Study: Hermosa's Emergency Readiness Improves

Hermosa Beach residents are more prepared for a disaster when compared to previous years, but they still have room to improve, according to a new study released by the Hermosa Beach Emergency Preparedness Advisory Commission.

The survey of 100 individuals measured how prepared Hermosa residents are for natural disasters, terrorist attacks or other, weather-related emergencies and assigned a "readiness quotient" (RQ) based on those responses.

RQ ratings were based on 10 different attributes, including whether residents knew how to find an emergency broadcast channel on the radio, had created a disaster supply kit, had planned a family meeting place for an emergency and whether they had taken a first-aid or CPR course in the past five years.

Hermosa Beach scored a 4.4 RQ rating out of a possible 10, which showed marked improvement over last year's score of 4.0 and 2008's score of 3.2, the report stated.

"The Hermosa Beach Ready Survey will be used as a tool to recognize our successes and identify gaps where more work needs to be done,” Hermosa Beach EPAC commissioner Tracy Hopkins said in a news release.

Among other improvements over previous years, the study found that 62 percent of Hermosa residents have created disaster readiness kits—an improvement of 12 percent over 2011.

"I am delighted to see that now over half the respondents have a disaster kit for their home and hope they continue to encourage other family members and neighbors to prepare as well," said Hopkins.

Despite improvement in many areas, the study still shows that six out of 10 respondents do not know how to find an emergency broadcast on the radio and only three in 10 have established a specific meeting place to reunite with family during a disaster.

Hopkins said that while it would be ideal for all Hermosa residents to score high on all 10 attributes in the survey, the most important attributes are having a kit, making a plan and being informed.

The 10 Preparedness Attributes:

• Knowing if your local government has a disaster plan.
• Knowing how to find an emergency broadcast channel on the radio (any news station that reports breaking news events such as KNX AM 1070).
• Hearing a preparedness message in the last 30 days
• Having prepared a disaster supply kit with emergency supplies such as food, water and medicine.
• Having a small kit of supplies that is kept at home, in the car or at work to take with you if you had to leave quickly.
• Made a plan on how to communicate with your family if separated (such as contacting an out-of-state family member).
• Established a meeting place to reunite with family if you are unable to return home or are evacuated.
• Participated in an emergency drill at home for a fire, earthquake or chemical release.
• Have volunteered to help prepare for or respond to a major emergency.
• Have taken first-aid training, such as CPR, in the past five years.