Get prepared with month-by-month emergency preparedness guide

What would you do if a large earthquake struck or a terrorist attacked our community? Would you know how to react?

As part of an ongoing effort to educate residents in emergency preparedness, the City of Mission Viejo is offering detailed information through the Emergency Survival Program (ESP).  This guide features monthly topics, historical information and what you can do now to prepare. January's focus is on earthquakes and terrorist attacks.

Preparing for any disaster such as earthquakes, fires, floods and terrorism is basically the same. It all starts with a family emergency plan.

What you can do before:

• Evacuation: Whether you are at home, at work, or in a public place, think of how you could leave quickly and safely. Locate stairways and emergency exits. Pay attention to posted evacuation signs in buildings, subways and crowded public areas.
•  Out-of-state contact: Think how you will get in contact with your family if you become separated. Choose an out-of-state contact your family members or friends can call to check on each other. Provide all family members with a paper list of important contact phone numbers.
• Meeting place: Decide where you and family members will meet if the emergency impacts your home, or if officials have to evacuate your neighborhood.
• School plans: Know the emergency plans at your children's schools and make sure the school has your updated emergency contact information. Keep your children's school emergency release card current.
•  Preparation for children: Teach your kids what to do in an emergency and make sure they know their own names and addresses as well as the full names and contact information for parents and a second adult emergency contact.

What you can do during:

• Earthquakes happen without warning and terrorists count on surprise, fear and confusion to add to the impact of their actions. The initial safety actions for earthquakes and terrorist attacks - like a bombing - are similar. Your first step when something happens is to pause and think. Look around you to see what is happening and what immediate steps you can take to protect yourself and others.
• Drop down; take cover under something sturdy, and hold on to something with one hand while protecting your head and neck with the other.
•  If it is necessary to evacuate, try to do so calmly. Use only marked exits and stairways. Never use elevators. Help others who are moving more slowly or who may be disoriented.

What you can do after:

• Try to stay calm. Think before you act. Don't let an earthquake or act of terrorism cause you unnecessary harm.
•  Stay informed. Listen to official reports and instructions on the radio or television.
• If officials order an evacuation, cooperate quickly and follow their instructions regarding evacuation routes and shelter locations.
• If officials tell you to "Shelter in Place," they mean for you to stay inside your home, vehicle or workplace until it is safe to come out. They will provide you with detailed instructions.
• Do not leave your sheltered location or return to the evacuated area until officials confirm that it is safe to do so.
• Implement your family emergency plan and notify your out-of-state contact of your location and status.

For more in-depth information on this month's topic and other preparedness information, visit the City's emergency preparedness page.