Are You Prepared for an Emergency?

The city of Newport Beach is encouraging residents to make sure they are prepared for an unexpected disaster or emergency.

City officials say there are a few steps to be taken to help ensure you and your family's safety in the event of lack of electricity, water service or access to a grocery store.

• Develop a plan. Every family should develop an emergency preparedness plan so that everyone in the household knows what to do in the event of a disaster or emergency situation. The FEMA siteThis site has information on how to make a plan. 
• Build a kit. Every household in Newport Beach should have a disaster supply kit with enough supplies for all household members for at least a few days. Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to build your kit.
• Get trained. On Saturday, Sept. 15 the Newport Beach Fire Department is hosting the 4th annual Disaster Preparedness Expo at the Newport Beach Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave. The free event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants will learn how to build a disaster supply kit, safety techniques, how to prepare their families and what they can do to help prepare their neighborhoods in case of a disaster. Several vendors will also be selling disaster supply kits. For more information on the event, call 949-644-3112 or send an e-mail to nbcert@nbfd.net.
• Expect the unexpected. If you received a bomb threat at work, would you know what do? FEMA has put together a list of questions to ask the caller, which you can view here. If you are caught in a explosion did you know that whistling to a rescuer could save you? FEMA says shouting could lead to inhaling dangerous amounts of dust.

For more information on how to prepare for everything from a black out to a cyber attack, visit www.Ready.gov.