SS Item A-1 — Beverly Hills City Council, January 18, 2022

STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: January 18, 2022
To: Honorable Mayor & City Council
From: Gregory W. Barton, Fire Chief
Mark G. Stainbrook, Chief of Police
Subject: Update on JUST IN CASE BH (JICBH) and Neighborhood Watch Programs
Attachments: 1.) JUST IN CASE BH Flyer (English and Farsi)

2.) JUST IN CASE BH Manual (Draft)

INTRODUCTION
This is to provide an update regarding the JUST IN CASE BH (JICBH) and Neighborhood Watch Programs. JICBH is a City-led, neighborhood-based emergency preparedness program, with a communication structure for emergency preparedness. It enables residents and businesses to be proactive in their own safety. It also brings businesses, residents and all City services together before, during, and after emergencies. Neighborhood Watch is a police and community-led, crime prevention program, that solicits active participation from the community. This is done in coordination with law enforcement, in an effort to reduce, report, and deter crime.

DISCUSSION

JUST IN CASE BH (JICBH)
Vice Mayor Lili Bosse initiated JICBH in 2020. Since the last City Council update on August 17, 2021, JICBH has gained tremendous momentum. Its committee members and committed volunteers have worked hard to establish a platform to get the program’s message out to the businesses and community. The program’s continued collaboration with various City departments and City partners, namely; Information Technology, Policy & Management, Fire Department, and Police Department, along with the Chamber of Commerce, have yielded great results in further streamlining the program. Numerous virtual Zoom meetings, for all zones, have been conducted. This also included neighborhood walks throughout the community to distribute flyers, with volunteers alongside both Fire and Police Departments’ personnel. The program has been active on all social media platforms and hosting a booth at City events, such as the Concerts on Canon and the Farmers’ Market.

Page 2 of 3 ends

JICBH has nine (9) zones, which are currently in the process of being walked by volunteers to get the information out regarding the program. All walks adhere to Covid safety protocols.

For more information, please refer to the following:

1.) Website https://www.JUSTINCASEBH.org

2.) Social Media Platforms:
 Instagram: @justincasebh
 Twitter: @justincasebh
 Facebook: @justincasebh (Username coming soon)

3.) Contact:
 Email: [email protected]
 Phone: (310) 281-2754
Neighborhood Watch
Nationally, the first Neighborhood Watch Programs were created in the late 1960’s in response to rising crime rates. This program is one of the oldest and best-known crime prevention concepts in North America. The Beverly Hills Police Department created the first Neighborhood Watch Program in the early 1980’s. By the early 2000’s, the Department’s Crime Prevention Unit (renamed Community Relations) has over 120 neighborhood blocks actively involved in the program. In December 2019, the Community Relations Sergeant retired. The COVID pandemic caused a delay in the ability of the Police Department to fill the position until December 2021, when Sergeant Jesse R. Perez was formally selected as the new Community Relations Sergeant.

The Neighborhood Watch program’s mission is to bring community members together and to encourage engagement in crime prevention techniques and tactics. Community members act as force multipliers to provide the Police Department with more eyes and ears to guide police resources into areas where criminal activity may be afoot. The Community Relations Sergeant acts as a direct liaison between the police and the community and is responsible for establishing and supporting Neighborhood Watch groups. Sergeant Perez will help community members navigate through a variety of Neighborhood Watch programs ranging from crime prevention techniques, crime trends, and general safety matters. The Police Department believes that community partnerships are essential in preventing and/or reducing crime, enhancing communication, coordination, collaboration, and mitigating quality of life issues. The Neighborhood Watch Program allows residents and businesses to be proactive in their own safety, and brings together multiple stakeholders who, through active participation, help improve overall safety. BHPD’s goal is to continue this nationally recognized program, while keeping the City of Beverly Hills safe.

FISCAL IMPACT
Minimal fiscal impact to date.

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RECOMMENDATION
Staff will continue with the facilitation and implementation of the JUST IN CASE BH and the Neighborhood Watch Programs and recommends the City Council’s continued support.

Gregory W. Barton Mark G. Stainbrook
Fire Chief Chief of Police
Approved by Approved by
ATTACHMENT 1
J US T I N C A S E BH . O R G
JUST IN CASE BH brings Residents, Businesses, and all City services together by seamlessly assisting each other before, during and after emergencies through disaster preparedness, organizational leadership, and communication.

JUST IN CASE BH is a collaboration between community
members (residential & business), and City personnel, such as the Fire & Police Departments.

STAY

CON N E CT E D

I N F OR ME D

PR E PA R E D

FOR AN EMERGENCY
هدشن ینیبشیپ تاقافتا یارب :
. رد دیشاب طابترا
دیشاب هاگآ.
دیشاب هدامآ.
یم دحتم یلامتحا ھثداح زا دعب و نیح لبق ار رھش سیورس و سنیزیب و نینکاس طایتحا ضحم ھمانرب تھج یگدامآ و یھدناماس یارب مرگورپ نیا . دنک .تسا یلامتحا ثداوح
و نینکاس نیب یراکمھ کی زلیھ یلروب »طایتحا ضحم« ھمانرب
نینکاس طایتحا ضحم ھمانرب رھش سیورسو سنیزیبو نیح لبق ار زا دعبو یلامتحا ھثداح دحتم یم .دنک .تسا یلامتحا ثداوح تھج یگدامآ و یھدناماس یارب مرگورپ نیا زا رھش لنسرپ و سنیزیب و نینکاس نیب یراکمھ کی زلیھ یلروب »طایتحا ضحم« ھمانرب .تسا یناشن شتآ و سیلپ ھلمج
TI . I
ATTACHMENT 2
1 JUST IN CASE BH
MANUAL

CONNECTED INFORMED PREPARED
Zone: _______________________________________
Emergency Meeting Location: ____________________
My Block Captain: _____________________________
Block Captain’s Email: __________________________
Block Captain’s Mobile: _________________________
www.justincasebh.org
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
MANUAL COVER ....................................................................................................................

MY ZONE ..................................................................................................................................... 3 JUST IN CASE, BH Mission Statement ...................................................................................... 4 Important Emergency Resources ............................................................................................. 5 About the City’s 9 Geographical Zones ................................................................................... 6 Glance of Map of the 9 Geographical Zones ........................................................................... 7 Citywide Emergency Meeting Locations within Each Zone .................................................... 8 EMERGENCY RESPONSE STRUCTURE CHART ..........................................................................

