EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GUIDE FOR RESIDENTS OF PLUMAS COUNTY

PREPARED BY PLUMAS COUNTY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES Gregory Hagwood, Director

April 2019

Emergency Preparedness Guide for Page 1 Residents of Plumas County April 2019 TABLE OF CONTENTS

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION pg 3

GENERAL EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS pg 4 General Rules of Thumb Getting Ready Emergency Preparedness at Work Prepare a Family Emergency Plan Pack a Family Emergency Kit Preserving Family Documents Special Needs and Vulnerable Populations Develop a Pet Plan and Emergency Kit How You Will Know When a Disaster Happens What Do the Various Emergency Terms Mean? Evacuation vs. Shelter-in-Place

WILDLAND FIRES pg 13

FLOODS pg 15

EARTHQUAKES pg 16

AIR QUALITY pg 17

EXTREME HOT WEATHER pg 18

EXTREME COLD WEATHER pg 18

POWER OUTAGES pg 19

GET MORE INFORMATION pg 20

APPENDIX—Emergency planning worksheets pg 21 Family Emergency Plan Worksheets Detailed Family Information Sheet Wallet-size Contact Information Pet Information Worksheet

Emergency Preparedness Guide for Page 2 Residents of Plumas County April 2019 IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION

EMERGENCY—Police—Fire—Ambulance: CALL 911

NAME PHONE WEBSITE

PLUMAS COUNTY AGENCIES www.plumascounty.us • Office of Emergency Services 530-283-7438 • Public Health 530-283-6330 or 800-801-6330 • Environmental Health 530-283-6355 • Public Works 530-283-6268 • Building Department 530-283-7009 • Animal Control 530-283-3673 • Sheriff 530-283-6375 • California Highway Patrol 530-283-1100 www.chp.ca.gov

MEDICAL • Plumas District Hospital 530-283-2121 www.pdh.org • Eastern Plumas Health Care 530-832-4277 www.ephc.org 1-800-571-3742 • Seneca Hospital 530-258-2151 www.senecahospital.org • California Poison Control 1-800-222-1222 www.calpoison.org

HIGHWAY INFORMATION • Caltrans 1-800-427-7623 www.dot.ca.gov

LOCAL WEATHER/ROAD CONDITIONS/NEWS UPDATES • Local internet weather info 530-221-5613 www.plumasnews.com www.lassennews.com

LOCAL RADIO-also part of Emergency Alert System • 1240 AM – KSUE 530-257-2121 www.theradionetwork.com • 1370 AM – KRAC Quincy

• 88.1 FM – KQNC Quincy www.capradio.com • 88.5 FM – KJCQ Westwood • 89.3 FM – KPJP Greenville • 91.9 FM – KQNY 530-283-5494 www.kqny919.org • 93.3 FM – KJDX 530-257-2121 www.theradionetwork.com • 93.3 FM – KLZN 530-257-6100 • 95.9 FM – KNLF 530-283-4144 www.knlfradio.com • 98.9 FM – KWLU Chester www.klove.com • 99.7 FM – KTOR 530-256-2400 • 100.7 FM – KGXX 530-251-2300

Emergency Preparedness Guide for Page 3 Residents of Plumas County April 2019 GENERAL EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

GENERAL RULES OF THUMB

Here are a few general rules that will apply for most Plumas County emergencies: • Stay calm—Try not to panic; take time to understand what has happened and to think about what you can do to stay safe or to avoid worse injury. • Check the scene—Pay attention to your surroundings to see if you are safe where you are, and does anyone around you need help. If you think you are in danger, get to a safer place as soon as you can. • Give and get help—If you or others are hurt or still in danger, call 911. Explain what has happened, where you are, what injuries people have, and does the danger still exist. • Listen for official local announcements—Local radio stations will give updates and instructions and will be your best source of information. • Get prepared to evacuate if necessary—If told to leave your home or work, do so right away, follow exact evacuation routes and go to the specified shelter or safe area. If you can, bring your Emergency Kit with you, and get in touch with your family’s emergency contact person as soon as possible to let them know how and where you are. • Complete your family emergency preparedness plan—Read through this guide to complete your Emergency Plan, pack your Emergency Kit, complete family contact information and practice with your family before an emergency develops.

GETTING READY

An emergency can happen any time and without warning, leaving little time for you and your family to plan what to do next. That is why it is important to take the time now, before an emergency happens, to learn about what you can do to be ready. The two key things you can do are to make a Family Emergency Plan and put together a Family Emergency Kit.

When making an Emergency Plan and putting together your Emergency Kit, also consider: • A plan for your pets. Animals may not be allowed inside emergency shelters due to health regulations. • Is someone in your household elderly or disabled? How would you prepare for their special needs? • What emergency plans are in place for my workplace, children’s school or daycare facility?

