CERT-LA - Natural Disasters and Risks

CERT Los Angeles

Natural Disasters and Risks

These items are not in the public domain, but they are available for educational use. The intellectual property is protected by copyright law and is held by the author of each item. You may not change, edit, alter, add to or delete from any item you download from here. You may distribute any item with extra sheets, separate from the item, that express your views.

Most of the files are in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). You will need Adobe Acrobat reader for these files. Some resources link to web sites.

Africanized Honey Bees Africanized Honey Bees
Also available in Spanish. Emergency Survival Program

Drought Drought Fact Sheet - Water Conservation American Red Cross

Earthquakes EARTHQUAKE COUNTRY ALLIANCE
The Earthquake Country Alliance unites leaders in government, disaster response, science, business, media, education and local communities to raise earthquake awareness and reduce losses in future earthquakes. This website includes videos, brochures, how-to information, resources in Spanish, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Earthquake Country Alliance

DARE TO PREPARE
Earthquake professionals, business and community leaders, emergency managers, and others have organized the "Dare to Prepare" campaign to raise earthquake awareness and encourage earthquake readiness in southern California. The main message of the campaign is that if you "Secure Your Space" before our next big earthquake you can protect yourself, your family, and your property. This website includes how-to instructions for how to secure your space, videos, animations, and other resources.

Also available in Spanish at http://www.earthquakecountry.info/terremotos/:
Los residentes de habla hispana del sur de California encontrarán aquí información científica sobre los terremotos y consejos prácticos sobre cómo prepararse, como parte de la campaña "Dare to Prepare". Esta campaña está uniendo a la comunidad del sur de California para "hablar de nuestras fallas" y prepararnos juntos antes de futuros terremotos.

Earthquake Country Alliance

PUTTING DOWN ROOTS IN EARTHQUAKE COUNTRY
This popular 32-page earthquake science and preparedness handbook was first published in 1995 by the Southern California Earthquake Center. SCEC and the Earthquake Country Alliance now update the handbook yearly, and it is now available in both English and Spanish. The handbook features current scientific understanding of when and where earthquakes will occur in Southern California, how the ground will shake as a result, and the Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety.

Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country can be read online, downloaded or you can request free copies. It is available in English and Spanish.

Earthquake County Alliance

10.5 MINISERIES ON NBC
On May 2 and 3, 2004, NBC broadcasted "10.5," a two-part miniseries about a series of unrealistic earthquakes, culminating in an earthquake that separates a portion of southern California from the mainland.

The Earthquake Country Alliance, the Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) have created a series of web pages addressing the miniseries, to separate fact from movie fiction. The pages are at http://www.earthquakecountry.info/10.5/

Earthquake Country Alliance

TRIANGLE OF LIFE?
An email from Doug Copp, titled "Triangle of Life," is making its rounds again on the Internet. Mr. Copp's assertion in his message that everyone is always crushed if they get under something is incorrect.

"Drop, Cover, and Hold On" is CORRECT, ACCURATE, and APPROPRIATE for use in the United States for earthquake safety.

Please advise people that they MUST consider the source of information before they change emergency procedures at work and at home. If information does not come from a trusted source such as local fire and law enforcement agencies, the California Office of Emergency Management, County Office of Emergency Management, County Office of Education, city offices of Emergency Management, FEMA, or the American Red Cross, then they should be highly skeptical about the truth of what they are reading.

The Earthquake Country Alliance has set up a special web page which has links to statements and rebuttals from many preparedness organizations, as well as newspaper articles about the "Triangle of Life" and its advocate. Earthquake Country Alliance

Recently, members of the general public and other Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES) constituents may have received information via email and other sources promoting a protective measure called the "triangle of life" and questioning the "duck, cover and hold" procedure recommended for use during earthquakes here in California and in other areas of the United States. Because buildings constructed in California and the United States are built to much stricter codes and standards than those in other countries, including Mexico, Iran and Turkey, collapses here are very rare. Extensive research into the causes of earthquake injuries and deaths supports the use of the Duck Cover and Hold procedure recommended by OES, the California Seismic Safety Commission and the American Red Cross. Most injuries in California earthquakes occur when building occupants attempt to exit buildings or move to a different location in the building. In the 2003 San Simeon earthquake, two people were crushed by falling debris when they exited the building. Studies of the 1979 El Centro, 1987 Whittier, 1989 Loma Prieta and 1994 Northridge earthquakes confirm this pattern of injuries, and that use of the Duck Cover and Hold procedure reduces the likelihood of serious injury from a collapsed building and falling objects. After each disaster, OES attempts to learn from behavioral research and other studies, and apply lessons learned into safety action recommendations. There is, of course, no guarantee that people will not be injured in an earthquake. Earthquakes can shake buildings violently and cause extensive damage. The key to injury prevention is making sure buildings are safe, contents are secured, and occupants are trained to duck cover and hold. Please share this information as appropriate and feel free to contact the OES Office of Public Information at (916) 845-8400 if you have any questions or need additional information.