Emergency Response Structure Chart – Chain of Command ........................................... 10 Emergency Response Structure – Roles & Responsibilities .............................................. 11 PROTOCOLS FOR TREATING LIFE THREATENING CONDITIONS ...............................................

If an Injured Person is Found .............................................................................................. 16 Stop the Bleed ..................................................................................................................... 17 Recognizing Shock and Maintaining Body Temperature .................................................. 20 Positioning a Patient………………………………………………………………….....................................22 Treating Burns ..................................................................................................................... 26 Wound Care ......................................................................................................................... 32 Amputations ........................................................................................................................ 37 Impaled Objects .................................................................................................................. 38 Fractures, Dislocations, Sprains, and Strains ..................................................................... 39 Splinting ............................................................................................................................... 43 Heat Related Injuries ........................................................................................................... 45 Insect Bites and Strings ....................................................................................................... 48 Preparing a Disaster Supply Kits ............................................................................................ 50 Managing at Home During a Disaster ................................................................................... 53 In Case of Evacuation ............................................................................................................. 56 Extreme Heat .......................................................................................................................... 57 Earthquakes ............................................................................................................................ 62 Hazardous Materials .............................................................................................................. 65 Terrorism Attack…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….67 Pandemics……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..70 3 MY ZONE: ________________
INSERT PERSONALIZED ZONE MAP IMAGE i.e. if resident is in zone 9, insert zone 9 map). Easier if streets are listed!
Emergency Meeting Location: ____________________
Approximate Zone Boundaries:____________________
www.justincasebh.org

4 JUST IN CASE BH Mission Statement
JUST IN CASE BH brings Residents, Businesses, and all City services together to seamlessly, assist each other before, during and after emergencies through disaster preparedness,
organizational leadership, and communications.

JUST IN CASE BH is comprised of residents and members of the business sector who are disaster volunteers and serve as back up to the City’s first responders in the immediate aftermath of a major emergency disaster. The program provides a
roadmap to self-sufficiency by training volunteers and
empowering the community to work together.

5 Important Emergency Resources
My Block Captains: ____________________
Website: www.justincasebh.org
City Website: www.beverlyhills.org
Beverly Hills Television (BHTV): Spectrum Channel 10 and 35 Turn Radio dial to 1500AM
NIXLE Notifications: To receive emergency text message
alerts, text “BEVHILLS” and BEVHILLSPD” to 888777
Everbridge Emergency Alert Program: To receive email or text alerts visit: www.beverlyhills.org/everbridge
Disaster Hotline: (310) 550-4680
Citywide Outdoor Warning Siren System (OWS):

6 About the City’s 9 Geographical Zones
 The City is divided into 9 geographical zones, each with a designated Emergency Meeting Location and other
locations stocked with essential emergency supplies.
 Emergency Meeting Locations at each zone will also serve as evacuation centers unless otherwise directed.
 Scope of Emergency Meeting Location services:

7 Glance of Map of the 9 Geographical Zones
8 Citywide Emergency Meeting Locations within Each Zone ZONE 1 – BH Women’s Club: 1700 Chevy Chase Dr.

ZONE 2 – Coldwater Canyon Park: 1100 N. Beverly Dr.

ZONE 3 – North Section: 405 Walker Place
South Section: Greystone Mansion: 501 N. Doheny
Rd.

ZONE 4 – North Section: 835 Whittier Dr. at the Maltz Park South Section: 1400 Park Way at N. Santa Monica &
Park Way.

ZONE 5 – North Section: 800-879 N. Canon Dr. at the
Will Rogers Park at Sunset Blvd & N. Beverly Dr.

South Section 1: 1202 Park Way at N. Santa Monica
& Parkway.

Southeast Section 2: 9439 Santa Monica Blvd.

Fountain
ZONE 6 – Roxbury Park: 471 S. Roxbury Dr.

ZONE 7 – Burton Median at Burton Way between Rexford
& Doheny Dr.
9 ZONE 8 – East Section: Oakhurst Mini Park: 120 S.

Oakhurst Dr.

West Section: 265 S. Elm
ZONE 9 – La Cienega Park: 8400 Gregory Way
Notes:

10 Emergency Response Structure Chart – Chain of
Command
Notes:

11 Emergency Response Structure – Roles & Responsibilities Unified Command
Fire, Police and City Department’s Chiefs or their designees will coordinate disaster response and communicate with the
North/South Coordinators.

North/South Coordinator
The North/South Coordinators will be responsible for direct communication between the Emergency Operations Center and the Zone Coordinators. The North Coordinator will be
responsible for the zones north of Santa Monica Boulevard (Zones 1-5). The South Coordinator will be responsible for the zones south of Santa Monica Boulevard (Zones 6-9).

Zone Coordinator
A Zone Coordinator is responsible for one of the nine respective zones and reports directly to the North/South Coordinator. The Zone Coordinator also communicates with their respective Neighborhood Coordinators.

Neighborhood Coordinator
Once the Neighborhood Coordinator receives information from the Zone Coordinator, the Neighborhood Coordinator shares the 12 information with their assigned Block Captains. Each Neighborhood Coordinator is responsible for 3-7 blocks.

Block Captain
Once the Block Captain receives an update from the designated Neighborhood Coordinator, the Block Captain will communicate directly with the individuals in their respective block. Each Captain will also walk the block to see which neighbors may need assistance.
 Turn on your walkie talkie to the JUSTINCASEBH channel.  Check in with your Neighborhood Coordinator. If unable to reach, contact your Zone Coordinator.
 After checking your own home, contact your co-captain and coordinate the inspection of your block, making sure that those who need assistance receive it.
 If Search and Rescue or medical assistance is needed
contact your Neighborhood Coordinator.
 When block check is complete, contact your Neighborhood Coordinator for further assignments.

Medical Volunteer
A volunteer Medical Team will assist with the sick and injured at the Emergency Meeting Location within each zone.
13 Search and Rescue (S&R)
Each zone will have its own volunteer Search and Rescue Team.
 Turn on your walkie-talkie to the JUSTINCASEBH channel.  Put on your S & R backpack. If you have not already heard from your Zone or Neighborhood Coordinator, report to your Emergency Meeting Location.

Communications Volunteer
Communications Volunteers will distribute walkie-talkies or ham radios for those who are licensed to use them.

