Preparation could mean the difference between life and death if an earthquake, wildfire or weather-related disaster strikes Los Angeles. Having a plan is the best way to increase the odds for survival in situations, especially if first responders cannot help for days or weeks.

Participants in the Community Emergency Response Team training learn triage and lifesaving skills. (photo courtesy of cert-la.com)

That is the message from the Los Angeles Fire Department’s disaster preparedness experts, who addressed members of the Miracle Mile Chamber of Commerce on June 14. Having the tools and supplies to take care of yourself, your family and your neighbors is imperative.

“The Los Angeles Fire Department has 106 stations serving 500 square miles and 3,200 personnel. At any time, there are 1,000 uniformed personnel on duty,” said LAFD Capt. John Ignatczyk, a disaster preparedness officer. “We are busy every day answering calls. That might not be the case during a time of disaster. Expect delays.”

LAFD personnel will be busy putting out major fires, addressing collapsed buildings and tending to large-scale problems after an earthquake or disaster. People should have supplies lasting a minimum of 72 hours, which is the amount of time experts think it may take to reach many victims.

Ignatczyk said earthquakes are not the only situation that require preparation. Severe weather, fires, landslides and flooding can occur at any time. The firefighters were called to Montecito in January after heavy rains caused flooding and mudslides that claimed lives and caused millions of dollars of property damage. One of the worst problems is complacency, or taking the approach that “it won’t happen to me,” he added.

Ignatczyk made the presentation with Capt. Christopher Winn, an LAFD Community Emergency Response Team commander. Winn said the CERT program trains people to serve as first responders who will serve as liaisons to the fire department if a disaster occurs.

“We would love to have you train so our city as a whole and our neighborhoods are better prepared,” Winn said. “At 2:35 in the morning when that big earthquake hits, the fire department may not be coming.”

Winn and Ignatczyk stressed that people should have a kit with essentials such as medication, first-aid items, water, food, batteries, a flashlight, cash and other necessities in their office, car and residence.

Keeping a list of phone numbers and contact information for family members and others is also important if smart phones and laptops run out of power if utilities are down. One thing people often don’t consider is keeping a vehicle’s gas tank full in case of evacuation. Gas stations may be damaged and credit card systems may not work. Also, have a plan to care for elderly individuals, people with special needs and pets, if applicable.

“Some things can be predicted, but some things can’t,” Ignatczyk said. “You will be much better off if you have a plan in place.”

Winn said the LAFD takes disaster preparedness seriously and will send firefighters to train business employees and members of community organizations. The only requirement for the free service is that businesses provide a space and bring together a group of approximately 20 to 25 people.

The LAFD also offers the CERT program, which involves 17.5 hours of training. Approximately 70,000 people have been trained in disaster preparedness since the program was started after the 1987 Whittier Narrows Earthquake, a 5.9 magnitude temblor that caused widespread damage. In addition to natural disasters, the training is valuable for situations involving terrorism or active shooters.

CERT trains people in fire suppression, triage and medical aid, light search and rescue, and working with fire and police department personnel. The LADF holds CERT classes regularly at fire stations and other locations throughout the city, and will hold them in community spaces for groups of 25 or more. For information and to find a CERT class, visit lafd.org/join/volunteer/cert.