Preparing to Evacuate

By Jose Cervantes

Long Beach, with its trendy districts and vibrant culture, offers a scenic coastal lifestyle. However, residents must be prepared for potential natural disasters, including wildfires, earthquakes, tsunamis, and localized emergencies. In this seismically active region of Southern California, preparedness is essential.

A 2019 study on behalf of The Allstate Corporation estimates that over 60% of Americans are unprepared for a natural disaster. In California, wildfires alone burned over four million acres in 2020, displacing thousands and causing billions of dollars in damage. Closer to home, the City of Long Beach’s Emergency Operations Plan acknowledges the city’s susceptibility to various hazards, including earthquakes, severe weather, flooding, and transportation accidents. These localized or large-scale events highlight the importance of having a well-defined evacuation plan and a readily accessible emergency kit.

The Disaster Evacuation Kit

When disaster strikes, time becomes your most precious commodity. A pre-packed emergency kit can mean a smooth evacuation and a chaotic scramble for essentials. Here’s a checklist to guide you in building your disaster evacuation kit:

Essentials

Water: One gallon per person per day for at least three days. Consider storing more water for pregnant people, people who are sick, pets, or if the climate is hot.

Food: Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items like canned goods, energy bars, and dried fruit. Ensure you have a manual can opener.

First-aid kit: Comprehensive kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers and other non-prescription medications, and personal medications.

Flashlight and extra batteries: Opt for LED flashlights for longer battery life.

Battery-powered or hand-crank radio: Stay informed about emergency updates and instructions.

Whistle: Signal for help in case of entrapment or separation.

N95 mask: Protect your lungs from smoke, debris, and airborne contaminants.

Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties: Maintain hygiene and sanitation.

Wrench or pliers: Shut off utilities if instructed to do so.

Local maps (physical or digital offline): Mark evacuation routes and potential meeting points.

Documents and Personal Items

Copies of important documents: Identification, insurance policies, medical records, and bank information (stored in a waterproof container).

Cash: ATMs and banks may be unavailable.

Family and emergency contact information: Keep a written list readily accessible.

Cell phone charger: A portable charger or a car charger.

Extra clothing and sturdy shoes: Prepare for varying weather conditions.

Sleeping bag or blanket: Provide warmth and comfort.

Additional Considerations

Infants and toddlers: Include diapers, formula, bottles, baby wipes, and comfort items.

Older adults or individuals with disabilities: Pack necessary medications, assistive devices, and copies of care instructions.

Entertainment: Books, games, or small toys can help alleviate stress and boredom, especially for children.

Regularly check and replenish your kit to ensure all items are in good condition and up-to-date. Store your kit in an easily accessible location that all household members are aware of.

Evacuating Safely

Evacuation orders are issued when your safety is at imminent risk. Act swiftly and decisively when you receive such an order, which is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps to take during an evacuation:

Before Evacuation

Stay informed: Monitor local news, radio broadcasts, and official alerts from the City of Long Beach (longbeach.gov/emergency) and Los Angeles County (lacounty.gov/emergency) for updates on the situation.

Know your evacuation zone: Familiarize yourself with designated evacuation zones and routes. Visit the city and county emergency management websites for detailed maps and instructions.

Have a communication plan: Establish a designated out-of-area contact with which all family members can check in. Share your evacuation plans with this contact.

Prepare your home: Close and lock doors and windows, unplug electrical appliances, and turn off the gas at the meter if instructed. Leave a note indicating your departure time and destination.

Fuel your vehicle: Ensure your gas tank is at least half full, as gas stations may be closed or inaccessible during emergencies.

Gather your essentials: Grab your pre-packed emergency kit, important documents, medications, and any additional items you deem necessary.

During Evacuation

Follow official instructions: Listen to emergency broadcasts and obey the guidance of local authorities. Do not rely on private citizen social media accounts for real-time information.

Evacuate promptly: Do not delay your departure; wildfires can spread rapidly, and other emergencies can escalate quickly. Leaving early helps keep evacuation routes clear for first responders.

Use designated routes: Avoid shortcuts, as they may be blocked or unsafe.

Be aware of road hazards: Watch for downed power lines, debris, and burning and flooded areas. Do not drive on these roads.

Assist neighbors in need: If possible, offer assistance to neighbors who may require transportation or help with evacuation.

After Evacuation

Stay at your designated location: Do not return home until authorities have deemed it safe.

Check-in with your out-of-area contact: Let your family and friends know you are safe and provide updates on your situation.

Monitor official channels: Continue following local news and official alerts for updates on the situation and instructions on returning home.