CERT Volunteer
Many community members have completed their Certified
Emergency Response Training (CERT). They are prepared to assist in disaster medical operations and to tend to conditions that require immediate attention such as controlling bleeding and properly positioning a patient, so they can breathe.

CERT Volunteers and others providing emergency assistance should always wear personal protective equipment and keep their CERT emergency medical treatment reference WITH this general manual.
14 Before administering care, CERT Volunteers and others providing emergency care should consider the following:
 Do I feel safe at this location to perform my duties?  Should I leave and move to a safer location, or am I able to stay and start providing care immediately?
 If I leave, can I take anyone with me?
All Residents
 Ensure family members are safe.
 Assess your home for damage and safety.
 Determine the scope of the situation, road conditions, and availability of public emergency services by using the
citywide emergency radio channel, AM 1500. Watch for
NIXLE and Everbridge alerts.
 Cable Channels 10 & 35.

15 Protocols for Treating Life Threatening Conditions
If an Injured Person is Found:
 If an injured person is ambulatory, get them to your
Emergency Meeting Location. Every Emergency Meeting
Location will have physicians and supplies.
 If an injured person is not ambulatory, contact your Block Captain. All injured residents will be triaged on-site or transported and treated.

Notes:

16 Protocols for Treating Life Threatening Conditions
Stop the Bleed
Stop the Bleed by:

1. Applying Direct Pressure

2. Applying a Tourniquet

GET BLEEDING UNDER CONTROL TO AVOID SHOCK OR
DEATH.

1. Direct Pressure
The first way to control excessive bleeding is through applying direct pressure.

How to apply direct pressure:

Step 1: Find the source(s) of bleeding.

Step 2: If you have a barrier to place in between the blood and your hands, use it. (e.g., gloves, a cloth, a plastic bag) 17 Step 3: Apply firm, steady pressure directly on the source of the bleeding. Push hard to stop or slow bleeding – even if it is painful to the injured!
Step 4: Keep pressure applied until EMS takes over care or bleeding has stopped. If you are unsure if bleeding has stopped, continue applying pressure and wait for EMS.

Things to keep in mind when applying direct pressure:
 Try to provide a barrier against the blood if possible. Gloves are best.
 Do not use the same gloves or barrier on more than one person.
 If your barrier becomes blood soaked, replace it, but do not layer more things on top of it.
 Do not remove the gauze or cloth to check to see if it is still bleeding until you have kept the pressure for several
minutes. (Removing the cloth too often will cause the clot that is forming to be broken.)
 Do not place bulky layers in between your hands and the source of the wound because it decreases the effectiveness of the pressure.
 Correctly applied pressure may not be comfortable for the injured. Do not let up; hold pressure until EMS arrives.  If EMS is delayed, then…
18 2. Tourniquets
If you cannot stop the bleeding by applying direct pressure and EMS professionals are delayed in responding, a tourniquet may be a viable option to save a person from bleeding to death. You are more likely to save a life than cause the loss of a limb if you use a tourniquet.

A tourniquet is a tight bandage that, when placed around a limb and tightened, cuts off the blood supply to the part of the limb beyond it. If a commercial tourniquet is not readily available, you can try to create one yourself using something that is broad, flexible, strong, and able to be twisted, tightened, and secured, such as a webbed belt or luggage strap, kids’ jump rope, or strips of sturdy fabric. Improvised tourniquets are a last resort to slow the bleeding.

How to use a tourniquet:

Step 1: Place tourniquet 1-2 inches above injury. (You can place it over clothing.)
Step 2: Pull the strap through the buckle.

Step 3: Twist the rod tightly until bleeding stops/slows significantly. (May be very painful)
Step 4: Secure the rod.

Step 5: If bleeding does not stop, place a second tourniquet.

Step 6: Leave in place until EMS takes over care.

Step 7: Note time and date of application.
19 Notes:
20 Protocols for Treating Life Threatening Conditions
Recognizing Shock and Maintaining Body Temperature
Recognizing Shock
The body will initially compensate for blood loss and mask the symptoms of shock; therefore, shock is often difficult to diagnose. It is possible and common for an individual suffering from shock to be fully coherent and not complain of pain.

Pay attention to subtle clues as failure to recognize shock will have serious consequences.

Main signs of shock:
 Rapid and shallow breathing
 Capillary refill of greater than two seconds
 Failure to follow simple commands, such as “squeeze my hand”
When a patient is in shock, avoid rough or excessive handling.

It is also important to maintain the patient’s body temperature.

Maintaining Body Temperature
If necessary, place a blanket or other material under and/or over the patient to provide protection from extreme ground
temperatures (hot or cold). People with very serious injuries are 21 more susceptible to hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature.

Hypothermia increases the risk of death in survivors with serious injuries, so you must maintain normal body temperatures in patients as much as possible.

To keep a person warm, you should:
 Remove wet clothing
 Place something between the injured person and the
ground (e.g., cardboard, jacket, blanket, or anything that provides physical separation)
 Wrap the injured person with dry layers (e.g., coat, blanket, or Mylar emergency blanket)
 Shield the injured person from the wind with your body or surrounding objects.

Notes:
22 Protocols for Treating Life Threatening Conditions
Positioning a Patient

1. Positioning an unconscious patient

2. Positioning a conscious patient

1. Positioning an Unconscious Patient
Support the head, and keep it in alignment with the spine, carefully turn the unconscious patient on their side (preferable left side) so the tongue cannot flop back into the throat, and blood or fluid do not leak into the lungs. In cases of facial trauma, turn patient on the side that will best help to protect injury.

Do not move a patient more than necessary.

Airway is your priority and keeping head in alignment with the spine.

Recovery Position
To move a patient into the recovery position, place the patient’s body as shown:
23 How to place in a recovery position:
 Body: Laid on its side
 Bottom Arm: Reached outward
 Top Arm: Rest hand on bicep of bottom arm
 Head: Rest on hand
 Legs: Bent slightly
 Chin: Raised
 Mouth: Downward
 Airway: Keep airway clear
Opening the Airway
Position an injured patient to keep their airway open and clear.

It is critically lifesaving. The best position for the body is one in which the chest can fully expand and the airway is not at risk of being obstructed.
24 Jaw-thrust Maneuver
When the patient is unconscious, and you suspect there is an airway obstruction, clear the airway using the jaw-thrust maneuver.

