Community Guide 2017
Planning for Emergencies in the San Geronimo Valley by Don Holmlund
Bolinas tectonic plate to warrant extensive earthquake preparations. Begin with preparations in the home by securing your water heater and gas pipes with metal strap- ping. Secure bookshelves and wall units with screws and brackets. How To Respond After a Major Earthquake: Stay away from windows, fireplaces and skylights and remain where you are until fire and traffic hazards are con- trolled. Roadways may be overloaded and power lines may be down. Inspect all gas pipes, electrical lines and water pipes immediately and secure or remove loose or stacked objects on shelves. Earthquakes usually come in groups so even a big earthquake is likely to be followed by more potentially significant tremors. Once local households have been inspected and severe emergency needs met, a neighborhood coordinator will activate your Neighborhood Radio System walkie-talkie to share information and needs with a village (e.g., Lagunitas) coordinator, who will then communicate needs with the Valley-wide system, which is linked to the County and oth- er disaster resources. The San Geronimo Valley Emergency Readiness Group (VERG) is in the process of setting up this radio system. Currently, all Valley towns have links to this system, and all neighborhoods will soon have links. If communications are disrupted, volunteers will/may report to local post office parking lots to obtain information and direction depending upon their capabilities. For more information specializing in Marin County preparedness, go to www.Readymarin.org. The federal gov- ernment also has many useful references at www.ready.gov. For more information and to become involved, please contact one of the Disaster Coordinators listed below. Disaster Coordinators: San Geronimo Valley Emergency Readiness Group - VERG
Being prepared for power failures, fire, flood, and earth- quake is a matter of sound planning and concrete action. Each year, disasters such as the Lake County fires serve as powerful reminders that you should involve your family in discussions about what to do before and during an emer- gency. According to some scientists, the epicenter of the 1906 earthquake which destroyed San Francisco was near Olema. And recent floods in the Valley have brought major destruction. The January 1982 storm, for example, brought almost 15 inches of rain during a 24-hour period, and Lagunitas School District sent students home by 10:30 in the morn- ing. Creeks throughout the Valley were overflowing onto roads, and refrigerators, toilets and porches were seen float- ing down the creeks. Major landslides caused severe inju- ries and loss of property, and the Golden Gate Bridge was closed because of a landslide. Your plan of action will differ depending on the specific incident; for example, in a flood emergency, it might be best to stay at home rather than cross a hazardous creek to reach a shelter or evacuate. In the event of a wildfire, timely evacuation may be critical. Whatever the disaster, do not take unnecessary actions: treat all downed power lines as live wires, do not cross flooded roads, and follow immediately any and all evacua- tion orders. Do not put your life in danger. Here are a few basic things to accomplish now : Power, Water, Food, and Emergency Supplies As electrical power, propane used in appliances such as stoves and furnaces, and water supply may be interrupted for long periods of time, make sure you have a battery operated radio, an adequate supply of batteries, propane canisters, water, food, and first aid materials stored in safe places. Review all fire extinguisher locations and instruc- tions for use, and check expiration dates. Communication As communications may also be disrupted, make sure that emergency and important telephone numbers are posted and discussed with family members. Be sure to arrange a single contact out of the area to use as a family bulletin board in the event of a disaster. A family evacuation plan and contact list should also be drafted and practiced. During an emer- gency, tune into local radio stations (e.g., KCBS 740 AM and KWMR 92.3 FM) for verified information. Earthquake Preparedness We are close enough to the San Andreas fault and the
Jim Fazackerley 415-300-7170 Brian McCarthy 415-613-6435 VERG facebook page: www.facebook.com/
Flood of 1982, corner of Montezuma and Juarez, Forest Knolls (Photo by Tom Valens)
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