Additional Resources:
General City Information:

Emergency Preparedness

The following information provides helpful suggestions that will be useful to you and your family during an emergency situation such as an earthquake, flood, or other natural disaster. You need to prepare yourself and your family to be self-sufficient. During a major disaster, you could be on your own for up to 72 hours without utilities or water. (Please consider having at least two emergency supply kits, one full kit at home and smaller portable kits in your workplace or vehicle).

Three Day Emergency Supplies Checklist from the Governor's Office of Emergency Services.
Cold Weather Preparedness from the Governor's Office of Emergency Services.

Preparing & Storing Water

Store one gallon of water per person per day that can be used for drinking, food preparation, and sanitation. Water should be stored in thoroughly washed plastic containers, fiberglass, or enamel-lined metal containers. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as plastic milk containers or glass bottles.

Emergency Water Sources:

  • Your hot water tank is a source for 40 to 50 gallons of water
  • Ice Cubes
  • Toilet Tank - at the back of the toilet (if no chemical disinfectant is used)
  • Swimming Pool or Spa
  • Rainwater

Water Purification:

  • Boiling - bring water to a rolling boil for at least three (3) minutes
  • Bleach - add 12 drops of bleach to 1 gallon of water; stir and let stand for 30 minutes
  • Water purification tablets
Note: Boiling water before use is the safest method of purifying water. By adding oxygen to boiled water you will improve the taste. To accomplish this, allow water to cool then pour water back and forth between two containers.

Nonperishable Food

Have plenty of nonperishable food on hand for you and your family to survive on for three days to a week. Nonperishable food is ready to eat goods that do not need refrigeration and are stored in unbreakable containers. If you experience a power failure, use perishable (refrigerated) foods first and then foods from the freezer. Be sure to have a manual can opener and utility knife available, paper cups, paper towels, plates and plastic utensils.

First Aid Kit Supplies

FirstAid Manual Scissors Waterproof Matches
Syrup of Ipecac Soap Triangular Bandages
Elastic Bandages Cotton Swabs Thermometer
Adhesive Tape Tweezers Antibiotic Cream
Baking Soda Pain Relievers Rubbing Alcohol
Petroleum Jelly Gauze Bandages Small Splints
Cotton Balls Needles Heavy String
Laxatives Diarrhea Medicine Hydrogen Peroxide

Transportation

Maintain at least a half of a tank of gasoline in your vehicle at all times. Consider alternate transportation such as public transportation or a bicycle in case of disruptions in the delivery of gasoline. STORING GASOLINE AT HOME IS NOT RECOMMENDED - IT CAN BE EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS.

Vehicle Survival Kit

Store supplies in your vehicle in case you are not home when an emergency occurs.
First Aid Kit Radio & Batteries
Reflectors or Flares Flashlight & Batteries
Jumper Cables Blankets/Sleeping Bags
Coins and Cash Waterproof Matches
Comfortable Shoes Fire Extinguisher ABC

Meeting Places

Pick three meeting places for family members to meet if they are separated by a disaster.
  • One location a safe distance from your home in the event of a fire
  • Another location outside your immediate neighborhood in the event of an evacuation
  • A third location outside your town in the event of a major disaster

Legal Documents

Make two copies of all important documents such as wills, trusts, loans, deeds, marriage license, driver's license, insurance policies, jewelry appraisals, tax records, military service records, and birth certificates. Keep one copy on hand in a safe place. Store the second copy at the home of a family member or friend who resides outside your area or state.

Health - Medical and Dental

It is always a good idea to maintain an up-to-date copy of medical and dental records for yourself and your family. It is also wise for each member of the family to be current on all necessary immunizations. Keep an extra supply of prescriptions and medications or other medical supplies used by your family. You may be able to make arrangements with your physician to obtain an extra month's supply of prescription medications to keep in your first aid kit or vehicle survival kit.

Banking

Have a moderate supply of cash on hand in case of a disruption to electrical power. Be prepared to pay in cash or by check for all of your family's needs. Be sure to save receipts.
Note: Keep a current record of all bank statements, holdings, and loan balances with your legal documents.