How to perform jaw-thrust maneuver on an unconscious adult:

Kneel above the patient’s head and…
 Put one hand on each side of the patient’s head with the thumbs near the corners of the mouth pointed towards the chin, using the elbows for support.
 Slide the fingers into position under the angles of the patient’s jawbone without moving the head or neck.
 Thrust the jaw upward without moving the head or neck to lift the jaw and open the airway.
25 2. Positioning a Conscious Patient
Someone who is awake will naturally assume the position that is best for them given their injuries. Despite how it looks to you, let them self-manage their airway to position their own body.

How to position a conscious patient, if needed:
 Assist patient to sit on a raised surface with legs shoulderswidth apart, or they can stand in this position.  Place hands or elbows on knees while leaning slightly forward with a straight back as shown:

Notes:

26 Protocols for Treating Life Threatening Conditions
Treating Burns

1. Non-Chemical Burns

2. Chemical Burns
Burn Classifications
Depending on the severity, burns may affect all three layers of the skin.

1. The epidermis, or outer layer of skin, contains nerve endings and are penetrated by hairs.

2. The dermis, or middle layer of skin, contains blood vessels, oil glands, hair follicles, and sweat glands.

3. The subcutaneous layer, or innermost layer, contains blood vessels and overlies the muscles.

See table.
27 Burn Classification Table:

Burn Classification Skin Layers
Affected
Signs
Superficial Epidermis Reddened, dry skin
Pain
Swelling (possible)
Partial Thickness Epidermis- partial
destruction of
dermis.

Reddened, blistered
skin.

Wet appearance
Pain
Swelling (possible)
Full Thickness Complete
destruction of
epidermis and
dermis.

Possible
subcutaneous
damage.

Whitened, leathery, or
chartered (brown or
black).

Painful or relatively
painless.
28 Treating Burns

1. Non-Chemical Burns

2. Chemical Burns

1. Treating Non-Chemical Burns
 Heat
 Fire
 Electrical current
 Radiation
Your goal is to prevent hypothermia, to manage pain and reduce the risk of infection.

Cool Down Heat-Induced Burns
*Important Note – rapid temperature changes can cause
shock. Assess size and severity of the burn prior to cooling to avoid drop-in body temperature.

Cooling sources include water from the bathroom or kitchen; garden hose; and soaked towels, sheets, or other cloths.

How to treat non-chemical burns:
 Remove yourself and the patient from the source of the burn.
 Put out any flames and remove smoldering clothing unless it is stuck to the skin.
29  Cool skin or clothing if they are still hot by immersing them in cool water for not more than one minute, or cover with clean compresses that have been soaked in cool water and wrung out.
 Immersion in cold water is only recommended for small burns (< 10% BSA) or it will induce hypothermia, which is not good during the burn recovery.
 Do not use ice. Ice causes vessel constriction.
 Cover loosely with dry, sterile dressings to keep air out, reduce pain, and prevent infection.
 Wrap fingers and toes loosely and individually when
treating severe burns to the hands and feet.
 Loosen clothing near the affected area. Remove jewelry if necessary, and document what you removed, when, and
where it was placed or to whom you gave it to.
 Do not apply antiseptics, ointments, or other remedies.  Do not remove shreds of tissue break blisters or remove adhered particles of clothing (cut burned-in clothing around the burn.)
After basic first aid is administered, confirm what caused the burn and its duration, so doctors will have as much information as possible.
30 Severity of a burn
The severity of a burn depends on the:
 Temperature of the burning agent
 Period of time the patient was exposed
 Area of the body that was affected
 Size of the area burned
 Depth of the burn

2. Treating Chemical Burns
Unlike traditional burns, chemical burns do not result from extreme heat, and therefore, treatment differs greatly (e.g., decontamination procedures). If you suspect a chemical burn, it is best to defer treatment to trained medical professionals.

Chemical burns are not always obvious. Consider chemical burns as a possibility if the patient’s skin is burning and there is no sign of a fire.

If you suspect a chemical burn:
 Protect yourself from contact with the substance and use your protective gear, especially goggles, mask, and gloves.  Be sure to remove any affected clothing or jewelry.
31  If the irritant is dry, gently brush away as much as possible.

Always brush away from the eyes and away from the patient and yourself.
 Use lots of cool running water to flush the chemical from the skin for at least 10 minutes. The running water will dilute the chemical fast enough to prevent the injury from getting worse.
 After irrigation, dry and maintain a normal temperature.  Apply a cool, wet compress to relieve pain.
 Cover the wound very loosely with a dry, sterile, or clean cloth so that the cloth will not stick to the wound.

Notes:

32 Protocols for Treating Life Threatening Conditions
Wound Care
The main treatments for wounds include:

1. Control the bleed or stopping the bleed

2. Apply dressing and bandage
The focus of this section is on bandaging, which will help to prevent secondary infection. Treatment for controlling bleeding can be found at the end of this section.

1. Stop the Bleed by:

A. Applying Direct Pressure
B. Applying a Tourniquet

GET BLEEDING UNDER CONTROL TO AVOID SHOCK OR
DEATH.

Indications of life-threating bleeding include:
 Spurting/Steady bleeding
 Blood is pooling
 Blood is soaking through overlying clothes
 Blood is soaking through bandages
 Amputated body parts
33 A. Direct Pressure
The first way to control excessive bleeding is through applying direct pressure.

How to apply direct pressure:

Step 1: Find the source(s) of bleeding.

Step 2: If you have a barrier to place in between the blood and your hands, use it. (e.g., gloves, a cloth, a plastic bag) Step 3: Apply firm, steady pressure directly on the source of the bleeding. Push hard to stop or slow bleeding – even if it is painful to the injured!
Step 4: Keep pressure applied until EMS takes over care or bleeding has stopped. If you are unsure if bleeding has stopped, continue applying pressure and wait for EMS.

Things to keep in mind when applying direct pressure:
 Try to provide a barrier against the blood if possible. Gloves are best.
 Do not use the same gloves or barrier on more than one person.
 If your barrier becomes blood soaked, replace it, but do not layer more things on top of it.
 Do not remove the gauze or cloth to check to see if it is still bleeding until you have kept the pressure for several
34 minutes. (Removing the cloth too often will cause the clot that is forming to be broken.)
 Do not place bulky layers in between your hands and the source of the wound because it decreases the effectiveness of the pressure.
 Correctly, applied pressure may not be comfortable for the injured. Do not let up; hold pressure until EMS arrives.  If EMS is delayed, then…
B. Tourniquets
If you cannot stop the bleeding by applying direct pressure and EMS professionals are delayed in responding, a tourniquet may be a viable option to save a person from bleeding to death. You are more likely to save a life than cause the loss of a limb if you use a tourniquet.

