Earthquakes can happen at any time without warning. When they do, reacting quickly and correctly can be the difference between life and death. Here, we'll cover the basics of earthquake safety, including what to do during and immediately after a quake occurs.

• Drop, cover, and hold. Particularly if you are inside a building, this set of actions is the best way to protect yourself. Drop down to your hands and knees to keep from being knocked off your feet. Look for sturdy furniture (such as a desk or table) to cover If none is available, get as close as possible to an interior wall or low furniture that won't fall on you, and shield your head and neck with your arms. Once there, hold on until the shaking stops.
  
  If you are inside, don't run outside or into other rooms during an earthquake. Stay away from windows and outside walls as much as possible.
• If you are outside, stay outside. If you find yourself outdoors when an earthquake occurs, move away from buildings, trees, utility poles, and fuel/gas lines. Try to find an open area and stay low to the ground. You're most likely to be hurt by falling debris or the collapse of outer walls of buildings.
• If you are in a crowded place, stay put. If you are in a public place with lots of other people, avoid rushing outside—this can cause a stampede, which can exacerbate your danger. Try to move away from anything that might fall on you, and seek cover if it's available. If not, get down and cover your head. Stay where you are until the shaking stops.
• If you are in a car, stay in the car. If you are driving while the earthquake begins, pull over as soon as possible and set your emergency brake. Try to avoid stopping underneath a telephone pole or bridge, and stay in your vehicle until the shaking stops.
• Get away from the shore. Severe earthquakes (those with intense shaking that lasts more than 20 seconds) can cause a tsunami. If you are near the ocean, evacuate inland or to higher ground as soon as possible after the earthquake is over. You want to be at least 2 miles away from the shore, or at least 100 feet above sea level.

Spectrum Community Services is committed to improving the quality of life for low-income families, seniors, and individuals in Alameda County. Through financial assistance and other services, our goal is to support community members in building healthy, safe, and independent lives. Contact us to learn more about our services, or consider making a donation to support our work. We can't wait to work with you!

Details

Last Updated: 02 March 2023

California is no stranger to earthquakes. According to the California Department of Conservation, each year, residents of the state can expect to experience 2-3 earthquakes of at least 5.5 magnitude (that's big enough to cause moderate damage to homes and buildings).

Earthquakes can occur at any time, too, and their unpredictability is part of what makes them so dangerous. Although scientists have been able to construct models that help them estimate where and when the next earthquake will occur, unfortunately, we still don't have a way of predicting earthquakes with any certainty.

A Guide to Earthquake Preparation

For these reasons, preparing for an earthquake is essential for anyone living in an area where these disasters frequently occur. Fortunately, there are a few easy steps you can take to keep you and your family safe:

• Make an earthquake kit. Depending on the severity of the earthquake, crucial infrastructure like electricity, water, and grocery stores might not be available. Having an earthquake survival kit ready to go will ensure that even if you're trapped at home without access to resources, you'll be okay. Below are a few things to put in your kit:
  • First aid kit
  • Enough water and food to last about three days
  • Warm clothing and blankets
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Extra cash
  • Battery-operated radio
• Make a plan. In the event that an earthquake happens while you're at work or away from home, you might become separated from your family members. Designate a safe place for everyone to reunite, and ask a friend or family member who's not in the area to serve as your family's emergency contact in the event that you're not able to make local calls.
• Earthquake-proof your home. In California, building codes require that most newer buildings comply with a set of seismic safety requirements. However, older buildings that predate those codes might be less resilient to earthquakes. If you're unsure of your home's earthquake readiness, consider asking a professional to come inspect your home and identify any major structural weaknesses.
  
  Inside your home, be sure to secure any tall, heavy furniture or wall mountings, such as shelves, decorations, and light fixtures. Store heavy and/or breakable items closer to the ground in case they fall. Be sure to also check your electrical wiring and gas lines to make sure they're sound—if these things are defective or weak, they can be a potential fire hazard in the event of an earthquake.

Spectrum Community Services is committed to improving the quality of life for low-income families, seniors, and individuals in Alameda County. Through financial assistance and other services, our goal is to support community members in building healthy, safe, and independent lives. Contact us to learn more about our services, or consider making a donation to support our work. We can't wait to work with you!

