1.  Emergency Kit

Key items to include in an emergency kit include:

  • Food and water to last you and your family 72 hours
  • First aid supplies
  • Any medical supplies you might need, like medications and spare eyeglasses.

You should also include a flashlight with extra batteries in your emergency kit in case you lose power during a winter storm.

You can find most things you’d want in an emergency kit around your home. Take a minute to gather them together to store in a safe place, so that you’re ready for any emergency.

2.  Create a Plan

Creating an emergency plan for you, your family, or your business can help you better react to and recover from any emergency. Making a plan isn’t hard. By taking a few simple steps, you can be better prepared for life’s emergencies.

Talk to your family about how they would react to an emergency, for example an earthquake or a mudslide:

  • Do you know what kinds of emergencies you might face at your home, school, or workplace?
  • How will you know when there is an emergency in your area? What if you’re not at home?
  • How will you get in touch with each other? Remember: cell phone service might be down, so think of a few different options.
  • How will you let family and friends out of state know you’re okay?
  • If you are separated during an emergency, how will your family reunite? Where will they reunite?
  • How will you begin to recover? Do you have copies of important legal and vital documents stored somewhere safe?

Once you’ve started the conversation, get started on the plan. Use one of the easy, helpful templates from Ready.gov to get stared or create a customized plan using the Prepare LA Now web app.

3.  Get Sandbags

Visit any neighborhood LAFD fire station to pick up sandbags. You can find your nearest fire station at the Los Angeles Fire Department website.

Some fire stations also have sand available. For a list of stations with sand, click here.

Not sure what to do with those sandbags once you’ve picked them up? Learn how to properly fill and place a sandbag from the pros.

4.  Pets

Get pets prepared with these simple tips:

  • Make sure that your pets have current City of Los Angeles Licenses. You can get a new license or renew your dog’s license online! Click here to get started.
  • Micro-chip your pets, and verify information at least once a year! You can get your pets micro-chipped at any of the six L.A. City shelters (no appointments necessary).
  • Remember to include pet food, water, leashes, medications, and treats in your emergency kit.
  • Keep copies of your pets vital documents, and include the pets in your emergency plans.
  • Your companion animals should have up-to-date vaccinations.

5.  Get Prepared

Now is the time to get your home ready for wet winter weather. Here are some tips to get started:

  • Walk around your home and look for anything that might cause problems during a storm. Is your roof showing signs of leaking? Are your gutters overflowing with leaves? Does water drain off your property? Once you’ve identified potential issues, you can start addressing them.
  • Review your homeowners renters insurance policy. Does it cover flood damage? If not, the National Flood Insurance Program might be right for you.
  • Clear out gutters and secure any loose items in your yard that might clog storm drains and cause flooding.
  • Trim any trees that might fall over during a storm. (If you use a contractor, don’t get scammed. Be sure to check their license before starting work.)
  • Install rain barrels or other water conservation systems to collect water, which saves money and is drought friendly. Learn more about El Niño and the Drought.
  • Get a kit, get a plan, and practice it! Remember, your preparing for El Niño will better prepare you for whatever LA might throw our way.
  • If you’re concerned about flooding, get sandbags before storms arrive. Learn how to get free sandbags.

Learn more > > > http://www.elninola.com/ready/

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