California Governor's Office of Emergency Services

Dear ESP: Fact or Fiction Emergency Survival Program

27 Things to Help You Survive an Earthquake Also available in Arabic, Cambodian, Chinese, Farsi, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. American Red Cross

Are You Ready For An Earthquake? Also available in Spanish American Red Cross

Avoiding Earthquake Damage FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency

Beat the Quake
Also available in Cambodian, Chinese, Hmong, Korean, Laotian, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese. American Red Cross

Duck, Cover and Hold Drill California Office of Emergency Services

Earthquake Safety Information
Also available in Cambodian, Chinese, Hmong, Korean, Laotian, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese. California Office of Emergency Services

Earthquake Safety Tips for Elderly People American Red Cross

Earthquakes
Also available in Spanish. Emergency Survival Program

Earthquakes FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency

Ever Wonder What Causes Earthquakes? California Office of Emergency Services

How to Strap Your Water Heater California Office of Emergency Services

How to Secure Your Furniture California Office of Emergency Services

How You Can Strengthen Your Home for the Next Big Earthquake in the Los Angeles Area Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety

Homeowner's Guide to Earthquake Safety
Also available in Spanish. California Seismic Safety Commission

Preparing Children for Earthquakes California Office of Emergency Services

Preparing Your Family California Office of Emergency Services

Tips for Pet Owners California Office of Emergency Services

Tips for Apartment and Mobile Home Managers California Office of Emergency Services

Tips for the Physically Challenged California Office of Emergency Services

What to do Before, During, and After an Earthquake Also available in Spanish California Office of Emergency Services

Fire and Wildfire ESP Bulletin on Wildfires Emergency Survival Program

Are You Ready for a Fire? Also available in Spanish U.S. Fire Administration

Fire Safety Checklist for Older Adults U.S. Fire Administration

Protecting Your Family from Fire FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency

Are You Ready for a Wildfire? American Red Cross

Wildfire - Are You Prepared? American Red Cross

Wildfires
Also available in Spanish. Emergency Survival Program

Flood After a Flood - The First Steps American Red Cross

Are You Ready for a Flood or Flash Flood?
Also available in Spanish American Red Cross

Flash Floods and Floods - The Awesome Power National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Floods
Also available in Spanish. Emergency Survival Program

Floods FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency

Homeowner's Guide for Flood, Storm Debris and Erosion Control
Updated! This has a page on sandbagging.
Addresses for sand and sandbags for Los Angeles are at our Sand and Sandbags page.
Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety

Repairing Your Flooded Home American Red Cross

Your Home Has Been Flooded - The First Steps American Red Cross

Heat Wave Are You Ready for a Heat Wave?
Also available in Spanish American Red Cross

Extreme Heat and Emergency Water Shortages FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency

Heat Wave
Also available in Spanish. Emergency Survival Program

Hurricane Against the Wind - Protecting Your Home from Hurricane Wind Damage FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency

Are You Ready for a Hurricane?
Also available in Spanish American Red Cross

Hurricanes - Unleashing Nature's Fury National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Hurricanes FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency

Landslides Landslide and Debris Flow FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency

Landslides
Also available in Spanish. Emergency Survival Program

Storms/Tornadoes Are You Ready for a Thunderstorm?
Also available in Spanish American Red Cross

Are You Ready for a Tornado?
Also available in Spanish American Red Cross

Thunderstorms FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency

Windstorms and Tornadoes
Also available in Spanish. Emergency Survival Program

Tsunami Are You Ready for a Tsunami? American Red Cross

Tsunamis FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency

Be Aware - Tsunamis Emergency Survival Program

Volcano Are You Ready for a Volcano? American Red Cross

Volcano Safety Information Fact Sheet American Red Cross

Volcanoes
Also available in Spanish. Emergency Survival Program

Winter Storm Are You Ready for a Winter Storm?
Also available in Spanish American Red Cross