Step 1: Place tourniquet 1-2 inches above injury. (You can place it over clothing.)
Step 2: Pull the strap through the buckle.

Step 3: Twist the rod tightly until bleeding stops/slows significantly. (May be very painful)
Step 4: Secure the rod.

Step 5: If bleeding does not stop, place a second tourniquet.

Step 6: Leave in place until EMS takes over care.

Step 7: Note time and date of application.

2. Bandaging Wounds
Once you have controlled bleeding, you will need to apply a dressing and bandage to help maintain the clot and prevent infection, only after removing debris. This can be done by rinsing with soap and water or using tweezers, if needed for imbedded debris, remember to clean tweezers with rubbing alcohol.

There is a difference between a dressing and a bandage. • Apply dressing directly to the wound. Whenever possible, a dressing should be sterile.
• A bandage holds the dressing in place.
36 If a wound is still bleeding the bandage should place enough pressure on the wound to help control bleeding without
interfering with circulation.

Rules of Dressing:
 If there is active bleeding (i.e., if the dressing is soaked with blood), redress over the existing dressing and maintain pressure to control bleeding
 In the absence of active bleeding, maintaining the pressure and keep the wound bandaged until further treatment by a medical professional. Signs of possible infection include:

1. Swelling around the wound site

2. Discoloration

3. Discharge from the wound

4. Red striations (lines in the skin) from the wound site Notes:

37 Protocols for Treating Life Threatening Conditions
Amputations
Assisting a patient with a severed body part:
• CERT volunteers should never amputate a body part.
• If the extremity is partially severed, control bleeding and splint the extremity in a position that is close to normal.

When the severed body part can be located, CERT volunteers should:
 Save tissue parts, wrapped in clean material and placed in a plastic bag, if available. Label them with the date, time, and patient’s name.
 Keep the tissue parts cool, but NOT in direct contact with ice.
 Keep the severed body part with the patient.

Notes:

38 Protocols for Treating Life Threatening Conditions
Impaled Objects
Sometimes, you may also encounter some patients who have foreign objects lodged in their bodies. This situation is usually outside the scope of CERT training. The best course of action is to find trained medical personnel (EMS). If EMS care is not available you can still provide care.

How to provide care when a foreign object impales a patient:
• Immobilize the affected body part.
• Do not attempt to move or remove the object, unless it is obstructing the airway.
• Try to control bleeding at the entrance wound without placing undue pressure on the foreign object.
• Clean and dress the wound making sure to stabilize the impaled object.
• Wrap bulky dressings around the object to keep it from moving.

Notes:

39 Protocols for Treating Life Threatening Conditions
Fractures, Dislocations, Sprains, and Strains

1. Fractures

2. Dislocations

3. Sprains and Strains
The objective when treating a suspected fracture, sprain, or strain is to immobilize the injury and the joints immediately above and below the injury site. It is difficult to distinguish among fractures, dislocations, sprains, or strains, if uncertain, treat the injury as a fracture.

1. Fractures
A fracture is a complete break, a chip, or a crack in a bone.

Types of fractures:
• Open fracture – a broken bone with some kind of wound that allows contaminants to enter into or around the fracture site.
• Closed fracture – a broken bone with no associated wound.

First aid treatment for closed fractures may require only splinting as with dislocations, strains and sprains.
• Displaced fracture – if the limb is angled with the main signs of pain and swelling.
40 **You should treat any suspected fracture as a fracture until professional treatment is available**
Open Fracture
Open fractures are most dangerous as they pose a great risk of severe bleeding and infection and thus they are a higher priority so volunteers should check them more frequently.

When treating open fractures:

Don’ts
• Do not draw the exposed bone-end back into the tissue • Do not irrigate the wound
Dos
• Cover the wound with a sterile dressing and apply pressure • Splint the fracture without disturbing the wound

2. Dislocations
A dislocation is an injury to the ligaments around a joint that is so severe that it permits a separation of the bone from its normal position in a joint.

The signs of a dislocation are similar to those of a closed fracture.
41 When treating dislocations:
• Treat a suspected dislocation like a closed fracture which may require splinting.
• Avoid relocating a suspected dislocation.
• You should immobilize the joint until professional medical help is available.

3. Sprains and Strains
A sprain involves a stretching or tearing of ligaments at a joint.

Typically, stretching or extending the joint beyond its normal limits causes the sprain.

A sprain is considered a partial dislocation, although the bone either remains in place or is able to fall back into place after the injury. Whether an injury is a strain or sprain, treat the injury as if it is a closed fracture, which may require splinting.

Common signs of a sprain are:
• Tenderness at the site of the injury
• Swelling and/or bruising
• Restricted use or loss of use
42 Treating a sprain:
• Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
• May require splitting.

Notes:

43 Protocols for Treating Life Threatening Conditions
Splinting
Splinting is the most common procedure for immobilizing an injury.

Cardboard is the most common type of material used for
makeshift splints, but a variety of materials can be used, including:
• Soft materials: Towels, blankets, or pillows, tied with bandaging materials or soft cloths.
• Rigid materials: A board, metal strip, folded magazine or newspaper, or another rigid item.

How to create anatomical splints:
• Secure a fractured bone to an adjacent un-fractured bone.

Usually, anatomical splints are reserved for fingers and toes, but, in an emergency, volunteers may splint legs
together.
• Use soft materials to fill the gap between the splinting material and the body part.
• With this type of injury, there will be swelling. Remove restrictive clothing, shoes, and jewelry when necessary to prevent these items from acting as unintended tourniquets. • Check circulation before and after and then periodically so the splint itself was not placed or does not become too tight. 44 Notes:

45 Protocols for Treating Life Threatening Conditions
Heat Related Injuries

1. Heat Cramps

2. Heat Exhaustion

3. Heat Stroke
Types of heat-related injuries:

1. Heat Cramps: muscle spasms brought on by over-exertion in extreme heat.

2. Heat Exhaustion: occurs when an individual exercises or works in extreme heat, resulting in loss of body fluids through heavy sweating. Blood flow to the skin increases, causing blood flow to decrease to the vital organs. This results in a mild form of shock.