Pet Supplies

Do not forget to assemble emergency supplies for your pets. Store enough supplies of food and water for a minimum of three (3) days. If your pet regularly takes medication, have an ample supply on hand. Be sure to have leashes and pet carriers for each of your pets in case they must be transported out of the area.

Emergency Supplies

Store enough supplies for a minimum of three (3) days. These supplies should be individually tailored to meet the basic needs of your family. Plan what your family would need to eat, sleep, and cook with or without the shelter of your home. Store your emergency supplies in one location that is safe and easily accessible if evacuation is required. Items could be stored in a 32-gallon trash can, suitcases, duffel bag, footlocker, or individual backpack.

Basic Supplies

  • 1-Gallon of Water per person per day
  • Nonperishable Food
  • First Aid Kit - freshly stocked
  • First Aid Manual
  • Fire Extinguisher - ABC
  • Manual Can Opener
  • Portable Radio and/or TV
  • Flashlights
  • Spare Batteries
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Waterproof Matches, Lighter or Matches in a Waterproof Container
  • Blankets or Sleeping Bags
  • Toilet Paper and Paper Towels
  • Large Plastic Trash Bags and plastic ties
  • Bar Soap (antibacterial) and Shampoo, moist towelettes
  • Toothpaste and Toothbrushes
  • Liquid Detergent
  • Feminine and Infant Supplies
  • Household Bleach
  • Barbecue and/or Camp Stove
  • Sturdy Shoes & Change of Clothing
  • Paper Plates and Cups
  • Plastic Utensils
  • Utility Knife
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  • Essential Medication & Eye Glasses
  • Moderate Supply of Cash
  • Pet Supplies

Flooding or Heavy Rain Forecasts

In the event heavy rain is forecast for our area, residents and businesses can be better prepared for potential flooding by placing sandbags along their property.

Empty sandbags may be purchased at: Miner's Hardware Store or Farm Supply in Grover Beach and Arroyo Grande. In case of an emergency, empty sandbags may be obtained at either the Grover Beach Police Department, located at 711 Rockaway Avenue, or the Grover Beach Fire Department, at 701 Rockaway Avenue.

Sand for the sandbags may be obtained at the Grover Beach Corporation Yard, 1150 Farroll Rd. or from excess sand blown onto the streets along Grand Avenue in Grover Beach and also on Pier Avenue in Oceano (the street leading to one of the main entryways to the State Beach) west of Highway 1.

If you are loading sandbags on Grand Avenue or Pier Avenue, please be cautious! Make sure the hazard lights on your vehicle are on, close vehicle doors, and be observant of oncoming traffic or other activity in the area.

Emergency Phone Numbers
(within the 805 area code calling area)

Life Threatening Emergencies ...............9-1-1
Non-Threatening Emergencies .............473-4511

Utility Companies
Cable: Charter Communications ....................544-2688
Telephone: AT&T California (repair and outtages)...888-723-2624
Telephone: AT&T California (general)........... 888-723-2624
Electricity: Pacific Gas & Electric .................800-743-5000
Natural Gas: The Gas Company ...................800-427-2200
Trash: South County Sanitary ..................... 489-4246
Sewer & Water: City Hall Water Dept.........473-4550
Water - Emergency Service .........................473-4511

Local Reference Numbers
Animal Regulations.........................781-4400
American Red Cross .....................543-0696
Arroyo Grande Hospital ................ 489-4261
Cal Trans - Road Conditions ..........800-427-7623
South County Area Transit .............541-2228

Out-of-State Telephone Contact
Establish an out-of-state 24-hour telephone contact for family members to call to report their location and status. Calls out of the area will not overload phone lines as calls coming into a disaster area will. All relatives should be informed now on procedures to call the phone contact.

Emergency Preparedness Disclosure
The information presented above is believed to be accurate and of practical value in reducing the negative impact of disasters. No guarantee can be given that the guidance presented here will provide complete protection. Liability for any losses that may occur as a result of applying the information contained in this brochure is specifically disclaimed by the City of Grover Beach.

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