Also, a large number of Plumas County residents will be involved in any given disaster as emergency responders, responding county employees and other volunteers. Knowing that your family is safe and provided for will enable you, as a responder, to focus on the larger emergency at hand.

Emergency Preparedness Guide for Page 4 Residents of Plumas County April 2019 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AT WORK

EMPLOYEES SHOULD • Complete their Family Emergency Plan and Emergency Kit. • Learn and practice emergency plans • Know at least two exits (if possible) from each room and be able to escape in the dark. • Know the post-evacuation meeting location. • Know the location of fire extinguishers and how to use them. • Keep a copy of co-workers phone numbers at home. • Make a list of important personal numbers and keep it at your desk or phone. Do not rely on electronic lists, direct dial phones, etc that may not be working in an emergency. • Keep some personal emergency supplies in a desk drawer such as: a flashlight, walking shoes, dust mask, water bottle and some non-perishable food. • Report safety system damage or malfunctions • Never lock or block fire exits or doorways. However, keep fire doors closed to slow the spread of smoke and fire. • Make plans to help each other.

EMPLOYERS SHOULD • Encourage employees to complete their Family Emergency Plan and Kit. • Ensure that an emergency plan is developed and practiced at least every six months. • Make specific plans for employees who are disabled or who may require assistance during an emergency. • Put together an office phone tree. • Keep a list of all key employees with you at all times. • If you have a voice mail system, designate one remote number on which you can record messages for employees and provide them the number. • Arrange for programmable call forwarding for your main business lines. • Leave keys and the alarm code with a trusted employee in case you cannot get to your facility. • Back up computer data frequently. • Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio with a tone alert system.

Emergency Preparedness Guide for Page 5 Residents of Plumas County April 2019 PREPARE A FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN

Preparation of the Emergency Plan should include the entire family. Explain the dangers to children and work with them as a team to prepare your family to handle both large and small emergencies. A prepared family can then safely deal with a widespread emergency like a flood or something closer to home such as a house fire.

• Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen and what to do in each case. Some of the major types of disasters that could occur in Plumas County are discussed in more detail in these guidelines, but also have your family talk over what to do for power outages and personal injuries. • Post emergency telephone numbers near telephones. • Teach children how and when to dial 911 and how to make a long distance phone call. • Learn how to turn off the water, gas and electricity at your home. • Pick two places to meet in case family members become separated—  Choose a safe place right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire.  Choose a second place outside of your neighborhood in case you can’t return home. • Choose a friend or relative as an ‘Out-of-Town’ contact person in the event of a disaster. It is often easier to make a long distance phone call rather than a local call from a disaster area. Make sure each family member has the ‘Out-of-Town’ contact name, address and phone number. If your family members get separated, they should call this person as soon as possible to tell them where they are. • Determine escape routes from your home and safe places within your home for different types of disasters. In a fire or other emergency, you will need to evacuate quickly. Complete a Family Home Escape Plan with two escape routes from each room. • Complete a family communications plan and include contact information for family members, work and school. • Make sure your child’s school or child care center has your current emergency contact numbers. • Complete the Family Emergency Plan included in the Appendix of this guide.

PACK A FAMILY EMERGENCY KIT

The best time to prepare an Emergency Kit is before you need it. Stocking up now on emergency supplies can add to your family’s safety and comfort during and after a disaster. Remember that depending upon the extent of the emergency and because of Plumas County’s remote location, any help beyond a local response may be delayed.

Emergency Preparedness Guide for Page 6 Residents of Plumas County April 2019 Most of the items needed for the kit are already in your home, it is just a matter of assembling them before an emergency occurs. Keep enough supplies on hand to meet your needs for at least 3 days, preferably 7 days. Store your emergency items in sturdy, waterproof and easy to carry containers such as backpacks, duffel bags, plastic storage bins with lids or clean, covered trash cans. Things you should try to include or have on hand are: • Water—One gallon per person per day. Store water in unbreakable containers, identify the storage date and replace every 6 months. Use commercially packaged water or you can use clean plastic liter soda bottles. Do not use milk or juice containers because they cannot be cleaned adequately for storing drinking water. • Food—A supply of non-perishable packaged or canned foods which require minimal cooking (i.e. canned fruits and vegetables, cereals, peanut butter, crackers or cookies and dry mixes like instant oatmeal or soups, rice or noodles). Be sure to include a manual can opener. Use or replace stored foods every six months if possible. • One change of sturdy clothes and shoes and one blanket or sleeping bag per person. • Small household tools or items such as:  Battery-powered radio  Flashlight  Extra batteries  Utility/Boy Scout knife  Bowls, cups and silverware, dish towels  Can opener  Lighter or matches  Fire extinguisher • Basic First Aid Kit including prescription medicines. • An extra set of car and house keys, personal identification, credit cards and cash or traveler’s checks. • Keep important family papers (i.e. birth certificates, passports, etc.) in a waterproof container or plastic bag. • List of family physicians and medications • List of important family information and phone numbers • Special items for young children, elderly or disabled family members, i.e. special foods, medications, aid devices, carriers, etc. (See Special Needs and Vulnerable Populations Section) • Personal items such as:  Toothbrush and toothpaste  Shampoo  Toilet paper and feminine supplies  Anti-bacterial hand wipes or gel • Sanitation supplies such as:  Large plastic bags for waste or to use as tarps and rain ponchos  Bar soap and liquid detergent  Household bleach  Rubber gloves

