The following list of seventy (70) "things to expect" is not offered as a prediction of doom. Although most of the items are negative, this is a realistic list of problem areas that we can expect to face in a disaster.

Recognizing that problems will appear and giving some thought to them prior to a disaster are steps towards overcoming them. Some of the areas require specific actions; some will diminish with time; some are inherent in disaster operations and must simply be accepted.

Although not every one of the 70 listed items will occur in every emergency, the majority of them will appear in most situations. You are encouraged to scan the list, determine which items are or may become your responsibility, and determine how those items could best be handled or the problem reduced.

The Home Page for the State of California Governor's Office of Emergency Services contains other information about emergency response in California and elsewhere