3. Heat Stroke: life-threatening condition when the patient’s temperature control system shuts down, and body
temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result.

2. Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms of heat exhaustion:
• Cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin
• Heavy sweating
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
46 • Dizziness
• Exhaustion
A patient suffering heat exhaustion will have a near normal body temperature. If left untreated, heat exhaustion will develop into heat stroke.

3. Heat Stroke
Symptoms of heat stroke:
• Hot, red skin
• Lack of perspiration
• Changes in consciousness
• Rapid, weak pulse and rapid, shallow breathing
In a heat stroke patient, body temperature can be very high (as high as 105F). If an individual suffering from heat stroke is not treated, death can result.

Treatment
Treatment is similar for both heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

• Take the patient out of the heat and place in a cool
environment.
• Cool the body slowly with cool, wet towels or sheets or put the patient in a cool bath.
47 • If the patient is experiencing vomiting, cramping, or is losing consciousness, DO NOT administer food or drink.
• Alert a medical professional as soon as possible.
• Keep a close watch on the individual until professional help is available.

Notes:

48 Protocols for Treating Life Threatening Conditions
Insect Bites and Stings

1. Insect Bites and Stings

2. Allergic Reactions to Bites and Stings

1. Insect Bites and Stings
The specific symptoms vary depending on the type of creature, but generally, bites and stings can result in redness and itching, tingling or burning at the site of the injury, and often a welt on the skin at the site.

Treatment for insect bites and stings:
• Remove the stinger if still present by scraping the edge of a credit card or other stiff, straight-edged object across the stinger. Do not use tweezers; these may squeeze the
venom sac and increase the amount of venom released.
• Wash the site thoroughly with soap and water.
• Place ice (wrapped in a washcloth) on the site of the sting for 10 minutes and then off for 10 minutes. Repeat this process.

2. Allergic Reactions to Bites and Stings
Severe insect bites can cause an allergic reaction, or
anaphylaxis.
49 Anaphylaxis occurs when an allergic reaction becomes so severe that it compromises the airway.

If you suspect anaphylaxis:
 Calm the individual.
 If possible, find and help administer a patient’s Epi-pen. (Many severe allergy sufferers carry one at all times.)  DO NOT administer medicine aside from the Epi-pen. This includes pain relievers, allergy medicine, etc.
 Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) will NOT help with facial or airway swelling.

Notes:
50 Preparing a Disaster Supply Kit
Having a disaster supply kit ready ensures preparedness no matter how fast you may need to evacuate. Pack supplies in duffel bags or backpacks and keep them in a designated place.

Your kit will also come in handy if you must take shelter in your home. This list will help ensure that your disaster supply kit includes all the essentials.

Water
• Pack at least one gallon per person per day for at least three days.
• Store water in tightly sealed, non-breakable plastic, fiberglass or enamel-lined metal containers.
• Change your water every six months.

Food
• Pack enough food to last each family member at least three days.
• Include canned and boxed foods because they require little preparation and stay good for long periods of time.

Remember to bring a manual can opener or to buy food in self-opening cans.
• Pack foods in sealed metal or plastic containers.
• Replace foods every six months.
• Include foods for infants and family members with special diets.
51 Tools and Equipment
• Battery-powered radio
• Flashlights and spare batteries
• Resealable plastic bags
• Washcloths and towels
• Paper cups and plates and plastic utensils
• Toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant and other toiletries
• Heavy-duty plastic garbage bags
• Change of clothing and an extra pair of shoes and socks for each person
• Blankets or a sleeping bag for each person
Personal Items
• Personal identification
• Copies of birth and marriage certificates, inventory of household goods, bank account numbers and other
important documents
• Maps
• Extra car and house keys
• Prescription medications
First Aid Kit Essentials
• Adhesive bandages
• Gauze pads and roll
• Latex gloves
52 • Laxative
• Moist towelettes
• Needle and safety pins
• Petroleum jelly
• Scissors
• Sunscreen
• Thermometer
• Tongue depressors
• Triangular bandages
• Tweezers
• Antiacid
• Antibiotic-ointment
• Antidiarrhea medication
• Antiseptic
• Aspirin and non-aspirin pain reliever
• Cleansing agents (isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, soap, germicide)
• Cotton balls
• First aid manual

53 Managing at Home During a Disaster
Whether you need to evacuate or not, disasters can isolate you from outside help and make it necessary for you to care for yourself for days at a time. Ensure your disaster supply kit contains many of the tools and supplies you need.

Managing Resources you Have at Home
Water
• Water is crucial for health and survival. If a disaster is imminent, fill pitchers, jars, buckets, water bottles and your bathtub in case your community water supply is cut off. If your drinking water supply is running low, use water from ice cube trays, the water heater and toilet tanks (but not bowls).

It is not safe to use the water from radiators, waterbeds or swimming pools.
• Each person should drink at least two quarts of water each day. Drink what you need each day, and look for more water for the next day.

Food
• Ration food supplies for everyone except children and pregnant women. Most people can survive easily on half the normal amount.
• Avoid eating food from dented or swollen cans or food that looks or smells abnormal.
• Use pre-prepared formula for babies.
54 In Case of a Power Outage
• Practice energy conservation to help your power company avoid rolling blackouts.
• Always keep your car’s fuel tank at least half full, gas stations use electricity to operate pumps.
• Know how to manually release your electric garage door. • Protect your computer with a surge protector.
• If the power goes out, check your fuse box or circuit breaker, or contact neighbors to see if the outage is limited to your own home.
• Tum off computers, stereos, televisions, and appliances you were using when the power went off. Leave one light turned on so you know when power is restored.
• Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer doors. Food will remain fresh for up to four hours after the power goes off. If you know power outages may happen, freeze water in
plastic bottles to keep food home cool longer.
• If the outage is expected to last for several days or more, consider relocating to a shelter or a friend’s home.

Using a Generator
• If you plan to use a generator, operate it outside only, not in the basement or garage. Do not hook it up directly to your home’s wiring. Instead, connect the equipment and
appliances you want to power directly to the outlet on the generator.
55 In Case of Evacuation
It may be necessary to evacuate your home for several days or longer in a disaster situation. Be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.

Steps to Take in Case of Evacuation
• Contact the local emergency management office to learn evacuation routes for your area.
• Determine where you will go if your community is
evacuated.
• Discuss with your family the possibility of evacuation. • Find out your child's school evacuation policy.
• Check that your disaster supply kit is assembled and ready to go.
• Make sure your car is filled up-fuel may be in short supply during a disaster.

