After a major disaster, electricity, gas, water, and telephones may not be working. Transportation routes and businesses may be closed. City services will be impacted during the initial hours of the disaster. It also may take some time for public safety personnel to reach you. Residents and businesses should prepare to be self-sufficient for at least three days after an emergency. 

Suggested Supplies to Store:

• Food – at least for 3 days, preferably for 7-10 days. May include ready to eat canned food
• Water – at least for 3 days, preferably for 7-10 days. You should store one gallon per person, per day
• First Aid Kit
• ABC type fire extinguisher
• Flashlight with extra batteries; and be very careful with candles and matches
• Portable radio with extra batteries or crank/solar powered
• Extra blankets, clothing, shoes
• Cash
• Special items – medication, eyeglasses, etc.
• Tools, non-electric can opener
• Whistle
• Map of the area
• Sanitation supplies
• Important documents
• Dust mask, gloves, face covering

FEMA's Emergency Supply Checklist

Supplies can be stored in a plastic container or in a backpack. Check your kit at least once a year for expired items.

• Pick a meeting place for yourself, family, roommates, or friends in case you are separated during a disaster
• Choose an out-of-state contact as a “check-in contact”
• Discuss the types of disasters that could occur and how to be prepared
• Discuss what to do if advised to evacuate
• Practice what you have discussed
• Plan how the neighborhood could work together after a disaster 
• Consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs, such as elderly or disabled persons 
• Make plans for child care in case parents can’t get home
• Post emergency telephone numbers by every phone

Emergency Preparedness for Small Businesses

Many businesses are not prepared to respond to man-made or natural disasters. Statistics show that of the businesses that close because of a disaster, at least 1 in 4 never reopens. Small businesses are particularly at risk because they likely have all of their operations concentrated in one location that could be damaged or destroyed.

This emergency preparedness and response planning toolkit is designed as a stand-alone guide that can be used by any small business to build a plan for responding to operational disruptions.

Pet Emergency Preparedness:

If an evacuation is ordered, it is important to evacuate your pets too. Prepare for an emergency by assembling a pet disaster supplies kit.

Suggested Supplies for Pet Emergency Kits:

• Food, water, medications, leash, bowl, etc.
• Pet carrier or collapsible cage
• Store in an easily portable container or backpack
• Consider having a vet insert an identification chip into your pet

For more information: 
City of West Hollywood Public Safety Department: (323) 848-6414  TTY (323) 848-6496
West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station: (310) 855-8850