Assemblymember Mariko Yamada Responds to Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami
SACRAMENTO, CA - Assemblymember Mariko Yamada (D-Davis) issued the following statement today in response to the 8.9 magnitude earthquake that hit Japan late Thursday night and the resulting tsunami.
“We are witnessing the worst earthquake in Japan’s history. I commend the Japanese people for their outstanding levels of preparedness and coordinated efforts to respond to this emergency. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those affected by this tragedy, especially those here in northern California.
“This disaster is a stark reminder of our own vulnerabilities, especially in the Delta region. Even with well-coordinated government preparedness, a person may be on their own for the first 72 hours of a crisis. I urge all Californians to take a few moments today to discuss an emergency preparedness plan with their loved ones. A few minutes today could save lives tomorrow.”
3 THINGS YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW TO BE PREPARED:
1. GET A KIT
- Prepare a kit that you can take should you need to evacuate. Check your kit at scheduled intervals for expired supplies. Your kit should be lightweight (without food and water), portable and should contain non-perishable food and water for three days, a first aid kit, and copies of important documents.
- Click here for a downloadable complete "Disaster Preparedness Kit" checklist: http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/issues/disaster/PDF/Assembly_EmergencyKit.pdf
2. MAKE A PLAN
- Identify responsibilities for each member of your household.
- In case you are separated from your loved ones during an emergency, choose two places to meet - right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, and a second location outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate.
- Practice evacuation from your home and the route you will travel to escape the emergency.
3. BE INFORMED
- Gather contact information for individuals, medical providers, fire department, poison control, police, local office of emergency services, and home and medical insurance.
- Teach your children how to call 9-1-1 and who to contact in the event of an emergency.
- Know CPR - it could save a life.
For more information on disaster preparedness, please visit Assemblymember Yamada’s website or contact the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Local Red Cross chapters can be reached at (530) 662-4669 (Yolo County) or (415) 427-8000 (Bay Area).
U.S. citizens currently in Japan may be difficult to reach by conventional means at this time. Where internet and telephone services are not available, it may be possible to contact people using SMS (Cell text message) or other forms of social media such as Twitter and Facebook. U.S. citizens looking for more information may contact the Department of State at JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov or call 1-888-407-4747.