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Disaster Preparedness
Emergency Preparedness Guide
Earthquakes, wildfires, floods, and terrorism are examples of unexpected disasters that can result in catastrophic loss of life and property. Although we cannot predict when these disasters will occur, we can be prepared. The City of Aliso Viejo is dedicated to protecting lives, property, and the environment before, during, and after a disaster. The City works closely with regional emergency management partners like the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Orange County Fire Authority, and members of the community to enhance resiliency and improve preparedness.
This guide provides critical information that empowers residents to take ownership in their personal preparedness. When community members are prepared, our emergency management system and first responders are better able to respond to a disaster. Disaster ready residents are able to contribute to the overall safety of our City and be a resource to their family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers in a disaster.
Disaster Preparedness Backpacks
Kick start or enhance your disaster preparedness by purchasing a Disaster Preparedness Backpack today! The City of Aliso Viejo sells prefilled, customized backpacks for $50. Click here to purchase.
Contents:
- N95 masks (x2)
- Nitrile Gloves (x2 pairs)
- 12-Hour Light Stick (x2)
- 4-in-1 Gas & Water Shut Off Tool
- Bio Hazard Bag
- 54 Piece First Aid Kit
- Roll of Duct Tape - 10 Yards
- Adult Emergency Poncho (x2)
- Large Solar Blanket - 84’ x 52’ (x2)
- Personal Hygiene Kits (x2)
- 4-in-1 AM/FM Radio, Flashlight, Siren, & Phone Charger
- Folder For Critical Paperwork
- Fillable Household Emergency Plan
- Aliso Viejo Specific Hazard & Preparedness Info
- Extra pockets to add items specific to your household
The purchase price reimburses the City of Aliso Viejo for the costs associated with the procurement of the products included in your backpack. Email questions to DisasterPrep@AVcity.org or call 949-425-2598.
Hazard Specific Preparedness Flyers
- Business
- Community
- Disabilities/Seniors
- Faith-Based Organizations
- Home
- Homeowners Associations
- Kids
- Pets
Disaster Preparedness for Your Business
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), roughly 40% to 60% of small businesses never reopen their doors following a disaster (FEMA), but it doesn’t have to be like this in Aliso Viejo! The price of preparing your business is far less than the cost of being unprepared. These websites have free tools and templates to assist with creating your business continuity plans, evacuation and shelter-in-place plans, preparing and training your employees and protecting your investments:
Your business can also partner with the City in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery! If you’re interested in being a resource to the City of Aliso Viejo in a disaster, email Disaster Preparedness to find out how.
Disaster Preparedness Presentations in the Community
The City of Aliso Viejo offers Disaster Preparedness presentations for groups of 10+ people to familiarize the community with local hazards, how to prepare, alert and warning systems, and what to do when disaster strikes. The presentation length and information can be tailored to the specific audience. We regularly do presentations for:
- Boy Scout Troops
- Businesses
- Faith-Based Organizations
- Girl Scout Troops
- Neighborhood Watch Groups
- Schools (Students and Staff)
Email Disaster Preparedness to set up a presentation.
Disaster Preparedness for those with Disabilities, Access & Functional Needs, Seniors
If you or someone close to you has a disability and other access and functional needs, you may need to take additional steps to protect you and your family in an emergency. Below are links to free resources to assist you in preparing for disasters:
Disaster Preparedness for Faith-Based Organizations
Faith-based organizations are an integral part of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery in every community. It’s critical that houses of worship in Aliso Viejo are prepared. Provided are free tools, templates, and resources to prepare your facilities and your members:
Your faith-based organization can also partner with the City in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery! If you’re interested in being a resource to the City in a disaster, email Disaster Preparedness to find out how.
Disaster Preparedness for Your Home
There is nothing more important than preparing you and your family for the unfortunate possibility that disaster can strike at any time. The City of Aliso Viejo is susceptible to damaging earthquakes and unpredictable wildfires. You can lessen the impact of a disaster by preparing you and your:
- Anywhere You Spend Your Time
- House of Worship
- Household
- Neighborhood
- Pets
- Place of Business
- School
Get a Kit
Put together a kit that includes basic necessities for survival that will sustain you for 5 to 7 days after an emergency or disaster.
Get a Plan
Think about all the ways you and your family can stay safe, prepared, and together during an emergency.
Get Informed
AlertOC
AlertOC is a mass notification system to keep Orange County, California residents and businesses informed of emergencies and certain community events. AlertOC can send time-sensitive texts and voice messages to your home, cell, and business phones, and emails with important information during an emergency.
For more detailed information about building your emergency kits, what to include in your emergency plan, and other ways to stay informed, please visit the ReadyOC website.
Homeowners Associations
Aliso Viejo is both a City and master-planned community. As such, most of the land within the City is privately owned by the Aliso Viejo Community Association (AVCA), sub-associations, and private property owners. It is the responsibility of private property owners to:
- prepare themselves and their property for disasters
- within their private property, mitigate potential damage from hazards
- repair damage to their property and/or rebuild after a disaster
Financial assistance from the government including FEMA and California Office of Emergency Services may be limited after a disaster. It’s critical to have adequate insurance and a plan for debris removal from private property including common areas and private roads.
Visit FEMA’s website to learn more on how to protect your property from natural hazards.
Help Preparing Your Community
Homeowners’ association boards can assist in preparing residents within their community by sharing credible preparedness information via their community website; newsletters; emails; mailers; door-to-door flyers and pamphlets; posters/flyers on community bulletin boards; and other already established means of communication. The City’s emergency management office can assist you with preparedness content specific to the hazards your community faces. Email DisasterPrep@avcity.org or call 949-425-2598 to request assistance in preparing your community.
Disaster Preparedness for Kids
One of the best ways to help kids feel less vulnerable in disasters is by engaging them in the preparedness process. Here are resources to help prepare kids and schools for disasters:
Your school can partner with the City in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery! If you’re interested in being a resource to the City in a disaster, email Disaster Preparedness to find out how. Emergency planning and preparedness as well as alert and warning for public schools in Aliso Viejo is managed by the Capistrano Unified School District.
Disaster Preparedness for Pets
Don’t forget to prepare your pets for disasters! You should have emergency supplies and a “go bag” for each of your pets in the event you have to evacuate or shelter in place for 5 to 7 days. Here are preparedness tips and checklists for emergency supplies: