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Extracted from Consolidated Report
This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.
Humboldt County Grand Jury
• 2013-2014
Are We Ready for Disaster on the North Coast?
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 2 findings
F1
Page 35
After a serious disaster, citizens most likely would be on their own for days, or possibly weeks. People need to have a plan to take care of themselves, their loved ones, the dependent elderly, and pets.
Related Recommendations (3)
R1
Page 35
Individuals need to be proactive and get their emergency plan in place, for it is very likely no one will or can come to their aid for 72 hours following a disaster. This means that you should build an emergency supply kit including pet food and medical supplies, talk about a family emergency plan, be informed what disasters you might experience, and know how to turn off your gas and power. Your plan should include a text tree (using cell phones to contact friends and relatives), food, water, medicine, and shelter. First aid kits, flashlights and a battery or manually powered radio are also recommended. (F1)
R2
Page 35
KNOW YOUR ZONE!: If the disaster is an earthquake and it shakes for more than 30 seconds, first and foremost, the main idea is to remain calm and try to get through the shaking: duck, cover and hold. You then need to decide what zone you are in, and if you are in a tsunami run-up zone, head immediately to higher ground and away from the coastline. In the mountains, watch for falling rocks, landslides, and/or falling trees (limbs). Know your way out in forest fire-prone areas. Know dangerous/past flood zone areas. (F1)
R3
Page 35
The Office of Emergency Services should continue in its efforts to inform citizens of Humboldt County about the Community Emergency Response Training program to increase their knowledge of disaster survival techniques. (F1)
F2
Page 35
The Office of Emergency Services Director has decades of experience with several types of natural disasters, but plans on retiring in the next year.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
Page 35
The Board of Supervisors should work quickly to replace the retiring Office of Emergency Services Director to insure continuity in this very important position. (F2) ARE WE READY FOR DISASTER ON THE NORTH COAST? 6 - 5