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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | MARCH 2015 19 1. You need 1.25 gallons of water per day per person? 2. You'll be able to depend on the fire and police department in a major disaster? 3. Have enough water for a 7-14 day emergency? 4. Bottled water stored in plastic containers is safe to drink for 2 years? 5. Keep household chemical/products in original containers? 6. A "Go Bag" is a bag to go shopping with? 7. If trapped under debris after an earthquake, tap on pipe or wall? 8. You should have cash on hand in small denominations in case of a disaster? Emergency Preparedness Committee Pipelines are the backbone of our nation's energy infrastructure. Because we can't see them, we seldom think about pipelines, their role in our community or their potential hazards. Attend the next EPP meeting on March 5 at 10 am to learn the steps to help protect the people, property and environment in Beaumont in case of pipeline failure. The Emergency Preparedness Town Hall meeting held on Jan. 22 was a huge success. Senator Mike Morrell and Debra Williams, President of Building Resilient Communities and a preparedness expert, came together to highlight their efforts for the Inland Empire faith community leaders to learn best practices in responding to natural disasters or other emergencies. They presented the information below to remind us that we are responsible for our own safety and well-being following a disaster. They encouraged all residents to know their role in the Four Seasons Emergency Preparedness Plan. ~ Jean Sandoval Senator Mike Morrell, Jean Sandoval, Debra Williams YO-YO: You're On Your Own. In response to a disaster, don't expect help from the community first responders. You need to be prepared to handle the consequences of any disaster without immediate outside assistance. Make a plan and prepare for yourself and family to be self-sufficient for at least 14 days. The following is what you need to know: 1. You are responsible for yourself and your family. 2. Within your neighborhood, you should check on each other and offer aid. 3. Your neighborhood should report to the Four Seasons Beaumont Command Center as to your status and needs after a disaster. They will respond to life and death emergencies if you can get word to them. 4. The Mayor and Beaumont emergency managers will implement their disaster plan. 5. The Four Seasons Emergency Preparedness Incident Command will communicate with the Beaumont Office of Emergency Services (OES) which will evaluate the status of our community and make plans to allocate resources. 6. Resources are allocated according to the greatest need, concentration of people, and business centers. • A school full of kids is a priority • A mall full of shoppers is a priority • A business center is important for the community in supplies and jobs • Your house is way down on the priority list 7. The county and state emergency responders will begin response. 8. The governor declares a state of emergency if asked. This will clear the way for federal help and money. 9. FEMA makes a plan to aid the Beaumont area in response to the governor's request. NOTE: FEMA, Federal Troops and other outside agencies cannot come into our area unless requested by the state. They are not going to land in your backyard to bring you water and food. You must be responsible and have water and food in your home. Clean water is the most essential item to have in your home to "shelter in place" while waiting for the emergency responders. In conclusion, the residents of Four Seasons are responsible for their own safety and well-being. State governments are responsible for the safety of their citizens but the individual is ultimately responsible for ensuring that he is safe. The federal government is there to provide follow-up support. Do not wait around for federal or state officials to take care of your needs. Make a plan today; review it often with your family. The Chain of Responsibility in Emergencies Pop Quiz: True or False Answers on page 54 To know your role in the Four Seasons Emergency Preparedness Plan, read the Residents' Emergency Handbook that was mailed to you in February, 2014. If you do not have a Handbook, ask for a copy at the Lodge reception desk. Volunteer to become a member of one of the ten Four Seasons Emergency Response Teams. Attend the EPP meetings the first Thursday of the month at 10 am to learn how you can help the response teams. To volunteer, send email to: epp4seasonsbeaumont@ yahoo.com. ~ Jean Sandoval

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