GET. A Basic Overview. The information contained herein has been obtained through the American Red Cross and compiled for the

Transcription

1 GET PREPARED A Basic Overview The infrmatin cntained herein has been btained thrugh the American Red Crss and cmpiled fr the USTC Emergency Preparedness Series 1 Prgram 1 f 70

2 Intentinally Left Blank 2 f 70

3 Table f Cntents 30 Tips fr Emergency Preparedness 4 Intrductin and Planning 12 Make a Plan 12 Find ut what culd happen t yu 12 Create a disaster plan 13 Evacuatin Plan 13 Build a Disaster Supplies Kit 16 Blackuts 22 Chemical Emergencies 25 Drught 31 Earthquakes 34 Fires 35 Flds 36 Heat Waves 38 Hurricanes 40 Mudslides 42 Terrrism 46 Thunderstrms 54 Trnades 55 Tsunami 56 Vlcanes 62 Wild Fires 64 Winter Strms 69 3 f 70

4 30 Tips fr Emergency Preparedness Here are 30 tips t help yu and yur family can becme better prepared fr an emergency. Preparedness Tip #1 Take a mment t imagine that there is an emergency, like a fire in yur hme, and yu need t leave quickly. What are the best escape rutes frm yur hme? Find at least tw ways ut f each rm. Nw, write it dwn yu ve gt the beginning f a plan. Preparedness Tip #2 Pick a place t meet after a disaster. Designate tw meeting places. Chse ne right utside yur hme, in case f a sudden husehld emergency, such as a fire. The secnd place yu chse needs t be utside yur neighbrhd, in the event that it is nt safe t stay near r return t yur hme. Preparedness Tip #3 Chse an emergency cntact persn utside yur area because it may be easier t call lng distance than lcally after a lcal/reginal disaster. Take a minute nw t call r an ut-ftwn friend r family member t ask him r her t be yur family s designated cntact in the event f an emergency. Be sure t share the cntact's phne number with everyne in the family. During an emergency, yu can call yur cntact wh can share with ther family members where yu are; hw yu are ding; and hw t get in cntact with yu. Preparedness Tip #4 Cmplete an emergency cntact card and make cpies fr each member f yur family t carry with them. Be sure t include an ut-f-twn cntact n yur cntact card. It may be easier t reach smene ut f twn if lcal phne lines are ut f service r verladed. Yu shuld als have at least ne traditinally wired landline phne, as crdless r cellular phnes may nt wrk in an emergency. Visit r fr sample emergency cntact cards. Preparedness Tip #5 Dgs may be man s best friend, but due t health regulatins, mst emergency shelters cannt huse animals. Find ut in advance hw t care fr yur pets and wrking animals when disaster strikes. Pets shuld nt be left behind, but culd be taken t a veterinary ffice, family member s hme r animal shelter during an emergency. Als be sure t stre extra fd and water fr pets. Fr mre infrmatin, visit the Animal Safety sectin n r visit the Humane Sciety Web site at Preparedness Tip #6 G thrugh yur calendar nw, and put a reminder n it every six mnths t review yur plan, update numbers, and check supplies t be sure nthing has expired, spiled, r changed. Als remember t practice yur trnad, fire escape r ther disaster plans. Preparedness Tip #7 Check yur child s schl Web site r call the schl ffice t request a cpy f the schl s emergency plan. Keep a cpy at hme and wrk r ther places where yu spend a lt f yur time and make sure the schl s plan is incrprated int yur family s emergency plan. Als, learn abut the disaster plans at yur wrkplace r ther places where yu and yur family spend time. 4 f 70

