3201 KATELLA AVENUE, LOS ALAMITOS, CA  90720
Business Information Telephone (562) 431-2255
24-Hour Police Service (562) 594-7232

EMERGENCY 9-1-1

Michael R. McCrary, Chief of Police

Over the last few years the world has experienced several incidents that have tested the resolve of the human spirit. We all can remember where we were on the morning of September 11, 2001. This past Christmas we saw first hand the devastation a natural disaster can cause. With a death toll of 150,000 and rising, the Indonesian earthquake and tsunami disrupted the lives of people in a manner we can only imagine. The January storms brought unexpected flooding, mudslides, and unfortunately, the loss of several homes and lives in La Conchita.

Earthquakes, wildfires, flooding, mudslides, and threats of terrorism can all be classified as emergencies or disasters. Living in the greater Orange County area, specifically Los Alamitos, it is easy to believe we won’t be affected by these incidents. We experience fantastic weather for most of the year, we live in a small quaint city, and the majority of the City’s population has resided here for several years. Because of these positive attributes, it is easy to tell yourself that a disaster won’t happen here or it won’t happen to me. Unfortunately, we are just as likely to experience a disaster here, whether it is an act of Mother Nature or criminal intent, as any place in the county or country. That is the bad news. The good news is that the City of Los Alamitos is taking steps to prepare for a potential disaster or terrorist event.

The City of Los Alamitos has a Disaster Preparedness Team made up of employees from each City department as well as volunteers from the community. The Team meets monthly to discuss issues affecting the City. Through funding, provided by the Department of Homeland Security, the City has purchased specialized equipment and trained first responders to respond to incidents of terrorism. The City is also working with other local jurisdictions to share information and develop improved mitigation plans to enhance emergency preparedness in our community. Because preparation for disasters is vital, the City of Los Alamitos encourages each community member to take the steps necessary to get prepared.

These are some things you can do to prepare and protect your loved ones in the event of a disaster. Below you will find a short list that can make a difference in a major disaster.

1) Acknowledge that a disaster can happen here, and you can be affected. Discuss these issues with your family, co-workers, and friends. 2) If you have children, contact school officials and familiarize yourself with their emergency plans. 3) Create an emergency communication plan. In other words, designate one or more out of town contacts to check on you in the event phone lines are damaged. 4) Build a disaster supply kit for your home, work, and all of your personal vehicles. These kits should contain enough water, and-perishable foods to last several days. First aid kits, battery operated flashlights and radios, prescription medication, hand tools, duct tape, and other necessities will be useful too. The American Cross has these kits available for purchase. 5) Renew your first aid / CPR skills. If you have never taken a class, contact the American Red Cross. It could make all the difference until help arrives. 6) Be prepared to go without services we take for granted. Remember electrical systems may be down impacting ATMs, gas stations, Internet, and other conveniences. 7) If a disaster is imminent or there are strong warnings of another terrorist attack, follow the advice of the local authorities, listen to the radio or television broadcasts for news and instructions. 8) Stop by the Police Department to pick up your free copy of a Home Safety Emergency Plan.

The City of Los Alamitos, and its Disaster Preparedness Team is working hard to lessen the impact of a major disaster or terrorist event, but they need your help. During a disaster, it is possible that emergency services will not reach you for hours, even days. Police and Fire responders will be tasked with prioritizing their response based on need and damage to critical City and County infrastructure systems. This can create a feeling of helplessness if you are not prepared. Many times the key to surviving a major disaster comes down to your proactive approach to preparation. Remember, if it can happen anywhere, it can happen here.