Cold Weather
Emergency Survival Program

Winter Storms - The Deceptive Killers National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Winter Storms and Extreme Cold FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency

	updated: 09 January 2008

Africanized Honey Bees	Africanized Honey Bees Also available in Spanish.	Emergency Survival Program
Drought	Drought Fact Sheet - Water Conservation	American Red Cross
Earthquakes	EARTHQUAKE COUNTRY ALLIANCE The Earthquake Country Alliance unites leaders in government, disaster response, science, business, media, education and local communities to raise earthquake awareness and reduce losses in future earthquakes. This website includes videos, brochures, how-to information, resources in Spanish, and answers to frequently asked questions.	Earthquake Country Alliance
	DARE TO PREPARE Earthquake professionals, business and community leaders, emergency managers, and others have organized the "Dare to Prepare" campaign to raise earthquake awareness and encourage earthquake readiness in southern California. The main message of the campaign is that if you "Secure Your Space" before our next big earthquake you can protect yourself, your family, and your property. This website includes how-to instructions for how to secure your space, videos, animations, and other resources. Also available in Spanish at http://www.earthquakecountry.info/terremotos/: Los residentes de habla hispana del sur de California encontrarán aquí información científica sobre los terremotos y consejos prácticos sobre cómo prepararse, como parte de la campaña "Dare to Prepare". Esta campaña está uniendo a la comunidad del sur de California para "hablar de nuestras fallas" y prepararnos juntos antes de futuros terremotos.	Earthquake Country Alliance
	PUTTING DOWN ROOTS IN EARTHQUAKE COUNTRY This popular 32-page earthquake science and preparedness handbook was first published in 1995 by the Southern California Earthquake Center. SCEC and the Earthquake Country Alliance now update the handbook yearly, and it is now available in both English and Spanish. The handbook features current scientific understanding of when and where earthquakes will occur in Southern California, how the ground will shake as a result, and the Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety. Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country can be read online, downloaded or you can request free copies. It is available in English and Spanish.	Earthquake County Alliance
	10.5 MINISERIES ON NBC On May 2 and 3, 2004, NBC broadcasted "10.5," a two-part miniseries about a series of unrealistic earthquakes, culminating in an earthquake that separates a portion of southern California from the mainland. The Earthquake Country Alliance, the Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) have created a series of web pages addressing the miniseries, to separate fact from movie fiction. The pages are at http://www.earthquakecountry.info/10.5/	Earthquake Country Alliance
	TRIANGLE OF LIFE? An email from Doug Copp, titled "Triangle of Life," is making its rounds again on the Internet. Mr. Copp's assertion in his message that everyone is always crushed if they get under something is incorrect. "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" is CORRECT, ACCURATE, and APPROPRIATE for use in the United States for earthquake safety. Please advise people that they MUST consider the source of information before they change emergency procedures at work and at home. If information does not come from a trusted source such as local fire and law enforcement agencies, the California Office of Emergency Management, County Office of Emergency Management, County Office of Education, city offices of Emergency Management, FEMA, or the American Red Cross, then they should be highly skeptical about the truth of what they are reading. The Earthquake Country Alliance has set up a special web page which has links to statements and rebuttals from many preparedness organizations, as well as newspaper articles about the "Triangle of Life" and its advocate.	Earthquake Country Alliance
	Recently, members of the general public and other Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES) constituents may have received information via email and other sources promoting a protective measure called the "triangle of life" and questioning the "duck, cover and hold" procedure recommended for use during earthquakes here in California and in other areas of the United States. Because buildings constructed in California and the United States are built to much stricter codes and standards than those in other countries, including Mexico, Iran and Turkey, collapses here are very rare. Extensive research into the causes of earthquake injuries and deaths supports the use of the Duck Cover and Hold procedure recommended by OES, the California Seismic Safety Commission and the American Red Cross. Most injuries in California earthquakes occur when building occupants attempt to exit buildings or move to a different location in the building. In the 2003 San Simeon earthquake, two people were crushed by falling debris when they exited the building. Studies of the 1979 El Centro, 1987 Whittier, 1989 Loma Prieta and 1994 Northridge earthquakes confirm this pattern of injuries, and that use of the Duck Cover and Hold procedure reduces the likelihood of serious injury from a collapsed building and falling objects. After each disaster, OES attempts to learn from behavioral research and other studies, and apply lessons learned into safety action recommendations. There is, of course, no guarantee that people will not be injured in an earthquake. Earthquakes can shake buildings violently and cause extensive damage. The key to injury prevention is making sure buildings are safe, contents are secured, and occupants are trained to duck cover and hold. Please share this information as appropriate and feel free to contact the OES Office of Public Information at (916) 845-8400 if you have any questions or need additional information.	California Governor's Office of Emergency Services