5 Preparedness Tip #8 Teach yur children hw and when t call r yur lcal Emergency Medical Services number fr help. Pst these and ther emergency telephne numbers by telephnes. Preparedness Tip #9 Practice. Cnduct fire drills and practice evacuating yur hme twice a year. Drive yur planned evacuatin rute and plt alternate rutes n a map in case main rads are blcked r gridlcked. Practice earthquake and trnad drills at hme, schl and wrk. Cmmit a weekend t update telephne numbers, emergency supplies and review yur plan with everyne. Preparedness Tip #10 A cmmunity wrking tgether during an emergency makes sense. 1. Talk t yur neighbrs abut hw yu can wrk tgether during an emergency. 2. Find ut if anyne has specialized equipment like a pwer generatr, r expertise such as medical knwledge, that might help in a crisis. 3. Decide wh will check n elderly r disabled neighbrs. 4. Make back-up plans fr children in case yu can't get hme in an emergency. 5. Sharing plans and cmmunicating in advance is a gd strategy Preparedness Tip #11 What if disaster strikes while yu re at wrk? D yu knw the emergency preparedness plan fr yur wrkplace? While many cmpanies have been mre alert and pr-active in preparing fr disasters f all types since the September 11, 2001 attacks, a natinal survey indicates that many emplyees still dn t knw what their wrkplace plan is fr majr r minr disasters. If yu dn t knw yurs, make a pint t ask. Knw multiple ways t exit yur building, participate in wrkplace evacuatin drills, and cnsider keeping sme emergency supplies at the ffice. Visit and click n Ready Business fr mre infrmatin abut business preparedness. Preparedness Tip #12 Yu shuld keep enugh supplies in yur hme t meet the needs f yu and yur family fr at least furteen days. Build an emergency supply kit t take with yu in an evacuatin. The basics t stck in yur prtable kit include: water, fd, battery-pwered radi and flashlight with extra batteries, first aid supplies, change f clthing, blanket r sleeping bag, wrench r pliers, whistle, dust mask, plastic sheeting and duct tape, trash bags, map, a manual can pener fr canned fd and special items fr infants, elderly, the sick r peple with disabilities. Keep these items in an easy t carry cntainer such as a cvered trash cntainer, a large backpack, r a duffle bag. Preparedness Tip #13 Preparing fr emergencies needn t be expensive if yu re thinking ahead and buying small quantities at a time. Make a list f sme fds that: Have a lng shelf-life and will nt spil (nn-perishable). Yu and yur family like. D nt require cking. Can be easily stred. Have a lw salt cntent as salty fds will make yu thirstier. Keep the list in yur purse r wallet and pick up a few items each time yu re shpping and/r see a sale until yu have built up a well-stcked supply that can sustain each member f yur family fr at least three days fllwing an emergency. Preparedness Tip #14 Take a minute t check yur family s first aid kit, and nte any depleted items then, add them t yur shpping list. Dn t have a first aid kit? Add that t the list r build a kit yurself. Just add 5 f 70

6 the fllwing items t yur shpping list and assemble a first aid kit. Cnsider creating a kit fr each vehicle as well: First Aid Kits - Assemble a first aid kit fr yur hme and ne fr each car. (20) adhesive bandages, varius sizes (1) 5" x 9" sterile dressing (1) cnfrming rller gauze bandage (2) triangular bandages (2) 3 x 3 sterile gauze pads (2) 4 x 4 sterile gauze pads (1) rll 3" chesive bandage (2) germicidal hand wipes r waterless alchl-based hand sanitizer (6) antiseptic wipes (2) pair large medical grade nn-latex glves Adhesive tape, 2" width Anti-bacterial intment Cld pack Scissrs (small, persnal) Tweezers CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield First Aid Manual Nn-Prescriptin and Prescriptin Drugs Aspirin r nn-aspirin pain reliever Anti-diarrhea medicatin Antacid (fr stmach upset) Syrup f Ipecac (use t induce vmiting if advised by the Pisn Cntrl Center) Laxative Activated charcal (use if advised by the Pisn Cntrl Center) Prescriptin drugs, as recmmended by yur physician, and cpies f the prescriptins in case they need t be replaced Fr mre infrmatin abut first aid kits, visit Preparedness Tip #15 Keep at least a three-day supply f water per persn. Stre a minimum f ne galln f water per persn per day (tw quarts fr drinking, tw quarts fr fd preparatin and sanitatin). Stre water in plastic cntainers such as sft drink bttles. Avid using cntainers that will decmpse r break, such as milk cartns r glass bttles. A nrmally active persn needs t drink at least tw quarts f water each day. Ht envirnments and strenuus activity can duble that amunt. Children, nursing mthers, and peple wh are sick will als need mre. Preparedness Tip #16 One f the easiest ways yu can prepare fr emergencies is t keep sme supplies readily available. Every kit is unique and can be tailred t meet the specific needs f yur family, but belw is a general list f supplies yu may want t cnsider: Tls and Supplies (Essential Items are Marked with an Asterisk *) Mess kits, r paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils Emergency preparedness manual and a cpy f yur disaster plan, including yur emergency cntacts list Battery-perated radi and extra batteries* 6 f 70

7 Flashlight and extra batteries* Cash r traveler's checks, change* Nn-electric can pener, utility knife* Fire extinguisher: small ABC type stred near where fires are likely t ccur such as a kitchen, r near a fireplace. It shuld nt be kept in the disaster supplies kit. Tube tent Duct Tape* Cmpass Matches in a waterprf cntainer Aluminum fil Plastic strage cntainers Signal flare Paper, pencil* Needles, thread Medicine drpper Shut-ff wrench r pliers, t turn ff husehld gas and water Whistle* Plastic sheeting* Map f the area (fr lcating shelters and evacuatin rutes) (Cntinued in the next tip) Preparedness Tip #17 Als include items fr sanitatin in yur emergency supply kit. Cnsider the fllwing: Sanitatin (Essential Items are Marked with an Asterisk *) Tilet paper, twelettes* Sap, liquid detergent* Feminine supplies* Persnal hygiene items* Plastic garbage bags, ties (fr persnal sanitatin uses)* Plastic bucket with tight lid Disinfectant Husehld chlrine bleach (Cntinued in the next tip) Preparedness Tip #18 Include at least ne cmplete change f clthing and ftwear per persn in yur emergency supply kit. We suggest lng pants and lng sleeves fr additinal prtectin after a disaster. Clthing and Bedding (Essential Items are Marked with an Asterisk *) Sturdy shes r wrk bts* Rain gear* Blankets r sleeping bags* Hat and glves Thermal underwear Sunglasses Preparedness Tip #19 Yu shuld als keep a smaller versin f yur emergency supply kit in yur vehicle, in case yu are cmmuting r traveling when disaster strikes. 7 f 70

8 Emergency Kit Fr Yur Vehicle Bttled water and nn-perishable high energy fds, such as granla bars, raisins and peanut butter Flashlight and extra batteries Blanket Bster cables Fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type) First aid kit and manual Maps Shvel Tire repair kit and pump Flares r ther emergency marking devices Preparedness Tip #20 Teach children hw t dial in an emergency. Review emergency actin steps with all family members: Check the scene and the victim Call r yur lcal emergency number psted by the telephne Care fr the victim Preparedness Tip #21 Read the infrmatin n yur city, cunty and/r state gvernment Web sites as well as the Be Prepared sectin f r Ready.gv and print emergency preparedness infrmatin. Be sure t keep a cpy with yur disaster supplies kit. It can prvide telephne numbers, addresses and ther infrmatin yu need when electrnic cnnectins are nt available ptins fr btaining the infrmatin. Preparedness Tip #22 When water is f questinable purity, it is easiest t use bttled water fr drinking and cking if it is available. When it s nt available, it is imprtant t knw hw t treat cntaminated water. In additin t having a bad dr and taste, water frm questinable surces may be cntaminated by a variety f micrrganisms, including, bacteria and parasites that cause diseases such as dysentery, chlera, typhid, and hepatitis. All water f uncertain purity shuld be treated befre use. Use ne r a cmbinatin f these treatments: Filter: Filter the water using a piece f clth r cffee filter t remve slid particles. Bil: Bring it t a rlling bil fr abut ne full minute. Cl it and pur it back and frth between tw clean cntainers t imprve its taste befre drinking it. Chlrinate: Add 16 drps (1/8 teaspn) f liquid chlrine bleach per galln f water. Stir t mix. Sdium hypchlrite f the cncentratin f 5.25% t 6% shuld be the nly active ingredient in the bleach. There shuld nt be any added sap r fragrances. A majr bleach manufacturer has als added Sdium Hydrxide as an active ingredient, which they state des nt pse a health risk fr water treatment. Let stand 30 minutes. If it smells f chlrine. Yu can use it. If it des nt smell f chlrine, add 16 mre drps (1/8 teaspn) f chlrine bleach per galln f water, let stand 30 minutes, and smell it again. If it smells f chlrine, yu can use it. If it des nt smell f chlrine, discard it and find anther surce f water. 8 f 70

