Wildfire season has arrived in Southern California, and there's no better time to make sure you have a plan in place in case disaster strikes.
Here are some tips to help you stay safe:
1. SIGN UP FOR EMERGENCY ALERTS
• Register your cellphone with AlertSanDiego to receive emergency information from the county. Alerts include evacuation orders and shelter locations.
“The AlertSanDiego messages go out to specific geographic areas affected,” said Michele Clock of the county’s public safety group. “So, in other words, if a certain area is being evacuated, the messages go only to those AlertSanDiego contacts whose street addresses fall in that geographic area.”
• Download the SD Emergency app. Created by the county’s Office of Emergency Services, the app offers disaster updates, emergency maps, a list of shelters and preparation tips.
2. PREPARE AN EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT
If you don't already have an emergency kit, now would be a good time to prepare one. Cal Fire recommends having the following items in your kit:
• Three-day supply of non-perishable food and three gallons of water per person
• Map marked with at least two evacuation routes
• Prescriptions or special medications
• Change of clothing
• Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses
• An extra set of car keys, credit cards, cash or traveler’s checks
• First aid kit
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
• Sanitation supplies
• Copies of important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.)
• Pet food and water
3. GOT PETS? PLAN AHEAD
Besides including food and water for your pets in your emergency kit, make sure to have any medications or medical records for your pets as well.
Evacuation shelters may not take your pets in, according to San Diego Humane Society. The group recommends making sure your family and pets will have a place outside your area to stay ahead of time. Research pet policies at motels and hotels, or ask friends and relatives if you and your pets can stay with them in case of an emergency.
Emergency officials may ask you to leave your pets behind if they have to evacuate you, so don’t wait for mandatory evacuation orders and leave early.
If you have to leave your pet, contact a rescue team by calling the San Diego Humane Society’s 24-hour hotline at (619) 299-0871 or the county’s Department of Animal Services at (619) 236-2341.
