IRVINE, CA – April is Earthquake Preparedness Month, and the Irvine Police Department (IPD) would like to share some important steps with residents and businesses that can be helpful in protecting family members and employees in an emergency.
To ensure that immediate needs are met following a disaster, assemble a supply kit with enough provisions to last three to five days. Supplies can include food, water, and medicine. Residents should tailor their supply kit based on specific family needs, such as including extra eyeglasses or food and medicine for pets.
When an earthquake or disaster strikes, members of the same family may be in different locations. Prior to an emergency arising, develop a plan regarding a pre-arranged meeting location if the family home or regular gathering place is unavailable. Families should also develop a plan to communicate if landlines or cell phones are not working. Alternate communication plans might include e-mail or social media, as the Internet may not be impacted in the same way as cell phone connections. As most communication methods are electronic, keeping extra batteries or alternate power sources in a convenient location may be helpful in an emergency.
Motorists may also consider keeping an emergency backpack in their vehicles in case roadways are blocked or damaged and the motorist needs to walk a long distance or remain in the car for an extended period of time. Items to consider placing in the backpack include comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket, snacks, water, and a flashlight.
To receive emergency alerts and information, landlines and cell phones can be registered with the City of Irvine’s iAlert system: http://legacy.cityofirvine.org/ipd/divisions/emergency_mgmt/ialert.asp
IPD also posts regular updates to social media, which may be helpful in the event of an earthquake or disaster. Follow us at www.Facebook.com/IrvinePD, www.Twitter.com/IrvinePolice, or IrvinePolice on Instagram.
During an emergency, live updates will be broadcast on 1640AM. Community members may also participate in the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) course, which provides private citizens with the basic skills to protect themselves, their family, and neighbors, and to respond to the immediate needs of the community in the aftermath of a disaster when emergency services are not readily available. For information on CERT, visit: www.cityofirvine.org/cert
For more information on earthquake and emergency preparedness, visit www.cityofirvine.org/prepare.
###
IRVINE POLICE DEPARTMENT
One Civic Center Plaza, Irvine, CA 92606
(949) 724-7000 www.irvinepd.org
"Working In Partnership with the Community"
INTEGRITY - QUALITY SERVICE - ACCOUNTABILITY - RESPECT
Since its incorporation in 1971, Irvine has become a nationally recognized city, with a population of 250,384, spans 66 square miles and is recognized as one of America’s safest and most successful master-planned urban communities. Top-rated educational institutions, an enterprising business atmosphere, sound environmental stewardship, and respect for diversity all contribute to Irvine’s enviable quality of life. This family-friendly city features more than 16,000 acres of parks, sports fields and dedicated open space and is the home of the Orange County Great Park – the first great metropolitan park of the 21st century. For more information, please visit cityofirvine.org.