and spoons

2. Paper plates and cups

3. Paper towels

4. Heavy-duty aluminum foil

5. Camping stove for outdoor cooking (caution: before using fires to cook, make sure there are no gas leaks; never use charcoal indoors)

Tools and Supplies

1. Axe, shovel and broom

2. Adjustable wrench for turning off gas

3. Tool kit (including screwdriver, pliers and hammer)

4. Coil of half-inch rope

5. Plastic tape, staple gun and sheeting for window replacements

6. Bicycle

7. City map

Experts suggest that you store enough supplies to last 72 hours.