Disaster-Specific Preparedness and Evacuation Guides

While the general evacuation guidelines apply to most emergencies, certain disasters require specific preparedness measures and protocols. Here’s a breakdown:

Wildfires

Preparedness

Create defensible space: Clear vegetation and flammable materials within 100 feet of your home to create a buffer zone against approaching flames.

Maintain your home: Clean gutters regularly, prune trees near your roof, and keep firewood stacked away from structures.

Prepare your home for evacuation: Close windows and doors, move flammable furniture to the center of rooms and turn off gas at the meter.

Evacuation

Be ready to leave at a moment’s notice: Wildfires can move rapidly, and evacuation orders may be issued suddenly.

Pack your emergency kit: Have it readily accessible.

Follow evacuation warnings: Follow the advice of fire officials and evacuate promptly when instructed.

Earthquakes

Preparedness

Secure your home: Fasten heavy furniture to walls, install earthquake straps for water heaters, and reinforce shelves.

Identify safe spots: Designate areas in each room that protect from falling objects, such as under sturdy tables or against interior walls.

Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On: Practice this safety drill with your family, especially with the annual International ShakeOut Day.

Have a communication plan: Establish a family meeting point and an out-of-area contact.

Evacuation

Evacuate if instructed: Follow the guidance of local authorities if evacuation orders are issued.

Be aware of aftershocks: Aftershocks can occur for days or weeks after the main earthquake, so remain vigilant.

Avoid damaged buildings and areas: Stay clear of structures that may be compromised and areas with downed power lines or debris.

Tsunamis, Hurricanes/Floods

Preparedness

Prepare your home: Secure loose objects, elevate valuables, and board up windows if a hurricane is approaching.

Have a plan for transportation: If you live in a flood-prone area, plan for alternative transportation if roads become impassable.

Evacuation

Evacuate immediately if a tsunami warning is issued: Move to higher ground as quickly as possible. Do not wait for visual confirmation of the wave.

Follow hurricane evacuation orders: Leave the area well before the storm’s arrival to avoid traffic congestion and hazardous conditions.

Seek shelter if flooding occurs: Move to higher ground or a designated evacuation shelter. Do not attempt to walk or drive through flooded areas.

Natural Gas Leaks

Preparedness

Know the smell of natural gas: Natural gas is odorless, but a sulfur-like odorant is added to make leaks detectable.

Know how to shut off gas: Locate the main gas valve and learn how to turn it off in an emergency.

Have a plan for ventilation: If you smell gas, open windows and doors to ventilate the area.

Evacuation

Evacuate immediately if you smell gas: Leave the building and move safely away.

Do not use electrical appliances or light matches: Sparks can ignite natural gas.

Call 911 or SoCalGas: Report the leak from a safe location.

Evacuating with Pets

Pets are cherished members of our families, and their safety is important during evacuations. Here are essential steps to ensure their well-being:

Include pets in your evacuation plan: Identify pet-friendly accommodations or boarding facilities in advance.

Prepare a pet emergency kit: Food, water, medications, a leash, a collar with identification tags, a carrier, and a familiar toy or blanket.

Keep pets restrained during evacuation: Use a carrier or a secure harness and leash to prevent them from getting lost or injured.

Never leave pets behind: Even if you cannot take them with you, make arrangements for their care, such as leaving them with a trusted neighbor or at a designated pet shelter.

LBC Emergency Overview

The City of Long Beach has established specific evacuation protocols and guidelines in the event of emergencies:

Emergency Operations Plan: The city’s plan outlines procedures for responding to various emergencies and includes specific evacuation-related actions.

Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS): Long Beach operates under SEMS, which provides a framework for coordinated evacuation efforts across multiple agencies and jurisdictions.

Emergency Operations Center (EOC): In a major disaster, the city activates its EOC, which coordinates all aspects of the response, including evacuation.

Public Information: The city disseminates emergency information through various channels, including its website, social media, and local news outlets.

Emergency/Disaster Resources

Emergency Services

911: For all life-threatening emergencies.

Long Beach Police Department (non-emergency): (562) 435-6711

Long Beach Fire Department (non-emergency): (562) 591-7631

City of Long Beach

Emergency Information Line: (562) 570-INFO (4636)

City Website: longbeach.gov

Emergency Information Website: longbeach.gov/emergency

Social Media: @LongBeachCity (X)

Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County Emergency Management: lacounty.gov/emergency

Los Angeles County Fire Department: fire.lacounty.gov

Federal Agencies

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): fema.gov

National Weather Service: weather.gov

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): cdc.gov

The Ready Campaign: ready.gov

Other Resources

American Red Cross: redcross.org

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE): fire.ca.gov

SoCalGas: 1-800-427-2200

For any inquiries or further information, please contact Jose Cervantes at JoseC.Press@pm.me

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Beachcomber

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