EAST HILL OWNERS and

EARTHQUAKE and EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (EERT)

Updated 13 October 08

While our “Earthquake” plan previously focused on the likely event of another earthquake, the basic structure can be used for any emergency including fire, aircraft crash or other major catastrophe.  We routinely watch the California fire season ravage communities nearby forcing at best evacuation and at worst, loss of structures and lives.. Other recent events raised the possibility of a chemical and biological attack which requires a telephone only response as outlined below.  All EHHA members and in particular members of the of the EERT are encouraged to obtain CPR Training and keep their checklist, tools, lights and communication gear together and always ready to go.  We highly recommend that you read and print from the City of Thousand Oaks web page http://www.ci.thousand-oaks.ca.us/living/disaster/default.asp  for current emergency preparedness information, including  comprehensive links to answer most all questions.  Spend a few minutes surfing through this great link before you lose your internet connection…. Print off supplementary information and keep it handy.

 For Chemical Biological attack, we will use the same basic response structure however we do not wish to expose any one, including team members to a greater hazard.  We plan to alert all Teams, Block Captains and in turn residents by phone only. We expect initial notification by media however initial evidence of an attack may first affect multiple animals, birds and individuals. Unfortunately some effects may be delayed and exposure can be limited by removing and bagging exposed clothing, showering, shutting all windows and doors, and turning off air conditioning as the units distribute contamination.  Sealing door and window cracks is recommended and wind and water will carry away most aerosols in a short period.  Your earthquake supplies can sustain you for several days until we can verify an all clear, safe and secure community.

 For fire, we recommend protective particle masks and even eye protection for those that expect any prolonged exposure during evacuation or that have known allergies.  One thing you should consider, is that your team will be fully engaged until a voluntary evacuation is announced, then we are leaving and holding no one back.

 This Plan is a point of departure for a real emergency and many of the Team members will likely be away or possibly a casualty themselves requiring the available homeowners to band together to fill the various responsibilities of the Emergency Response Team.  For that reason, this update to your East Hill Earthquake and Emergency Preparedness Plan is provided to all EHHA members.  Our structure of teams assures that we will fill the priority response positions quickly. We are always searching for volunteers and complimentary capabilities to fill and augment our emergency response teams. Those members who work from home and whom can provide constant awareness of the state of our neighborhood and immediate response are also desperately needed to fill our Block Captain spaces.

 Remember this: Being ready and having a plan can reduce damage and save lives. We must all help each other in any emergency, even if it is only a warning call.  A plan executed in harmony with your neighbors reduces panic, provides for routine procedures, emergency and medical assistance to minimize exposure and damage. Please read the Plan, surf the above link, prepare your own “kit” and be ready to help your neighbors.

 **Please read and print this EERT document [click on the blue] as it contains much additional information that we consider invaluable in an emergency**

John Shmoldas                                                                        Gary Epstein

Captain, EERT                                                             Co-Captain, EERT

NOTE: If you have a FRS (Family Radio Service) radio you can get help in an emergency from the neighborhood teams by setting your radio to frequency 10 and private code 4.