Emergency Preparation
The magical paradox of Vista Verde is that its rural beauty and solitude is just 10 minutes from I280 and the heart of Silicon Valley. However, our community's unique geography and geology also make it susceptible to major earthquakes and wildland fires. During a major natural disaster, our community could be cut off from emergency services for days. By being prepared and getting involved in various training exercises/classes, residents can help to protect themselves, their families, their neighbors, and their property in the case of a major natural disaster.
What Do I Say?
- Stay calm and Speak clearly
- Listen carefully to the Dispatchers questions and answer each question carefully.
- Verbally answer all questions. Remember the Dispatcher cannot see your hand or head gestures, signs or motions.
- State your emergency.
- State your address - IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO VERIFY THE ADDRESS
- STAY ON THE LINE
- Do not hang up until the Dispatcher tells you it is OK to do so. They may need to ask additional questions regarding the emergency or an EMS dispatcher may give your instructions to help stabilize the patient before the ambulance gets to your location.
- Follow the instructions of the Dispatcher and remain calm.
- If you can, stay by the phone in case the 9-1-1 call-taker needs to call you back.
Each home should have a Family Radio Service (FRS) or General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) radio and keep them charged and set on the channel and code for your Neighborhood. Radios will serve as a back-up communication should telephones not be working. You can purchase a basic pair of 14 channel FRS radios for about $40; radios with more channels will also work. Radios can be purchased at most electronic stores or online, a common example is the Motorola "Talkabout" 2 way.
Read more: Backup Communications Using FRS Radio ("Walkie-Talkie")