9 Fld water can als be cntaminated by txic chemicals. D NOT try t treat fld water. Preparedness Tip #23 In sme emergencies yu may be required t turn ff yur utilities. T prepare fr this type f event: Lcate the electric, gas and water shut-ff valves. Keep necessary tls near gas and water shut-ff valves Teach adult family members hw t turn ff utilities. If yu turn ff the gas, a prfessinal must turn it back n. D nt attempt t d this yurself. Preparedness Tip #24 Understand that during an emergency yu may be asked t shelter-in-place r evacuate. Plan fr bth pssibilities and be prepared t listen t instructins frm yur lcal emergency management fficials. Visit Ready.gv and fr mre infrmatin n sheltering-in-place. Preparedness Tip #25 A disaster can cause significant financial lss. Yur apartment r hme may be severely damaged r destryed. Yu may be frced t live in temprary husing. Incme may be cut ff r significantly reduced. Imprtant financial recrds culd be destryed. Take the time nw t assess yur situatin and ask questins. T help yu, cnsider using the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK), a tl develped by Operatin Hpe, FEMA and Citizen Crps r cntact yur lcal Red Crss chapter fr Disasters and Financial Planning: A Guide fr Preparedness. Preparedness Tip #26 Learn if earthquakes are a risk in yur area by cntacting yur lcal emergency management ffice, lcal American Red Crss chapter, r state gelgical survey r department f natural resurces. Infrmatin abut earthquake risk is als available frm the U.S. Gelgical Survey Natinal Seismic Hazards prject. Preparedness Tip #27 Flds are amng the mst frequent and cstly natural disasters in terms f human hardship and ecnmic lss. As much as 90 percent f the damage related t all natural disasters (excluding draught) is caused by flds and assciated debris flw. Mst cmmunities in the United States can experience sme kind f flding. Melting snw can cmbine with rain in the winter and early spring; severe thunderstrms can bring heavy rain in the spring r summer; r hurricanes can bring intense rainfall t castal and inland states in the summer and fall. Regardless f hw a fld ccurs, the rule fr being safe is simple: head fr higher grund and stay away frm fldwater. Even a shallw depth f fast-mving fldwater prduces mre frce than mst peple imagine. Yu can prtect yurself by being prepared and having time t act. Lcal radi r televisin statins r a NOAA Weather Radi are the best surces f infrmatin in a fld situatin. Preparedness Tip #28 When there is cncern abut a ptential expsure t a chemical r ther airbrne hazard, lcal fficials may advise yu t "shelter-in-place and seal the rm. This is different frm taking shelter n the lwest level f yur hme in case f a natural disaster like a trnad. If yu believe the air may be badly cntaminated r if yu are instructed by lcal fficials, fllw the instructins belw t create a temprary barrier between yu and the cntaminated air utside. 9 f 70

