Safety and Security in Hercules
         

   

 

 

 

     

     

 

               

          

   

 

 

 

       
 

 
Community Resources:

Neighborhood Watch: http://www.citizencorps.gov/programs/watch.shtm
The Hercules Police Department will help you neighbors form a NW program.  Contact the business office for assistance in forming this valuable association.  These groups not only help reduce crime, but also prepare for other community emergencies.  Contact person: wgoswick@ci.hercules.ca.us


                Above: Neighborhood Watch meeting in Victoria by the Bay

Community Emergency Response Training Program:
Classes are offered regularly through the Rodeo/Hercules Fire Departments.  Contact: 510 799 4961 

American Red Cross Home Emergency Plan:
 ARC website: click here

Four Steps to Safety
1. Find Out What Could Happen to You

  • Contact your local Red Cross chapter or emergency management office before a disaster occurs--be prepared to take notes.
  • Ask what types of disasters are most likely to happen. Request information on how to prepare for each.
  • Learn about your community's warning signals: what they sound like and what you should do when you hear them.
  • Ask about animal care after a disaster. Animals are not allowed inside emergency shelters because of health regulations.
  • Find out how to help elderly or disabled persons, if needed.
  • Find out about the disaster plans at your workplace, your children's school or day care center, and other places where your family spends time.

2. Create a Disaster Plan

  • Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster. Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather, and earthquakes to children. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team.

  • Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.

  • Pick two places to meet:

    1. Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire.

    2. Outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home. Everyone must know the address and phone number.

  • Ask an out-of-state friend to be your "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your contact's phone number.

  • Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Plan how to take care of your pets.

3. Complete This Checklist

Home Hazard Hunt
  • In a disaster, ordinary items in the home can cause injury and damage. Anything that can move, fall, break, or cause a fire is a potential hazard.
  • Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections.
  • Fasten shelves securely.
  • Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves.
  • Hang pictures and mirrors away from beds.
  • Brace overhead light fixtures.
  • Secure water heater. Strap to wall studs.
  • Repair cracks in ceilings or foundations.
  • Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products away from heat sources.
  • Place oily polishing rags or waste in covered metal cans.
  • Clean and repair chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors, and gas vents.
  • Post emergency telephone numbers by phones (fire, police, ambulance, etc.).
  • Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services number for emergency help.
  • Show each family member how and when to turn off the utilities (water, gas, and electricity) at the main switches.
  • Check if you have adequate insurance coverage.
  • Get training from the fire department for each family member on how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC type), and show them where it's kept.
  • Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
  • Conduct a home hazard hunt home hazard hunt.
  • Stock emergency supplies and assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit.
  • Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR class.
  • Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room.
  • Find the safe places in your home for each type of disaster.

4. Practice and Maintain Your Plan

  • Quiz your kids every six months or so.
  • Conduct fire and emergency evacuations.
  • Replace stored water and stored food every six months.
  • Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer's instructions.
  • Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Working with neighbors can save lives and property. Meet with your neighbors to plan how the neighborhood could work together after a disaster until help arrives. If you're a member of a neighborhood organization, such as a home association or crime watch group, introduce disaster preparedness as a new activity. Know your neighbors' special skills (e.g., medical, technical) and consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs, such as disabled and elderly persons. Make plans for child care in case parents can't get home.