Santa Monica Red Cross, Fire Department launch  

“I've Got 7” emergency preparedness campaign

May is Emergency Preparedness Month. The American Red Cross of Santa Monica, The Santa Monica Fire Department and the City of Santa Monica are launching a month-long campaign beginning May 1st asking Santa Monicans to "be prepared" for emergencies and disasters

The Santa Monica Red Cross, Santa Monica Fire Department and the City of Santa Monica want residents and businesses to prepare for the unthinkable -- a major disaster such as an earthquake, tsunami or terrorist attack. Everyone is being asked to follow the "I've Got 7" checklist and "be prepared" including having seven days worth of food, water, medical and pet needs on hand and ready to use. 

I've Got 7 Check List

1. Have a seven day's supply of nonperishable canned or dry foods that don't require refrigeration or cooking. Have water on hand -- one gallon per person per day is recommended. And, don't forget food for family pets.

2 Have a fully stocked First Aid Kit with bandages and disinfectants and keep a battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries available.  

3. Get trained in a Fire Department disaster training class or enroll in Red Cross disaster volunteer, CPR or adult, child and/or pet First Aid classes.

4. Have cash available. ATM machines and credit cards are useless if there's no power.

5. A change of clothing including long pants, long sleeve shirts, hard-soled shoes and gloves. Sleeping bags, pad, blankets and other bedding.

6. Make sure you have any special needs such as medicine, eyeglasses, sanitary supplies, plastic bags, matches, passports (I.D.) and special pet needs including pet carriers.

7. Contact information for someone out of the area who can relay messages to family and friends if local communications are down.

Date food, water, batteries and medicines so that you can rotate stocks. Make sure emergency supplies are fresh and not used past their expiration dates.

"Every family and business should have an emergency plan which includes alternative ways to get out of a building in case of collapse or a fire," states Santa Monica Red Cross Executive Director, John Pacheco.  "If a disaster happens during a workday, businesses should also be prepared to take care of employees until help arrives," Pacheco says. "That includes a supply of water, food, first aid kits, blankets and other items on the IG7 check list."

Community Involvement could improve survival chances

"The event will be held throughout the month of May," says Paul Weinberg, the City of Santa Monica ’s Director of Emergency Services. "This will give everyone a chance to see and accomplish what must be done to keep their families and fellow employees safe and in relative comfort if a serious disaster were to occur."

Local schools, markets, many merchants and the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce are also participating in the IG7 preparedness campaign again this year.

Pacheco says, “Emergency training was added to the preparedness list year because, it's important to have as many people as possible in the home or office who know what to do when a disaster strikes and to take the lead in rendering service. Such training could be invaluable in saving lives."  The American Red Cross of Santa Monica will be offering a free basic disaster preparedness class to Santa Monica service clubs, neighborhood groups, business associations or other community groups during the Month of May.

For complete "I've Got 7" information -- including the I've Got 7 checklist, tips you need to be disaster ready, safety hints, a shopping list of supplies, skills you should have such as knowledge of First Aid and CPR, an "I've Got 7" pledge card -- or if your group wants a "disaster preparedness class, log on to www.ivegot7.com

The American Red Cross of Santa Monica is a publicly supported, 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that provides health and safety education, youth services, CPR and first aid training, disaster awareness and disaster relief efforts.  For additional information or to inquire about programs or assistance call 310-394-3773 or go online at www.redcrossofsantamonica.org.