Mountain View police and fire departments have spent countless hours developing contingency plans for emergency incidents or disasters. Police officers and fire personnel attend a variety of training programs, including nation-wide courses sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security. Live scenario training also helps us prepare for possible future crises. We've also obtained federal grants to purchase emergency equipment and supplies to address specialized emergencies, such as bioterrorism.
Should a serious incident occur in or around Mountain View, city services may become temporarily interrupted or limited as emergency personnel respond to high-priority calls for service. Therefore, it's important that every community member prepare for emergencies.
What can I expect from the police and fire departments, in the event of a disaster?
If a disaster occurs, emergency services will respond to the most critical incidents as quickly as possible. However, after a major disaster, it is unrealistic to expect emergency personnel to be able to reach everyone right away. As with any natural disaster, preparedness is essential. Be sure you have supplies to be self-sufficient for 3 to 5 days.
How can I prepare for a disaster?
Emergency preparations generally include two components—gathering supplies and emergency planning. Supply lists are available from many organizations. One is also included in the right-hand column of this page.
A thorough emergency plan will: - Designate an out-of-town emergency contact to facilitate communication between separated family members. Make sure all family members have this contact information at all times.
- Designate alternate meeting locations, in case of damage to home. One near the home. Another further away.
- Plan evacuation routes, including alternate routes. Store some emergency supplies in vehicles.
- Attend first aid training.
- Learn building/residence exits, location of emergency supplies and potential hazards.
- Make preparations for handicapped family members, children and pets.
- Learn when and how to turn off your utilities.
- Talk to neighbors about emergency plans. Consider handicapped neighbors who may need your assistance.
- Make sure children's schools and day care centers have emergency plans and supplies.
- Review the plan with everyone in your family.
Don't wait for a disaster to occur. Prepare yourself beforehand!
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
www.ready.gov
www.fema.gov/areyouready/
FEMA publishes an overall guide to citizen preparedness. | Citizen Preparedness
www.citizencorps.gov/ready/cc_pubs.shtm
Citizens Corps, a group of citizen organizations, offers a variety of preparedness checklists and guides. | American Red Cross
www.prepare.org
The American Red Cross has preparation information, including that for segments of our population that are more vulnerable than others: seniors, children, people with disabilities and animal/pet owners. Information is available in English and multiple foreign languages.
Mountain View is served by the Palo Alto Chapter: www.paarc.org | Santa Clara County, Handling Emergencies
www.sccgov.org
Information about handling emergencies, coping with disaster, and disaster preparedness. |
How will I be notified of a disaster?
Local radio and television stations will have up-to-date information and instructions. Mountain View does not have city-wide sirens or alarms that will sound in the event of a disaster. When you first hear about a crisis, try to determine if the information is accurate and from a reliable source.
What should I do if a disaster occurs?
Remain calm and be patient. Immediately after a major disaster, some of the information you hear may be incomplete or inaccurate. You may feel edgy or frantic. You may feel that you need to take some sort of action right away. Remain calm and think clearly.
Use your telephone only for emergencies. Phone service may be overloaded or inoperable. Listen to local radio and TV news for information and instructions. City emergency services will use the media to communicate.
What should I do if I see suspicious behavior in my neighborhood?
Be observant of activities that are unusual in your neighborhood. If something seems suspicious, report it: 650/903-6395. If life or property are being immediately threatened, call 911.
How can I avoid being in the middle of an act of terrorism?
While there's no sure way to avoid getting caught up in a disaster, being aware of your surroundings and reporting suspicious situations can help prevent a potential incident from progressing. Preparation, such as having a disaster plan and emergency supplies, significantly reduces the impact of a crisis on you and your family.
What should I tell my children about terrorism?
Unfortunately, the nature of terrorism is to attempt to cause fear and apprehension. Don't let this overwhelm you. Set a good example for your kids by remaining calm and preparing your family.
