Overview
Outside of fires, the most common types of natural disasters
we are likely to face in our area would be a significant
earthquake or major storm. Everyone living in the State of
California should be prepared for an earthquake. This
typically involves making sure that you have a minimum of
three days of supplies for your family and your pet's. This
would include an adequate amount of food, water, blankets,
flashlights and a radio. Being adequately prepared for an
earthquake also gives you the provisions to withstand the
most significant storms that we see in Northern California.
When to call
For Earthquakes:
Do not use your telephone at all unless you have an
emergency medical situation. In the event of an earthquake
is not necessary to call just to report the earthquake or
the damage that is local to you. (In fact one of the most
significant issues facing all emergency responders in the
event of an earthquake is a massive
 overloading of the phone
lines).
For storms:
In the event of a major storm the typical reason that
necessitates a call to 911 is a downed power line or a storm
related injury that requires emergency medical attention.
What to do
For Earthquakes:
Check for fire or fire hazards. If you smell gas, shut off
the main gas valve. If there's evidence of damage to
electrical wiring, shut off the power at the control box. If
the phone is working, only use it in case of emergency.
Likewise, avoid driving if possible to keep the streets
clear for
emergency vehicles. Avoid post quake injuries; be
aware that items may fall out of cupboards or closets when
the door is opened, and also that chimneys can be weakened
and fall with a touch. Check for cracks and damage to the
roof and foundation of your home. Listen to the radio for
important information and instructions. Remember that
aftershocks, sometimes large enough to cause damage in their
own right, generally follow large quakes. If you leave home,
leave a message telling friends and family your location.
For Storms:
In the event of the life-threatening situation
or medical emergency you should quickly call 911. As with
all calls to 911, you should try to use a landline if at all
possible. When calling to report a downed power line or a
medical emergency make sure to stay on the phone as long as
required by the 911 operator. The 911 operator will ask you
the appropriate questions to allow them to route the call in
the most appropriate manner and to assign the most
appropriate type of response equipment and personnel.
 What we do
In the event of a storm related call, after receiving
notification from the 911 dispatcher the FFPD will represent
the first responder on the scene with an average response
time of about five minutes. This type of call typically
represents an emergency medical response. In these cases our
EMTs will assess the situation and stabilize the injured
party until an ambulance can arrive.
What NOT to do.
In the case of an earthquake please do not make a call
unless you have a medical emergency or a significant threat
to life (downed power line, etc.)
In the event of a storm related 911 call the most common
mistake that people make is to hang-up on the 911 operator
prematurely not allowing the operator to get all of their
questions answered. (This is typically because at the moment
of the call the caller is upset concerned or possibly in a
panic.) It's very important that the 911 operator the able
to collect all of the information they need in order to
effectively route and dispatch the appropriate response. So
stay on the telephone until help arrives or you're told that
it's no longer necessary.
Special note: get CERT Training and
be prepared!
You can be trained at how to handle an emergency by taking
the CERT training that is available from the FFPD. The
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates
people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may
impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response
skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team
organization, and disaster medical operations. The CERT
training is offered free of charge and participants have no
obligation or commitment to respond or act in the event of a
disaster.
If you would like to more information about our natural
disaster rescue services contact
us online or by calling 510-583-4900.
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