Emergency Preparedness Guide for Page 7 Residents of Plumas County April 2019

PRESERVING FAMILY DOCUMENTS

In an emergency where you might have to leave your home quickly, important documents may be left behind and ultimately destroyed. Before the emergency occurs, decide which records are most essential to you and your family. One factor to consider is how readily a lost record could be replaced. Loss of some records could result in major financial damage (like tax records), or would be irreplaceable (like family photographs and historical documents).

The following is a list of the documents you should safeguard and be able to retrieve quickly to take with you: • Licenses and other IDs • Social Security cards • Passports • Medical history information and health insurance cards • Immunization records • Birth, marriage and death certificates • Records of bank accounts • Credit card information • Insurance policies • A list of important or valuable belongings for insurance purposes (photos or a video recording can also be used) • Wills, contracts, deeds • Records of stocks, bonds or retirement accounts • Back up of key computer files • Family photos

In order to ensure that you can quickly retrieve these documents, it is suggested that you: • Keep these documents (or copies of these documents) in a water or fire proof container with your Emergency Kit • Keep them in a safe place away from home, like a safe deposit box • Be sure a trusted family member knows where these items can be found

There are many ways to prepare your essential records for an emergency. Whatever method you use, remember to keep your records updated. At the very least, choose one day each year to make certain they are current and ready to evacuate.

Emergency Preparedness Guide for Page 8 Residents of Plumas County April 2019 SPECIAL NEEDS AND VULNERABLE POPULATIONS Certain individuals in the community may have special problems to deal with in a disaster, including the elderly, people with medical problems and people with specific disabilities (mobility, visually impaired, hard of hearing, developmental or cognitive disabilities). If you have a family member who is one of these individuals, there are special considerations to think about and plan for before a disaster occurs. • If the family member has medications or equipment that they are dependent on, plan to bring those items with you if an evacuation is necessary. • Special consideration needs to be given to medical equipment that needs power. Availability, storage and movement of oxygen tanks need to be evaluated for individuals who are required to be on oxygen. • Shelters will not have additional medication or medical equipment available. Documentation about insurance and medical conditions should also accompany the person. • Plan ahead for transportation needs for family members with special needs. Transportation for the general public in an emergency evacuation may not be suitable for their situation. • If the family member has special dietary needs, bring these special foods and supplements with you. • Many special needs populations are easily upset and stressed by sudden and frightening changes. Plans should be made to ensure that a caregiver or trusted family member is able to stay them at all times during an evacuation.

DEVELOP A PET PLAN AND EMERGENCY KIT Make sure your pet has food and water for a minimum of seven days and be prepared to keep your pet safe in temporary housing. • Obtain individual crates or carriers large enough for safe confinement. Pet should be able to stand, turn around and lie down. Smaller dog crates can hold a cat along with a small litter pan. • Pre-pack and store the crate and a separate container with: a toy and bedding, extra collar and leashes, bowls, food (dry or self-opening cans) and bottled water, cleaning supplies, cat litter and scoop, plastic dog waste bags and a pet first aid kit. Plan for about one gallon of water per day for a 40 pound dog and about one quart of water per day for a cat. Rotate the medicine, water and food about 4 times per year. • Pack a water tight bag with: Instant ID tag for temporary phone number in case of evacuation, current close-up pet photo (preferably with a family member in photo), copy of up-to-date vaccination records, medications and medical records, phone list including local and out of area veterinarians and boarding kennels, pet friendly hotels, neighbors and local animal control. • IMPORTANT—Boarding facilities and pet friendly shelters require proof of current rabies, distemper, parvo and bordatella vaccinations. • Consider a microchip for a permanent ID. • At the first news of disaster, get pets inside and have their carriers and emergency kit available. • Make appropriate plans for evacuation of horses and other large animals.

Emergency Preparedness Guide for Page 9 Residents of Plumas County April 2019 HOW YOU WILL KNOW WHEN A DISASTER HAPPENS

There are different ways you will find out that an emergency or disaster is happening. Weather warnings or other emergency information will usually be given on television or radio. In other situations, you may be contacted by a ‘reverse 911’ phone call and given a pre-recorded message by the County emergency notification system. Emergency workers may drive by and give instructions over a loudspeaker, or they might even come to your door. Whatever notification method is used, follow the instructions given.

WHAT DO THE VARIOUS EMERGENCY TERMS MEAN? Winter storms—Watches and warnings • Winter Storm Watch—Conditions are favorable for hazardous winter weather conditions including heavy snow, blizzard conditions, significant accumulations of freezing rain or sleet and dangerous wind chills. The watches are usually issued 12 to 36 hours in advance. • Winter Storm Warning—Hazardous winter weather conditions that pose a threat to life and/or property are occurring, imminent or likely. The term winter storm warning is used for a combination of two or more of the following winter weather events: heavy snow, freezing rain, sleet, and strong winds. The following even-specific warnings are issued for a single weather hazard: blizzard warning, heavy snow warning, ice storm warning. • Snow Advisory—Snowfall roughly half the amount required for a winter storm warning. • Blizzard Warning—Sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable falling or blowing snow are expected to prevail for three hours or longer. Evacuation Terms • Exclusion Zone—An area established by the commander in charge of the disaster scene into which entry is temporarily forbidden due to extreme danger. Only official responder vehicles are allowed entry until the situation is deemed safe again for private vehicle traffic. • Evacuation Advisory—An advisory is issued when there is reason to believe that the emergency will escalate and require mandatory evacuations. An advisory is meant to give residents as much time as possible to prepare transportation arrangements. • Voluntary Evacuation—Is issued when an area is going to be impacted and residents are willing and able to leave before the situation gets worse. This is helpful for residents with medical issues, people with pets and those who will have difficulty making travel arrangements. • Mandatory Evacuation—Public Safety officials have the authority to order mandatory evacuations. If this ever occurs, you MUST leave the area IMMEDIATELY; your life is in danger. Under these circumstances the situation is severe and you may not have time to gather special belongings or paperwork, every minute you delay could increase your danger. Please do not take this order lightly; it is for your safety. Remember to follow any instructions you receive from a law enforcement officer or fire official.

Emergency Preparedness Guide for Page 10 Residents of Plumas County April 2019 EVACUATION vs. SHELTER-IN-PLACE

Depending upon the type of disaster and how much advance warning there is, authorities may instruct you to either evacuate the premises or shelter-in-place. Sheltering-in-place means remaining inside your home or business and protecting yourself there. Sheltering- in-place is common for something like a chemical spill where it may be more dangerous to go outside and try to evacuate. Advance preparation and remaining calm, along with the following general procedures for evacuating or sheltering-in-place can add to the safety and comfort of you and your family during this stressful time.

What to do before an evacuation occurs • Before a disaster occurs complete the Family Emergency Plan and Family Emergency Kit included in this packet. • Keep fuel in your car at all times or make other transportation arrangements. • Know where and how to shut off the electricity, gas and water main switches and valves. Make sure you have the tools you need to do this. Check with your local utilities for instructions.

What to do when an evacuation occurs • Stay calm and do not panic. • Keep family members and pets together. • Carry your family disaster supply kit. • If there is time, secure your house.  Unplug appliances.  Turn off the main water valve.  Take any actions needed to prevent damage to water pipes by freezing weather, if this is a threat.  Securely close and lock all doors, windows and garage. • Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts, they may be blocked. • Drive safely with headlights on and stay as far to the right as possible to avoid emergency traffic. • Listen to the radio for emergency and shelter information.

What to do after the evacuation • Do not return to your home until authorities say it is safe. • Continue listening to the radio for information and instructions. • Use extreme caution when entering or working in buildings—structures may have been damaged or weakened or may be harboring snakes and other wildlife. • Do not take lanterns or any type of flame into a damaged building due to possible leaking gas or other flammable materials. You may use a battery-operated flashlight if there is no gas present. • If you smell leaking gas, turn off the main gas valve at the tank. • Notify the power company or fire department of downed power lines. • Check food and water supplies for contamination before using them.

Emergency Preparedness Guide for Page 11 Residents of Plumas County April 2019 What to do before you have to shelter-in-place • Before a disaster occurs complete the Family Emergency Plan and Family Emergency Kit included in this packet. • Choose an interior room that is above ground and without windows (not the basement because many chemicals are heavier than air and may seep into a basement).

What to do when you are told to shelter-in-place • Stay calm and do not panic. • Bring family members and pets inside immediately. • Close and lock all windows and outside doors. • Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems. Close the damper of your fireplace. • Take your family disaster supply kit to the selected interior room. • Use duct tape (wet towels if you are out of duct tape) to seal doors, exhaust fans, vents and windows. • Listen to the radio for emergency instructions.

What to do after the shelter-in-place • Shelter-in-Place until you are told all is safe. • Follow any instructions regarding environmental contamination in and around your home.

Emergency Preparedness Guide for Page 12 Residents of Plumas County April 2019 WILDLAND FIRES

Wildland fires are one of the leading threats to the residents of Plumas County. Adequate preparations before a fire starts, including preparing a defensible space zone on your property and a good evacuation plan, are the keys to surviving a wildland fire.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE A WILDLAND FIRE OCCURS Prepare your home to survive a fire by creating a defensible space zone around your residence and providing ready access for fire equipment. The defensible space is an area extending 100-200 feet from your home where vegetation is managed to decrease the likelihood of a wildland fire destroying your home. Roads and driveways to your home should comply with the Fire Safe Driveway standards regarding width, vertical clearance, turnarounds and turnouts, signage and weight limits that allow emergency equipment to safely access your property. No access means no protection!!

More information on protecting your home and making it accessible to emergency equipment is available from: • Plumas County Building Department at www.plumascounty.us • Plumas Fire Safe Council at www.plumasfiresafe.org • Living with Fire at www.livingwithfire.info

Prepare your family by planning for a successful evacuation. Plan your evacuation routes, have your emergency evacuation kit ready, and have your family’s contact and personal information up to date. Also, teach family members how to use a fire extinguisher and practice Stop, Drop and Roll with your children

WHAT TO DO IF A WILDLAND FIRE IS APPROACHING • Keep listening to a local radio station on a battery powered radio. • Park your car in the garage facing out and put the keys in the ignition. • Close the garage door but leave it unlocked. Know how to operate the garage door opener manually in case of a power outage. • Cover up your body by putting on long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes, a hat or baseball cap and a bandana to cover your face. Do not wear polyester or nylon, as they will melt in high temperatures. Try to wear 100% cotton or other natural fibers. • Load your car with— Emergency Kit Gloves, water and goggles Important papers and photos

• Place your pets in a secure location. If you have horses, put on their halters and get them ready to load into a trailer. • Close the drapes and curtains and leave on some lights. Close interior doors.

Emergency Preparedness Guide for Page 13 Residents of Plumas County April 2019 • Close all exterior doors, windows and vents, including fireplace dampers. This will prevent drafts and could help save your house. • Connect all garden hoses to outside taps. Attach spray nozzles. • Fill and place buckets of water close to your home. • Place lawn sprinklers on the roof and near above-ground fuel tanks. Make sure to wet the roof and ground around fuel tanks thoroughly. • Leave a ladder against the house for roof access by fire fighters. • Remove or soak thoroughly any shrubbery within 15 feet of your home. • Try to arrange for temporary housing at a friend or relative’s house.

IF ASKED TO EVACUATE… • PLEASE DO SO IMMEDIATLEY • Stay calm and do not panic. • Keep family members and pets together. • Leave exterior doors unlocked. • Drive safely with headlights on and stay as far to the right as possible to avoid emergency traffic. • Turn off sprinklers and hoses so the water supply for fire fighting is not depleted. • Turn off the fuel at the propane tank or oil supply tank.

IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO EVACUATE • Stay calm and do not panic. • In your home—If you shelter in place, move to an interior room or hallway away from exterior walls and windows. Do not try to leave until the fire has passed. • In your car—Park in an area clear of vegetation, close all windows and vents, cover yourself with a blanket or jacket and lie on the floor. Put up a windshield shade if you have one to minimize heat transfer. • On foot—First choice is to seek refuge in a defensible building, swimming pool, lake or stream. Or select a large area clear of vegetation, the bigger the better. Do not seek refuge in low lying areas such as drainage ditches as they will burn much hotter than other areas.

WHAT TO DO AFTER A WILDLAND FIRE • Do not re-enter a fire area until officials have declared it safe. • Watch for hazards such as smoldering ash, flare-ups, building debris, downed power lines and emergency equipment that may still be on scene. • Wear long pants, boots, gloves and other protective equipment. • Tune to your local radio station for updates and information. • Follow local directions regarding disposal of construction debris, hazardous household waste, food and other fire-related debris.

Emergency Preparedness Guide for Page 14 Residents of Plumas County April 2019 FLOODS

Floods in Plumas County occur frequently and range from localized lowland flooding from abundant rain, to county-wide events due to heavy, warm rains on the back of a major snowfall as experienced in the 2017 floods..

WHAT TO DO BEFORE A FLOOD OCCURS If your house is located in an area that is known to flood, build barriers and landscape around your home to reduce the impact of flood waters and mud. Prior to winter, check that the drains and drainages that divert water away from your house are working properly. During a storm keep snow and ice cleared from drains.

Have an Evacuation Plan that includes a family meeting place and updated contact information and assemble your Evacuation Kit.

WHAT TO DO DURING A FLOOD • Listen to the radio for flood and evacuation updates. Have a battery powered radio with extra batteries because power outages often accompany flood events. • Do not go into floodwaters. Waters that appear shallow may be deeper than you think and flood waters can rise quickly.  Six inches of swift moving water can knock you off your feet.  Two feet of fast moving water can carry away most cars. • If your car stalls in floodwater, if possible, get out and go to higher ground. • Know the locations of sandbags and sand.

WHAT TO DO AFTER A FLOOD • Before re-entering a building:  Check for structural damage  Make sure electrical power and propane tanks are turned off to avoid fire, electrocution or explosions.  Stay away from any live electrical wires. • Stay out of floodwaters as they are likely to be contaminated with raw sewage, chemicals or fuel. • Do not drink the tap water until you know that it is safe. • Throw away all food items that come into contact with flood water. • Wash your hands often with anti-bacterial soap and clean water if you come into contact with floodwater • Plumas County Environmental Health has additional information on what to do after a flood regarding sanitizing your private well, assessing damage to your on- site septic disposal system, food and water safety, mold control and general cleaning tips. This information can be accessed at www.plumascounty.us or pamphlets are available at the Environmental Health office in Quincy at 270 County Hospital Rd., Courthouse Annex, Suite 127.

Emergency Preparedness Guide for Page 15 Residents of Plumas County April 2019 EARTHQUAKES

Unlike floods and wildland fires, earthquakes occur with no warning. That is why preparation of the Family Emergency Plan and Kit is even more critical. Most earthquake injuries result from falling objects and debris because the shocks can shake, damage or demolish buildings. Earthquakes may also trigger landslides, cause fires and disrupt utilities.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE • Check your home for potential hazards. Place large and heavy objects on lower shelves. Securely fasten shelves to walls. Brace or anchor top-heavy objects. Strap water heaters to keep them from falling. • Know where and how to shut off the electricity, gas and water at the main switches and valves. Have the proper tools close by so that there is no delay when it is time to shut off utilities. • Hold occasional drills so each member of your family knows what to do in an earthquake. Practice ‘Drop, Cover and Hold On’ with your children. • Have your Family Emergency Plan and Kit ready and accessible.

WHAT TO DO DURING AN EARTHQUAKE • Stay calm and do not panic. • If you are inside, stay inside. Take cover under a heavy desk or table and protect your eyes by pressing your arm against your face. If there is no table stand under a supported doorway or crouch along an inside wall away from windows and shelving. • If you are outside, stay there. Drop to the ground away from tall buildings, trees and power lines. Watch for falling objects. • If you are in your car, safely stop the car and remain inside. Look for downed power lines and other hazards before leaving your car.

WHAT TO DO AFTER THE SHAKING STOPS • Check yourself and those around you for injuries. Administer first aid as needed. • Be prepared for additional earthquakes called ‘after shocks’. These are usually smaller than the original earthquake but can still cause additional damage. • Check gas, electric and water lines. If damaged, shut off valves. Do not light matches or candles. Turn off appliances. • Check for gas leaks by odor only. If a gas leak is detected, open windows and doors and leave the building. Only have a professional turn the gas back on. • Check your home for damage and approach chimneys with caution. If you suspect the structure is unsafe, leave and do not reenter until your house is deemed safe. • Open closets and cupboards carefully due to falling objects. • Do not flush toilets until sewer lines are checked. • Do not use tap water until system is checked. • Tune in to your local radio station for more information.

Emergency Preparedness Guide for Page 16 Residents of Plumas County April 2019 AIR QUALITY

The air quality in Plumas County can become very poor during a wildfire emergency. Smoke from wildfires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other materials. Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung disease.

Some things you can do to protect yourself from wildfire smoke are: • If you are having trouble breathing, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Limit any outdoor exertion by seniors, young children, and adults with respiratory or pulmonary problems. • Listen to the radio for local air quality reports and health warnings. Public health messages may advise taking specific safety precautions. • If you are advised to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed unless it is very hot. If you have an air conditioner, use it but keep the fresh-air intake closed and keep the filter clean. • The following visibility guide will help you estimate the Air Quality Index (AQI).

Visibility Range Health Category Health Effects 10+ miles Good None 5-10 miles Moderate Usually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. 3-5 miles Unhealthy for Sensitive people should reduce Sensitive Groups prolonged or heavy exertion 1.5-2.5 miles Unhealthy Sensitive people should avoid pro- longed or heavy exertion. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. 1-1.25 miles Very Unhealthy Sensitive people should avoid all physical activity outdoors. Everyone should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. <0.75 miles Hazardous Sensitive people should remain indoors and keep activity levels low. Everyone else should avoid all physical activity outdoors.

