November 2, 2012

Dear Friends,

Hurricane Sandy, the largest tropical storm on record, wreaked havoc and tragedy earlier this week when it landed on the East Coast and left millions without power, thousands with flooded homes, and damages costing states nearly $50 billion. My heart goes out to the people who are still struggling for normalcy in the wake of the disaster.

Americans are resilient, and in the wake of a disaster we always come together to support our neighbors and fellow citizens. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided a list of resources to support survivors.

See the links below to find out how you can help by volunteering or donating responsibly. Remember, contributions of any kind are greatly appreciated.

How to help those affected by Sandy

• Donate cash – Cash is the most efficient method of donating. It offers volunteer agencies the most flexibility in obtaining the most-needed resources and pumps money into the local economy to help businesses recover.
• Donate goods or volunteer your time – At the national level, many volunteer, faith-based and community-based organizations are active in disasters, and are trusted ways to help disaster survivors.
  
  To do your part, visit any of the organizations below:
  
  
• National Donations Management Network
  
• National Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD)
• New York Cares
• Long Island Volunteer Center
  
• Jersey Cares
• Serve Rhode Island
  
• Boston Cares

Preparing for Natural Disasters at Home

The storm and devastation is also a reminder for Californians to prepare for the next earthquake here. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, there is a 63% chance that the San Francisco region will be hit with a 6.7 or higher earthquake in the next 30 years.

When emergencies happen - whether they are extreme storms, earthquakes, tsunamis, or floods - being prepared is the key to mitigating injuries and damage that are likely to follow. If you don’t already have an emergency preparedness plan, you need to make one.

Here are several steps to help prepare:

• Be Informed – By understanding the potential emergencies and risks that could happen, you can prepare appropriately and take action to reduce a future loss.
  
  
• Get a Kit – It is best to think about the necessities for survival: food, water and cash. For a basic survival kit, be sure to have non-perishable food, clean water, flashlights, batteries, warm clothing, a first aid kit, available cash, matches, and a wrench to turn off utilities.
  
  
• Make a Plan – Emergencies strike at any time, so it is critical to devise a plan that ensures your family can contact one another, how you will meet, and what should be done in different situations. Distribute an emergency information card among family members with basic information that outlines where you will meet and people to contact if disaster strikes.
  
  

Retrofitting your home can dramatically reduce damages from an earthquake, saving both lives and money. Even a moderate quake can topple chimneys and push homes off of foundations. To determine if a contractor is licensed and bonded you can go to the Contractors State License Board and use the link “check the status.”

Purchasing earthquake insurance can give you financial assistance to pay for damages. An interactive survey of homeowner insurance and earthquake insurance premiums is available at: www.insurance.ca.gov. A list of all homeowners and earthquake insurers is also available on the same website. Most homeowner insurers also participate in the federal flood insurance program. If appropriate for your personal circumstances, you can reduce your flood and earthquake insurance costs by buying structure coverage and skipping the coverage for contents.

Protect yourself by being prepared for emergencies. The San Mateo County Office of Emergency Services, San Francisco Department of Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency provide valuable information. I encourage you to visit these sites and also learn how to sign up to receive alerts and updates on your wireless device. The websites of many local fire departments offer more information about emergency preparedness plans. Contact my office if I can provide further assistance. Being prepared is the key to surviving, and recovering from, a disaster or emergency.

Click here to download more extensive preparedness information.

All the best,