	Dear ESP: Fact or Fiction	Emergency Survival Program
	27 Things to Help You Survive an Earthquake Also available in Arabic, Cambodian, Chinese, Farsi, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.	American Red Cross
	Are You Ready For An Earthquake? Also available in Spanish	American Red Cross
	Avoiding Earthquake Damage	FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency
	Beat the Quake Also available in Cambodian, Chinese, Hmong, Korean, Laotian, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese.	American Red Cross
	Duck, Cover and Hold Drill	California Office of Emergency Services
	Earthquake Safety Information Also available in Cambodian, Chinese, Hmong, Korean, Laotian, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese.	California Office of Emergency Services
	Earthquake Safety Tips for Elderly People	American Red Cross
	Earthquakes Also available in Spanish.	Emergency Survival Program
	Earthquakes	FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency
	Ever Wonder What Causes Earthquakes?	California Office of Emergency Services
	How to Strap Your Water Heater	California Office of Emergency Services
	How to Secure Your Furniture	California Office of Emergency Services
	How You Can Strengthen Your Home for the Next Big Earthquake in the Los Angeles Area	Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety
	Homeowner's Guide to Earthquake Safety Also available in Spanish.	California Seismic Safety Commission
	Preparing Children for Earthquakes	California Office of Emergency Services
	Preparing Your Family	California Office of Emergency Services
	Tips for Pet Owners	California Office of Emergency Services
	Tips for Apartment and Mobile Home Managers	California Office of Emergency Services
	Tips for the Physically Challenged	California Office of Emergency Services
	What to do Before, During, and After an Earthquake Also available in Spanish	California Office of Emergency Services
Fire and Wildfire	ESP Bulletin on Wildfires	Emergency Survival Program
	Are You Ready for a Fire? Also available in Spanish	U.S. Fire Administration
	Fire Safety Checklist for Older Adults	U.S. Fire Administration
	Protecting Your Family from Fire	FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency
	Are You Ready for a Wildfire?	American Red Cross
	Wildfire - Are You Prepared?	American Red Cross
	Wildfires Also available in Spanish.	Emergency Survival Program
Flood	After a Flood - The First Steps	American Red Cross
	Are You Ready for a Flood or Flash Flood? Also available in Spanish	American Red Cross
	Flash Floods and Floods - The Awesome Power	National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
	Floods Also available in Spanish.	Emergency Survival Program
	Floods	FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency
	Homeowner's Guide for Flood, Storm Debris and Erosion Control Updated! This has a page on sandbagging. Addresses for sand and sandbags for Los Angeles are at our Sand and Sandbags page.	Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety
	Repairing Your Flooded Home	American Red Cross
	Your Home Has Been Flooded - The First Steps	American Red Cross
Heat Wave	Are You Ready for a Heat Wave? Also available in Spanish	American Red Cross
	Extreme Heat and Emergency Water Shortages	FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency
	Heat Wave Also available in Spanish.	Emergency Survival Program
Hurricane	Against the Wind - Protecting Your Home from Hurricane Wind Damage	FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency
	Are You Ready for a Hurricane? Also available in Spanish	American Red Cross
	Hurricanes - Unleashing Nature's Fury	National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
	Hurricanes	FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency
Landslides	Landslide and Debris Flow	FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency
	Landslides Also available in Spanish.	Emergency Survival Program
Storms/Tornadoes	Are You Ready for a Thunderstorm? Also available in Spanish	American Red Cross
	Are You Ready for a Tornado? Also available in Spanish	American Red Cross
	Thunderstorms	FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency
	Windstorms and Tornadoes Also available in Spanish.	Emergency Survival Program
Tsunami	Are You Ready for a Tsunami?	American Red Cross
	Tsunamis	FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency
	Be Aware - Tsunamis	Emergency Survival Program
Volcano	Are You Ready for a Volcano?	American Red Cross
	Volcano Safety Information Fact Sheet	American Red Cross
	Volcanoes Also available in Spanish.	Emergency Survival Program
Winter Storm	Are You Ready for a Winter Storm? Also available in Spanish	American Red Cross
	Cold Weather	Emergency Survival Program
	Winter Storms - The Deceptive Killers	National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
	Winter Storms and Extreme Cold	FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency