Remember :  Your best protection is preparation

If an earthquake, nuclear, biological or chemical disaster occurs, you may be asked by authorities to take one of two different actions: SHELTER IN PLACE (remain in your home or workplace), or
EVACUATE (leave your home or workplace). In either case, it is important that you and your family have an EMERGENCY PREPARATION PLAN.

The American Red Cross provides all the information you need to make your Emergency Preparation plan. You can call the Red Cross at 530-673-1460 or visit their Web site at www.redcross.org. In the meantime, it makes good sense to put together some emergency supplies for your home, workplace, and car.
 

SHELTER in PLACE

In the event of a radiological, chemical, or biological emergency, authorities may direct you to shelter in place or evacuate. The term Shelter In Place means remaining inside your home or place of work and protecting yourself there.

If emergency officials advise you to Shelter In Place:

1. Stay Calm.

2. Bring children and pets indoors immediately.

3. Close and lock all windows and outside doors.

4. Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems, close exterior doors and windows.

5. If you have a fireplace, close the damper.

6. Gather your disaster supplies and battery powered radio.

7. Go to an interior room, ideally without windows. In case of a chemical threat, a room above ground is preferable because some chemicals are heavier than air and may seep into the basement.

8. Use duct tape (wet towels if you are out of duct tape) to seal doors, exhaust fans, vents, and windows.

9. Listen to the radio or TV for emergency instructions and Shelter In Place until you are told all is safe.
 

Evacuation:   Prepare a   Grab and Go    Emergency Kit

In some emergencies, you may be asked to evacuate.  In that case, you will want an easy-to-carry container, like a backpack  or duffle bag, with adequate emergency supplies in a convenient location.  It's a good idea to keep some cash in your emergency kit.  Also, be sure that everyone in the family has a list of important phone numbers and that you have decided on two alternative places to meet in case you become separated.
 

YOUR EMERGENCY SUPPLIES SHOULD INCLUDE: 

      HOW  TO  GET  INFORMATION  IN AN  EMERGENCY  

Local radio and television stations will provide information in the event of a major emergency.  In some instances, the Emergency Alert System may be activated. 

Specific emergency instructions will be broadcast by AM radio:

KFBK 1530 AM               KUBA 1600 AM                KMJE 1015 AM            KMYC 1410 AM

Emergency instructions will provide information on whether it is safer to evacuate your home and/or workplace or whether you will be better protected by Sheltering in Place.   If you are ordered to evacuate, the radio announcements will also advise you on the safest place to go. 

EMERGENCY BROADCAST SYSTEM (EBS) and CABLE OVERRIDE SYSTEM (COS)
Using a central control radio station (1410 AM), this system allows each local government to pass reliable life and property-saving warnings as well as emergency information to the residents of the community during day to day emergencies or disasters. COS - CABLE OVERRIDE SYSTEM - A service provided to all Yuba County and Sutter County residents that subscribe to cable television. COS will be used by the Office of Emergency Services if an emergency (i.e. flood, hazardous materials accident, earthquake, etc.) threatens the County(ies). COS is NOT a replacement for your local EBS station.

For more information visit the Yuba County Office of Emergency Services Web Site at http://www.co.yuba.ca.us/content/departments/oes/ or call 530-749-7520.