When Authorities Tell you to Evacuate
• Bring your disaster supply kit.
• Wear sturdy shoes and clothing.
• Unplug home electronics.
• Lock the doors and windows.
• Turn off the main switches and valves for gas, water, and electricity, if instructed.
• Inform a friend or relative of your route.
56 • Follow recommended evacuation routes. Watch
for washed-out bridges, flooded areas and downed power
lines.

Pets
• Pets should not be left behind during a disaster, but do not risk your own safety attempting to find them if you must evacuate quickly.
• Attach ID tags to your pet with your name and address. • Remember that most emergency shelters do not allow pets (except service animals).
• Make a list of pet shelters and of hotels that permit animals in the area were you would evacuate.
• Put together an emergency supply kit for your pet. Include things like a first aid kit, food dishes, a litter box, a leash or pet carrier, medication, food, veterinary records, and water.

If You Are Going to a Public Shelter
• Be aware that alcoholic beverages, pets and weapons are not allowed in public shelters.
• Practice patience and cooperation. Sharing space with many others can be a challenge.
• Stay in the shelter until authorities advise you it is safe to leave.

57 Extreme Heat
Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days.

In extreme heat, your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. In fact, extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards.

Remember:
• Extreme heat can occur quickly and without warning.
• Older adults, children, and sick or overweight individuals are at greater risk from extreme heat.
• Humidity increases the feeling of heat as measured by a heat index.

If You Are Under Extreme Heat Warning
• Find air conditioning.
• Avoid strenuous activities.
• Wear light clothing.
• Check on family members and neighbors.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. • Never leave people or pets in a closed car.
58 How to Stay Safe When Extreme Heat Threatens
• Find places in your community where you can go to get cool.
• Keep your home cool.
• Cover windows with drapes or shades.
• Weather-strip doors and windows.
• Use window reflectors, such as aluminum foil-covered
cardboard, to reflect heat back outside.
• Add insulation to keep the heat out.
• Use attic fans to clear hot air.
• Install window air conditioners and insulate around them. • Learn to recognize the signs of heat-related illness. • Never leave a child, adult, or animal alone inside a vehicle on a warm day.
• Find places with air conditioning. Libraries, shopping malls, and community centers can provide a cool place to take a break from the heat.
• If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. If you or someone you care for is on a special diet, ask a doctor how best to accommodate it.
• Do not use electric fans when the temperature outside is more than 95 degrees, as it could increase the risk of heat- 59 related illness. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort but do not reduce body temperature.
• Avoid high-energy activities.
• Check yourself, family members, and neighbors for signs of heat-related illness.

Recognize and Respond to Heat-Related Illness
- Heat Cramps
• Signs: Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms or legs.
• Actions: Go to a cooler location. Remove excess clothing.

Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if cramps last more than an hour.
- Heat Exhaustion
• Signs: Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps,
tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, fainting,
nausea, vomiting.
• Actions: Go to an air-conditioned place and lie down.

Loosen or remove clothing. Take a cool bath. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.
- Heat Stroke
• Signs: Recognize four key signs of heat stroke -
60 1. Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees) taken orally.

2. Red, hot and dry skin with no sweat.

3. Rapid, strong pulse.

4. Dizziness, confusion or unconsciousness.
• Actions: Call 9-1-1 or get the person to a hospital
immediately. Cool down with whatever methods are
available until medical help arrives.

61 Earthquakes
An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the ground caused by the shifting of rocks deep underneath the earth’s surface.

Earthquakes can happen without warning and can result in injuries and damage to property and roads. Earthquakes can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides, or avalanches.

If an earthquake happens, protect yourself right away.
• If you are in a car, pull over and stop. Set your
parking brake.
• If you are in bed, turn face down and cover your head and neck with a pillow.
• If you are outdoors, stay outdoors away from
buildings.
• Do not get in a doorway.
• Do not run outside.

Stay Safe During an Earthquake: Drop, Cover, and Hold On Drop: Wherever you are, drop down on to your hands and
knees. If you’re using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops.

Cover: Cover your head and neck with your arms. If a
sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter. If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows). Crawl only if you can reach better cover without going through an area with more debris. Stay on your knees or bent over to protect vital organs.
62 Hold on: If you are under a table or desk, hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it if it moves. If seated and unable to drop to the floor, bend forward, cover your head with your arms and hold on to your neck with both hands.

Prepare Before an Earthquake
The best time to prepare for any disaster is before it happens. • Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On with family and
coworkers.
• Secure heavy items in your home like bookcases,
refrigerators, televisions and objects that hang on
walls. Store heavy and breakable objects on low
shelves.
• Create a family emergency communications plan that
has an out-of-state contact. Plan where to meet if you
get separated.
• Make a supply kit that includes enough food and
water for at least three days, a flashlight, a fire
extinguisher, and a whistle.
• Consider obtaining an earthquake insurance policy. A
standard homeowner’s insurance policy does not
cover earthquake damage.
• Consider making improvements to your building to fix
structural issues that could cause your building to
collapse during an earthquake.
63 Stay Safe After an Earthquake
• If an earthquake has just happened, there can be
serious hazards such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines.
• Expect aftershocks to follow the main shock of an
earthquake.
• Check yourself to see if you are hurt and help others if you have training. Learn how to be the help until help
arrives.
• If you are in a damaged building, go outside and quickly move away from the building. Do not enter damaged
buildings.
• If you are trapped, protect your mouth, nose and eyes from dust. Send a text, bang on a pipe or wall or use a whistle instead of shouting to help rescuers locate you. • If you are in an area that may experience tsunamis, go inland or to higher ground immediately after the shaking stops.
• Text messages may be more reliable than phone calls.
• Once you are safe, listen to local news reports for
emergency information and instructions via batteryoperated radio, TV, social media or from cell phone text alerts.
• Be careful during post-disaster cleanup of buildings and around debris. Do not attempt to remove heavy debris
by yourself. Wear protective clothing, including a longsleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves and sturdy, thicksoled shoes during cleanup. • Register on the American Red Cross “Safe and Well”
website so people will know you are okay.
64 Hazardous Materials
Chemical manufacturing plants are just one source of potential danger from hazardous material. These toxic products are stored, used, and transported daily throughout our communities.

Occasionally accidents happen, and the effects of spills and leaks can be spread from miles through the air, sewer system or waterways.