FEMA For Kids
www.fema.gov/kids/
This site teaches children how to be prepared for disasters and how they can prevent disaster damage. |
How likely is it that an act of terrorism will happen in Mountain View?
Currently there are no targets in Mountain View with specific risk. However, no one can predict when or where the next act of terrorism will occur. Each of us must take responsibility to be vigilant and prepared for any potential situation.
U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security
www.dhs.gov/dhspublic
Provides public information about the national terrorism threat levels. |
How can I help my community if a disaster occurs?
The first and most important thing is to take care of yourself and your family. You can't help anyone else if you've put yourself in danger. Because emergency services will be limited in the event of a major incident, it's important to work with your neighbors to help each other.
Mountain View Fire Department's Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) program can help you learn the skills you need to help in a disaster.
During a crisis, listen to local radio stations for information and requests for volunteer assistance. Don't come to the fire or police station unless a specific request has been made for assistance.
Mountain View Fire Department
Community Emergency Response Team
650/903-6378
mountainview.gov/city_hall/fire/default.asp
The fire department's CERT program is designed to prepare Mountain View residents to help themselves, their families and neighbors, in the event of a disaster. Classes are free to Mountain View residents. | Mountain View Police Department
Neighborhood Watch
650/903-6161 x1167
Neighborhood Watch
Neighborhood Watch is a program that partners the police department with community members to reduce crime. | American Red Cross—Palo Alto Chapter
650/688-0415
www.paarc.org
American Red Cross offers CPR and first aid programs to the public. Mountain View is served by the Palo Alto Chapter. | |  | What is Terrorist Activity?
Criminal or suspicious activity involving potential targets—i.e. large buildings, facilities, public utilities, transportation, public gatherings, water or food sources.
Criminal or suspicious activity that could be terrorism preparations—i.e. theft of guns, weapons, explosives or explosive-making supplies; theft of vehicles or aircraft; interest in flight lessons or crop dusters.
Fundraising activities, such as identity theft or other crimes. People who have money without apparent source.
If you see these indicators, or other suspicious behaviors, contact MVPD.
Source: California Anti-terrorism Information Center.
Helping Others During a Disaster - Help yourself first.
- Avoid unnecessary risks.
- Consider both risks and benefits before giving aid to others.
- Turn off gas mains.
- Look around you for unexpected hazards.
- Use caution before lighting matches, fires or cigarettes.
- Don't enter seriously damaged buildings.
- Run from large fires.
- Don't go anywhere without information.
- Listen to radio announcements.
Home Emergency Supplies
Food/Kitchen - Food: 3-7 day supply (avoid salty food)
- Water: 3-7 day supply
- Manual can opener
- Cooking stove/fuel
- All-purpose knife
- Mess kits or disposable utensils
- Measuring spoons
- Plastic containers
- Resealable plastic bags
Clothing/Bedding - Blankets or sleeping bags
- Sunglasses
- Sun protection clothing
- Cold weather clothing
- Rain gear
- Work gloves & boots
Tools/Supplies
- First aid kit
- Battery operated radio
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Fire extinguisher
- Pliers
- Duct tape
- Compass
- Matches (in waterproof container)
- Aluminum foil
- Signal flares
- Paper, pencil
- Needles, thread
- Medicine dropper
- Shutoff wrench (gas, water)
- Whistle
- Plastic sheeting
- Toilet paper
- Soap
- Personal hygiene items
- Plastic garbage bags
- Plastic bucket with tight lid
- Disinfectant
- Household chlorine bleach
Personal Items
- Personal identification
- Cash (small bills & change)
- Credit card
- Spare house & car keys
- Medications
- Contact lenses & supplies
- Eye glasses
Documents (Copies)
In watertight container.
- Birth/marriage certificates
- Driver's licenses
- Passports
- Deeds & contracts
- Insurance policies
- Immunization records
- Wills
- Stocks & bonds
- Social security cards
Information
In watertight container.
- Bank account numbers
- Credit account numbers
- Emergency contact numbers
- Area map
Email
650/903-6344
More Police Contacts |