If you have any questions or would like further information please call NSAQMD (Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District) at 283-4654 or visit the website at www.myairdistrict.com .

Emergency Preparedness Guide for Page 17 Residents of Plumas County April 2019

EXTREME HOT WEATHER

Summer heat is considered extreme when it is at least 10 degrees above normal for an extended period of time. Everyone can become overcome by extreme heat, but the elderly, young children, people with chronic medical conditions or who are overweight and people working outside are the most susceptible.

SAFETY TIPS FOR HOT WEATHER • Never leave a child or an animal in a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes. Temperatures can quickly rise to over 140°F and can kill in minutes. • Slow down and take it easy, especially during the hottest part of the day from about 11am to 4pm. Limit or postpone outdoor activities during this time period. • Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or low-calorie sports drinks. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. • Check your medications to see if effects are intensified in heat or direct sunlight. Check with your doctor if you are on a fluid-restricted diet or diuretics or have any other concerns. • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes. Wear a wide-brimmed hat. • Use your air conditioning or a fan and a water mister to keep cool. Open your windows at night to bring the cool air in and then close windows and drapes during the day to keep the hot air out. • Check on neighbors and friends who may be susceptible to the extreme heat, especially if they don’t have air conditioning.

EXTREME COLD WEATHER

Cold temperatures along with winds can lead to serious health conditions such as hypothermia and frost bite.

SAFETY TIPS FOR COLD WEATHER • Be prepared for isolation in your home. Before winter begins, check your emergency supplies of food and water and check the batteries on your smoke detector and carbon monoxide monitor. • Travel only if absolutely necessary and after checking road conditions. Make sure your car has an emergency kit which includes water, food, blankets, flashlight, sand, shovel, ice scraper, tow chain and flares. Let someone know your route and destination and if you do get stuck, stay with your car. • Stay indoors and dress warmly. Drink liquids such as warm broth or juices and avoid caffeine or alcohol. • If you must work outside, dress warmly, work slowly and avoid exertion. • Be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep all vents and chimneys clear of snow accumulation and do not use unvented heating appliances in the house. • Protect propane and fuel oil tanks from damage due to heavy snow and ice.

Emergency Preparedness Guide for Page 18 Residents of Plumas County April 2019 POWER OUTAGES

Power outages can occur at any time and are usually associated with the other emergencies already discussed in this guide. High winds and heavy snows can cause power outages for several days. Preparing for the possibility of a power outage will make it easier for your family to deal with the emergency.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A POWER OUTAGE • Keep a supply of canned and other easily prepared food and water in your house. • Have flashlights, lanterns and fresh batteries on hand. Avoid using candles. • Have a battery powered radio and extra batteries for emergency updates. • When a storm is imminent, have at least half a tank of gas in your car and know how to use the manual option on the electric garage door opener. • It is a good idea to have some cash on hand since ATMs may not be operating. • If you are on a private well and an electric pump is needed to supply you with water, fill the bathtub and spare containers with water when a storm is coming. • If you have any life-support devices in your house, make sure you have a generator so that you can keep them operating during the outage. Know how to properly use the generator to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. • Keep a supply of dry wood if your house uses wood heat. • Have a probe thermometer on hand to check food temperatures.

WHAT TO DO DURING A POWER OUTAGE • If the power goes off, unplug electronics such as televisions and computers. • Do not use unvented heating devices for an alternate heat source due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. • If your septic system uses an electric pump to get effluent from the septic tank to the leach field, use the toilets and water sparingly to prevent sewage backing up into your house. • Keep refrigerated and frozen foods cold by keeping the doors closed. An unopened, full freezer will keep foods safely for up to two days. An unopened refrigerator can safely keep foods for up to 4 hours. • Never touch a downed power line. Always assume it is energized. Call 911. • If a power line lands on your car, do not get out. Call 911. Do not touch metal objects in the car. If you MUST leave the car because of something life threatening like a fire, jump out far enough so that no part of your body is touching the car. Land with both feet on the ground at the same time and shuffle to a safe distance. For more complete information visit: http://www.pge.com/microsite/safety_esw_ngsw/esw/emergency/car.html .

WHAT TO DO AFTER A POWER OUTAGE • Discard any food that has had an internal temperature over 41°F for four hours or more. Remember—If In Doubt, Throw It Out!!