Before a Chemical Disaster
• Contact your local emergency management office for
information about nearby factories, warehouses or
highways that may handle hazardous materials.
• Learn the emergency alert system for your area.
• Be prepared to evacuate with little or no notice.

During a Chemical Disaster
• Call 911 if you witness a spill or accident.
• Evacuate immediately if told to do so by authorities. • If not evacuating, get inside as quickly as possible. Bring pets inside too.
- If you are advised to stay inside:
• Close windows and both inside and outside doors.
• Seal off vents and fireplaces.
• Tum off air conditioners.
65 • Gather everyone in the above-ground room with the fewest doors and windows.
• Tape plastic sheeting around windows and vents, and tape the sides, tops and bottoms of doors.

After a Chemical Disaster
• Do not return home until authorities say it is safe.
• After you return or when authorities say it is OK to leave your shelter, open all windows and tum on vents and fans to flush chemicals and gases from your home.
• Report any residual gases, chemicals or other hazards. • Seek medical treatment for any exposure as soon as
possible.
• Seal up exposed clothing and contact authorities about proper disposal.
• Find out from authorities how to clean up your land or property.

66 Terrorism Attack
National security emergencies can include terrorist acts from bombings to chemical or biological attacks. Although terrorists intend their acts to spread fear, the actual damage they cause can often be minimized through preparedness and quick action.

Raise Your Awareness
• Be aware of your surroundings. Note emergency exits and staircases.
• Leave the area if you feel something is wrong.
• Do not accept suspicious packages.
• Do not leave your baggage unattended while traveling. • Report suspicious behavior.

In Case of an Explosion
• Watch for falling debris.
• Crawl beneath the smoke and exit the area as quickly as possible.
• If you are trapped in debris, minimize your movements and cover your mouth with a cloth. Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can hear you. Do not use a match or lighter.

In Case of a Biochemical Attack
• Evacuate if ordered by authorities.
• Stay tuned to radio or TV for updates.
67 • If not evacuating, take shelter in an interior room that can be easily sealed off with pre-cut plastic sheeting and duct tape that you have stored in this room.
• Turn off the air conditioning or heating system.
• Remain sheltered until advised that it is safe to leave • If caught outside, try to get upwind of the attack site and seek shelter as soon as possible.
• If in a vehicle, get inside a building if you can.

If unable, roll up windows, shut vents and turn off the engine.

If Exposed to Chemicals
• Quickly remove all clothing and items in contact with the body. Cut shirts off to avoid contact with the face.
• Flush eyes with water.
• Wash hands and face with soap and water. Use a soapy
cloth to blot exposed skin. Rinse with clean water.
• Change into clean clothes.

Seek medical help as soon as possible.

If Exposed to Biological Attack
• Pay close attention to instructions from authorities. • Remove and bag clothes that may have come in contact
with an infectious substance. Seek medical assistance.
• Seek immediate medical treatment if you notice symptoms of the disease caused by the infectious substance used in the attack.
68 In Case of Nuclear Attack
• Learn in advance about your community's evacuation and shelter plans and have plenty of emergency supplies on
hand.
• Inside a building, use a basement or underground area as shelter, or a central room on the lowest floor.
• Take shelter even if you are many miles from the site of the explosion. If you are close enough to see the flash, fallout will arrive within 20 minutes.
• Stay tuned to radio or TV for updates and instructions. • Remain in the shelter until authorities say it is safe to leave.

This could be from two days to four weeks.

69 Pandemics
A pandemic is a disease outbreak that spans several countries and affects a large number of people. Pandemics are most often caused by viruses, like Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which can easily spread from person to person.

A new virus, like COVID-19, can emerge from anywhere and quickly spread around the world. It is hard to predict when or where the next new pandemic will emerge.

If a pandemic is declared:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and try not to touch your eyes, nose or
mouth.
• Keep a distance of at least six feet between yourself and people who are not part of your household.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when in public. • Clean and disinfect high-touch objects and surfaces.
• Stay at home as much as possible to prevent the spread of disease.
• Follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
70 How to Prepare Yourself for a Pandemic
• Learn how diseases spread to help protect yourself and others. Viruses can spread from person-to-person, from
a non-living object to a person and by people who are
infected but do not have any symptoms.
• Prepare for the possibility of schools, workplaces
and community centers being closed. Investigate and
prepare for virtual coordination for school, work
(telework) and social activities.
• Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for
several days or weeks. Supplies may include cleaning
supplies, non-perishable foods, prescriptions and bottled water. Buy supplies slowly to ensure that everyone has
the opportunity to buy what they need.
• Create an emergency plan so that you and your family
know what to do and what you will need in case an
outbreak happens. Consider how a pandemic may affect
your plans for other emergencies.
• Review your health insurance policies to understand
what they cover, including telemedicine options.
• Create password-protected digital copies of
important documents and store in a safe place. Watch
out for scams and fraud.
71 Stay Safe during a Pandemic
Follow the latest guidelines from the CDC. Refer to your local and state public health departments for vaccine and testing updates.

Get vaccinated once available. Vaccines stimulate your
immune system to produce antibodies, so vaccines actually prevent diseases.
• Take actions to prevent the spread of disease. Cover
coughs and sneezes. Wear a mask in public. Stay home
when sick (except to get medical care). Disinfect
surfaces. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Stay six feet away from people who are not part of your
household.
• If you believe you have been exposed to the disease,
contact your doctor, follow the quarantine instructions from medical providers and monitor your symptoms. If
you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1
and shelter in place with a mask, if possible, until help arrives.
• Share accurate information about the disease with
friends, family and people on social media. Sharing bad information about the disease or treatments for the
disease may have serious health outcomes. Remember
72 that stigma hurts everyone and can cause discrimination against people, places or nations.
• Know that it is normal to feel anxious or stressed.

Engage virtually with your community through video and
phone calls. Take care of your body and talk to someone if you are feeling upset.

Stay Safe After a Pandemic
• Continue taking protective actions, like:
• Staying home when you are sick (except to get medical care).
• Following the guidance of your health care provider.
• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
• Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Be sure to evaluate your family emergency plan and
make timely updates.
• Work with your community to talk about the lessons
you learned from the pandemic. Decide how you can use
these experiences to be more prepared for future
pandemics.

Beverly Hills City CouncilJanuary 18, 2022

Beverly Hills City Council
January 18, 2022