I just completed the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program given by the San Mateo, CA (northern CA) fire department. The program is designed to teach basic skills and to improve community preparedness in the event of a disaster. Gradutes are divided into districts covered by their local fire station. The training provides that the member will be better prepared following a disaster; able to provide emergency assistance to their families and immediate neighbors; able to work as a team member in their neighborhood or as an adjunct to city services.
My fire district has only 3-4 firefigthers per shift on duty and they will be handling the major problems. I and the neighbors will be on our own for at least a week.

The experts predict a major earthquake 7++ in this area within the next 25 years.

If this sounds like a commerical for the CERT program, you're right.