Details

Last Updated: 02 March 2023

If you've lived in California for more than a few minutes, you’ve surely seen evidence of the multi-year drought, including the seemingly ubiquitous "Extreme Drought—Save Water!" or "Every Drop Counts" signs. But reducing your water usage doesn’t just safeguard this precious resource—it's also one of the best ways to reduce your water bill.

As the drought drags on and inflation continues to rise, public policy experts warn that many California residents are likely to see increases in their water bills as well. To help you offset the added financial burden, we've compiled a handy list of tips and strategies for how to save on your water bill.

• Keep an Eye on Your Meter
  According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American uses around 82 gallons of water each day. However, if you were asked to estimate your water usage without knowing that fact, it's likely that you'd guess something much lower. Having an idea of how much water you use is the first step to cutting back. Consider making your water meter more visible, or getting into the habit of checking it once a day.
• Fix Leaks
  The EPA has also estimated that the average household loses almost 10,000 gallons of water each year through leaks. That's 10,000 gallons of water that you may be paying for without even using. Spending a few minutes and a little bit of money to repair that faucet/showerhead/toilet you've been meaning to work on may have a much bigger effect than you realize when it comes to saving water.
• Only Run Appliances When Full
  Try to avoid running your dishwasher or washing machine unless you're doing a full load of dishes or laundry. You'll ultimately cut back on the number of loads you do, which will reduce water usage.
• Turn Off the Sink When You Brush Your Teeth
  Enough said! It can be easy to lose track of the small moments where we waste water, but eventually, they add up. Look for other moments where you can save water by turning off the tap when you're not using it.
• Invest in Water-Efficient Gadgets
  You may think that you're being thrifty by hanging on to your old washer or dishwasher, but that's not always the case. Older appliances are much less water- and electricity-efficient than newer ones. Look for Energy Star-rated models, which are sometimes eligible for rebates or tax credits to help offset the cost. If larger appliances are still too expensive, focus on the small ones instead. New showerheads, toilets, and faucets are also more water-efficient.

If you're unable to pay your overdue water bill, look for assistance from your local Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) provider. Launched by Congress during the height of the COVID pandemic as part of economic relief efforts and continued by the State of California, LIHWAP helps low-income households with a one-time payment per program year on their water and/or sewage bills. Contact your LIHWAP local service provider for details on eligibility and how to apply. In Alamedia county, contact Spectrum Community Service for an application packet. Spectrum's weatherization assistance program can also help with ways to conserve water.

Spectrum Community Services is committed to improving the quality of life for low-income families, seniors, and individuals in Alameda County. Through financial assistance and other services, our goal is to support community members in building healthy, safe, and independent lives. Visit our website for more information, or contact us to learn about current volunteer opportunities. We can't wait to work with you!

Details

Last Updated: 14 February 2023

Even in spite of heavy rainfall and flooding in January of 2022, weather experts have been quick to point out that the drought in California will continue to persist for the foreseeable future.

That doesn't just spell trouble for the environment. Recent years have seen increasing hardship for California residents, too, even as many people have made efforts to reduce their water usage. Here, we'll dive into some of the factors affecting the California water crisis.

The Cost of Water in California Is Rising

By now, most Californians are familiar with the signs and public information campaigns urging people to conserve water by reducing their consumption.

In spite of that, however, some areas have still witnessed the average water bill in California continue to climb.

Industry experts explain that this is essentially due to companies passing their own costs on to customers. Although demand for water may be decreasing, many of the costs that water suppliers incur remain the same. To break even, they must then increase their revenue somehow.

Californians Are Being Disproportionately Affected

The rising cost of water is problematic for a couple of reasons. First, hotter temperatures caused by the same drought often result in a concomitant rise in other utility bills (like electricity) as people struggle to stay cool.

In addition to that, the people who are most affected by rising water bills are people who are already at a financial disadvantage. Namely, that includes low-income families and people of color. One article by the LA Times noted that it is the "13 million Californians living in low-income households who bear the brunt of soaring water costs."

Help Is Available

For those who qualify, there is some relief in sight. The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program(LIHWAP) offers qualifying households help in the form of a one-time payment on overdue water or sewage bills. For more information on LIHWAP or to determine your eligibility, contact Spectrum today.

Spectrum Community Services is committed to improving the quality of life for low-income families, seniors, and individuals in Alameda County. Through financial assistance and other services, our goal is to support community members in building healthy, safe, and independent lives. Contact us to learn more about our services, including Connect, or consider making a donation to support our work. We can't wait to work with you!

Details

Last Updated: 01 February 2023