Emergency Preparedness Guide for Page 19 Residents of Plumas County April 2019 GET MORE INFORMATION

• American Red Cross www.redcross.org • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov • Department of Homeland Security www.ready.gov • Emergency Alert System • Federal Emergency Management Agency www.fema.gov • Living With Fire www.livingwithfire.info • NOAA Weather www.noaa.gov • PG&E—Safety Tips www.pge.com • Plumas County Environmental Health www.plumascounty.us • Plumas County Office of Emergency Services www.plumascounty.us • Plumas Fire Safe Council www.plumasfiresafe.org

Emergency Preparedness Guide for Page 20 Residents of Plumas County April 2019

APPENDIX

Emergency Planning Worksheets

Emergency Preparedness Guide for Page 21 Residents of Plumas County April 2019 FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN For ______

Put a copy of this plan in every automobile, by your home phone, at work, for any contact persons and in your Family Emergency Kit.

HOME ADDRESS:______

HOME PHONE NUMBER:______

FAMILY MEMBERS: (for more detail see Family Member’s Information sheet) Name Work or school address Phone, e-mail, other instructions ______

______

______

______

______

______

______

Emergency Preparedness Guide for Page 22 Residents of Plumas County April 2019 Family Emergency Plan continued Regroup the Family: In the event of a house fire, we will meet at: ______(location outside home, such as a neighbor’s house)

Determine the best escape routes out of your house. Make sure you have two ways to get out of every room.

In a larger scale event, such as a wildland fire, we will meet at:______(outside your neighborhood, such as a church or school—be sure to include a phone number.)

In most disasters it is often easier to call long distance than in the same town. After an emergency, all family members should call the Out-of-Area contact to tell them where they are and if they are okay. The Out-of-Area contact is:

Name Address:______Home #:______Work #:______E-mail:______Cell/pager#:______

Pets: Due to health regulations, animals are usually not allowed inside emergency shelters. During a disaster we can take our animals to:______The location of the Pet Emergency Kit is: ______Complete the Pet Information on Page 23.

Disaster Planning: Find out about the disaster plans for your work, your children’s school or day care, or any other place where your family spends time. If both parents work a significant distance away from home, a local contact should be named to take care of children and pets in the event that Plumas County roads are closed due to snow, wildfire or other disaster.

Local contact (neighbor or relative):______School phone number:______Day care phone number:______Church phone number:______

When a disaster strikes, the Public Safety resources such as Police and Fire are stretched very thin. You can help by identifying any elderly or disabled people in your neighborhood, and assign someone to help them in the event a disaster strikes. Neighbors that may need help are: ______

Emergency Preparedness Guide for Page 23 Residents of Plumas County April 2019

Family Emergency Plan continued OTHER IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS: Name Telephone # Policy # Doctor(s) ______Other ______Pharmacist ______Medical Ins. ______Home Ins. ______Veterinarian ______

EMERGENCY—Police—Fire—Ambulance: CALL 911

EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT AND EMERGENCY KIT: Create a Family Emergency Kit, as outlined on Pages 6 and 7 of this guide. Location of our kit is:______Name of person to maintain kit is:______

Create a packet of important family documents as outlined on Page 8 of this guide. Location of our family documents is: ______Name of person to update family documents is:______

Test and recharge fire extinguishers according to manufacturer’s instructions. Our fire extinguishers are located at:______Name of person to maintain fire extinguishers is:______

Test your smoke detectors every month and renew batteries twice a year (whenever the time changes). Our smoke detectors are located:______Name of person to maintain smoke detectors is:______

Learn First Aid. Make sure every person in your family has basic first aid training. Our First Aid kit is located at: ______Name of person to maintain First Aid kit: ______

COMMENTS OR OTHER INFORMATION ______

Emergency Preparedness Guide for Page 24 Residents of Plumas County April 2019 PET INFORMATION Number of pets in household______

Family Veterinarian______Vet’s Phone______Boarding Kennel______Phone______

YOUR PET INFORMATION Pet #1 Pet #2 Type (circle):Dog Cat Fish Bird Horse Type (circle):Dog Cat Fish Bird Horse Other______Other______Name______Name______Age______Age______Health Problems______Health Problems______Medications/Dose/When given Medications/Dose/When given ______Special Instructions______Special Instructions______Pet #3 Pet #4 Type (circle):Dog Cat Fish Bird Horse Type (circle):Dog Cat Fish Bird Horse Other______Other______Name______Name______Age______Age______Health Problems______Health Problems______Medications/Dose/When given Medications/Dose/When given ______Special Instructions______Special Instructions______

SUGGESTED PET TRAVEL AND EMERGENCY KIT Vet Name and Phone Number Collar or Harness with Current ID Tag Short and Long Leashes Food Dish Water Dish Bottled Water Food (can opener) Medications and Instructions Health and Rabies Certificate Favorite Toys Carrier or crate Blanket or bed Litter and litter pan Pooper scooper and bags All surface cleaner Paper towels Color pet photo Grooming comb/brush Towels First Aid Kit

Emergency Preparedness Guide for Page 25 Residents of Plumas County April 2019