Professional resources are quickly overwhelmed in a disaster such as a major earthquake, flood or terrorist attack. As a result, everyone needs to prepare to be self-sufficient for the first 72 hours until emergency personnel arrive.

4 Steps To Prepare For A Disaster:

STEP 1: Make A Kit

Stock up on at least a 3 day emergency supply kit and store it at home, work or in your car. See Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department's Family Disaster Preparedness Guide for a more complete list.

• Water (1 gallon/person/day)
• First aid kit and book
• Food (non-perishable and ready-to-eat)
• Can opener (non-electric)
• Blankets or sleeping bags, tent
• Portable battery-operated radio, flashlight and spare batteries
• Essential medications (at least a one week supply), extra eyeglasses
• Fire extinguisher
• Cash in small denominations
• Supplies for your children and pets
• Protective clothing, sturdy shoes, heavy gloves
• Cooking supplies
• Tool kit and adjustable wrench for turning off gas
• Duct tape
• Trash bags
• Toiletries
• Photos of family members, a book, hard candy

STEP 2: Choose a Location

Decide in advance where to reunite your family and loved ones should you be apart when a disaster occurs.

STEP 3: Choose a Contact

Choose a person outside the immediate area to contact if family members are separated. Long distance phone service will probably be restored sooner than local service.

STEP 4: Learn Life-Saving Skills

Take Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), CPR and First Aid training.