A Disaster Preparedness Planning Guide for Owners and/or Residents in Riverside Mobile Home Parks

10/19/2021 (Permalink)

Do you know how to shut off damaged utilities?

The most important feature of any home is something you probably do not see when you walk through the door.

But it could save your life. It is safety. Safety comes in all shapes and sizes: smoke detectors; fire extinguishers; escape routes; carefully maintained heating and electrical systems; and knowing what to do and where to go in case of fire, flood, or other disasters. The key to being prepared in the event of a disaster or sudden emergency is preplanning and practice drills.

Disaster Preparedness Emergency Plan

The next time disaster strikes, you may not have much time to act. Prepare now for a sudden emergency. Knowing what to do in an emergency is your best protection and your responsibility. Learn how to protect yourself and your family by planning ahead. To obtain more information, you may want to contact your local emergency management agency or civil defense office and the local American Red Cross chapter - be prepared to take notes.

You will need to gather the following information:

• Find out which disasters are most likely to occur in your area. Ask how to prepare for each disaster.

• Ask how you would be warned of an emergency.
• Learn about your community’s warning signals: what they sound like and what you should do when you hear them.

• Learn your community’s main evacuation routes.
• If needed, ask about special assistance for the elderly or disabled persons.
• Ask about animal care during and after an emergency. Animals may not be allowed inside emergency shelters due to health regulations.

Checklist of Emergency Procedures

Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disasters. Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather and earthquakes to children, the elderly, and individuals that may need special assistance. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team. The following may be used in creating your own Emergency Response Plan:

• Draw a floor plan of your residence and mark two escape routes from each room.
• Install safety features in your home, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
• Discuss what to do in an evacuation.
• Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster. Post emergency telephone numbers near the telephone.
• Instruct household members to turn on a battery powered radio for emergency information.
• Pick one out-of-state and one local friend or relative for family members to call if separated by disaster (it is often easier to call out-of-state than within the affected area).
• Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1 and a long distance contact person.
• Pick two meeting places: 1) a place near your home in case of fire; 2) a place outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home after a disaster.
• Keep family records in a water and fire-proof container.
• Locate the main electric fuse box, water service main, and natural gas main shut off valve to your mobile home. Learn how and when to turn these utilities off. Teach all responsible family members. Keep necessary tools near gas and water shut-off valves. Turn off the utilities only if you suspect the lines are damaged or if you are instructed to do so. If you turn the gas off, you will need a professional to turn it back on.

• Take a basic first aid and CPR class.
• Prepare a disaster supply kit.

If Disaster Strikes

• Remain calm and patient. Put your plan into action.
• Check for injuries; give first aid and get help for seriously injured.
• Listen to your battery powered radio for news and instructions.
• Evacuate if advised to do so. Wear appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes.
• Check for damage to your home - use a flashlight only. Do not light matches or turn on electrical switches, if you suspect damage.
• Check for fires, fire hazards and other household hazards.
• If you are remaining in your home, sniff for gas leaks, starting at the hot water heater. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and get everyone outside quickly.
• Shut off any other damaged utilities.
• Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline and any other flammable liquid immediately.

Remember to:

• Remember to confine or secure your pets.
• Call your family contact - do not use the telephone again unless it is a life threatening emergency.
• Check on your neighbors, especially elderly or disabled persons.
• Make sure you have an adequate water supply in case service is shut off.
• Stay away from downed power lines.

SERVPRO of West Riverside City has years of experience with water and fire damage.  We have also handled water damage within mobile homes and we understand that they are not your standard stick home.  Call us if you experience an emergency.  We are here to help!

SERVPRO of West Riverside City

951-351-8033