The recent strong earthquakes that hit the Ridgecrest area in Southern California are a good reminder that we all live in earthquake country. Many earthquake faults run through or near the Monterey Peninsula. The Monterey Fire Department would like to remind people that, while we may not know when the next earthquake will happen, we can do things to be prepared. A list of recommended actions on what to do before, during, and after an earthquake is available at ready.gov/earthquakes, as well as on the City’s website at monterey.org/emergency.
“People need to be ready to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours in the event of a major earthquake,” said Monterey Fire Chief Gaudenz Panholzer.
A home emergency kit should contain essential survival items such as:
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries
- First aid kit and manual
- Emergency food and water
- Non-electric can opener
- Essential medicines
- Cash and credit cards
- Sturdy shoes
- An emergency communication plan
In addition to encouraging all residents to be aware and prepare in case of an earthquake, the Monterey Fire Department supports an active local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) who are trained in many basic skills to assist themselves and their families and neighbors in the event of a significant emergency. These skills range from basic first aid to freeing trapped victims, from fighting small fires, to securing utilities.
A highlight of the Monterey CERT program is that the members will conduct an initial damage assessment after an earthquake and report their finding to the Fire and Police departments via radio. After ensuring their families are safe, CERT members will respond to one of 10 community storage containers that serve as a neighborhood base of operations. There they will be issued gear and begin the process of conducting damage assessment and basic rescue and medical care.
All residents are invited to become trained in the CERT program and can get further information by visiting monterey.org/fire/Preparedness/Join-CERT or montereycert.org/.