Open House

(Headquarters) On Wednesday March 18th, 2009 Coaster and the City of Santa Fe Springs hosted an Open House for local Businesses and Coaster employees to learn more about emergency preparedness as part of the city’s Business Emergency Preparedness Network (BEPN). During the event attendees were given the opportunity to take a tour of the emergency container, see the SFS Fire Hazmat & USAR units on display, receive information on emergency communication tools, get disaster preparedness handouts to take home and share with family and friends, and talk with the American Red Cross.

The BEPN relies on the efforts of business volunteers and is designed to prepare businesses for emergency situations. It is coordinated by a volunteer committee of business people in conjunction with the Santa Fe Springs Chamber of Commerce and the City of Santa Fe Springs. The City's business community is divided into four geographical areas, each with an emergency container EOC, area coordinator and assistant coordinators. The objective of the network is to develop and implement a partnership with the City to facilitate self-reliance; to create a communications system with the City's Emergency Operations Center and the sharing of resources during an emergency. The network provides training, organizational guidance, and helps businesses develop formal "emergency business plans" for their companies.

Coaster has been a part of the BEPN for years, and this past December Coaster accepted a larger role by agreeing to have the zone 1 emergency container put at Coaster. In an emergency this container will be a check-in station for all businesses located in zone 1 of the city. The container does have some emergency supplies including bandages, flashlights, blankets, etc., however the container is NOT a source of food and water for businesses or citizens. The main purpose of the container is as an emergency communication tool. The advantage for Coaster hosting the container is in the event of a disaster; emergency professionals such as paramedics will use the container as a base and provide medical services. This means injured Coaster employees will be some of the first people helped in a disaster.

Prepare an emergency kit for home

The first 72 hours after a disaster are critical. Electricity, gas, water, and telephones may not be working. In addition, public safety services such as police and fire will be busy responding to the emergency. You should be prepared to be self-sufficient - able to live without running water, electricity and/or gas, and telephones - for at least three days following a disaster. To do so, keep on hand in a central location the following:

Food. Enough for 72 hours, preferably one week.
Water. Enough so each person has a gallon a day for 3 days, preferably one week. Store in airtight containers and replace it every six months. Store disinfectants such as iodine tablets or chlorine bleach, eight drops per gallon, to purify water if necessary.
First aid kit. Make sure it's well stocked, especially with bandages and antibiotics.
Fire extinguisher. Your fire extinguisher should be suitable for all types of fires. Teach all family members how to use it.
Flashlights with extra batteries. Keep flashlights beside your bed and in several other locations. DO NOT use matches or candles after an earthquake until you are certain there are no gas leaks.
Portable radio with extra batteries. Most telephones will be out of order or limited to emergency use. The radio will be your best source of information.
Extra blankets, clothing, shoes, and money.
Alternate cooking sources. Store a barbeque or camping stove for outdoor camping. CAUTION: Ensure there are no gas leaks before you use any kind of fire for cooking and do not use charcoal indoors.
Special items. Have at least a week's supply of medications and food for infants and those with special needs. Don't forget pet food.
Tools. Have an adjustable or pipe wrench for turning off gas and water.
Remember, when putting your kit together, pack your supplies in an easy to carry container, like a backpack or duffel bag. Additionally, keep important family documents in a waterproof, portable container.

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