10 T shelter-in-place and seal-the-rm: Clse and lck all windws and exterir drs. Turn ff all fans, heating and air cnditining systems. Clse the fireplace damper. Get yur disaster supplies kit and turn n yur battery-pwered radi. G t an interir rm that is abve grund level and withut windws, if pssible. In the case f a chemical threat, an abve-grund lcatin is preferable because sme chemicals are heavier than air, and may seep int basements even if the windws are clsed. If directed by lcal authrities n the radi, use duct tape t seal all cracks arund the dr and any vents int the rm. Tape plastic sheeting, such as heavy-duty plastic garbage bags, ver any windws. Listen t yur radi r televisin fr further instructins. Lcal fficials will tell yu when yu can leave the rm in which yu are sheltering, r they may call fr evacuatin in specific areas at greatest risk in yur cmmunity Preparedness Tip #29 If There is an Explsin: Take shelter against yur desk r a sturdy table. Exit the building immediately. D nt use elevatrs. Check fr fire and ther hazards. Take yur emergency supply kit if time allws. If there is a Fire: Exit the building immediately. If there is smke, crawl under the smke t the nearest exit and use a clth, if pssible, t cver yur nse and muth. Use the back f yur hand t feel the upper, lwer, and middle parts f clsed drs. If the dr is nt ht, brace yurself against it and pen slwly. If the dr is ht, d nt pen it. Lk fr anther way ut. D nt use elevatrs. If yur clthes catch n fire, stp-drp-and-rll t put ut the fire. D nt run. If yu are at hme, g t yur previusly designated utside meeting place. Accunt fr yur family members and carefully supervise small children. GET OUT and STAY OUT. Never g back int a burning building. Call r yur lcal emergency number. Preparedness Tip #30 Unlike an explsin, a bilgical attack may r may nt be immediately bvius. Mst likely lcal health care wrkers will reprt a pattern f unusual illness r a wave f sick peple seeking medical attentin. The best surce f infrmatin will be radi r televisin reprts. Understand that sme bilgical agents, such as anthrax, d nt cause cntagius diseases. Others, like the smallpx virus, can result in diseases yu can catch frm ther peple. In the event f a bilgical attack, public health fficials may nt immediately be able t prvide infrmatin n what yu shuld d. It will take time t determine exactly what the illness is, hw it shuld be treated, and wh may have been expsed. Yu shuld watch TV, listen t the radi, r check the Internet fr fficial news including the fllwing: Are yu in the grup r area authrities believe may have been expsed? What are the signs and symptms f the disease? Are medicatins r vaccines being distributed? Where? Wh shuld get them and hw? Where shuld yu seek emergency medical care if yu becme sick? 10 f 70

11 During a declared bilgical emergency: If a family member becmes sick, it is imprtant t be suspicius. D nt assume, hwever, that yu shuld g t a hspital emergency rm r that any illness is the result f the bilgical attack. Symptms f many cmmn illnesses may verlap. Use cmmn sense, practice gd hygiene and cleanliness t avid spreading germs, and seek medical advice. Cnsider if yu are in the grup r area authrities believe t be in danger. If yur symptms match thse described and yu are in the grup cnsidered at risk, immediately seek emergency medical attentin. If yu are ptentially expsed: Fllw instructins f dctrs and ther public health fficials. If the disease is cntagius expect t receive medical evaluatin and treatment. Yu may be advised t stay away frm thers r even deliberately quarantined. Fr nn-cntagius diseases, expect t receive medical evaluatin and treatment. If yu becme aware f an unusual and suspicius substance nearby: Quickly get away. Prtect yurself. Cver yur muth and nse with layers f fabric that can filter the air but still allw breathing. Examples include tw t three layers f cttn such as a t-shirt, handkerchief r twel. Otherwise, several layers f tissue r paper twels may help. Wash with sap and water. Cntact authrities. Watch TV, listen t the radi, r check the Internet fr fficial news and infrmatin including what the signs and symptms f the disease are, if medicatins r vaccinatins are being distributed and where yu shuld seek medical attentin if yu becme sick. If yu becme sick seek emergency medical attentin. 11 f 70

12 Preparedness An everyday task fr everyday life Intrductin Being prepared fr emergencies is crucial at hme, schl, wrk and in yur cmmunity. Disaster can strike quickly and withut warning. It can frce yu t evacuate yur neighbrhd, wrkplace r schl r can cnfine yu t yur hme. What wuld yu d if basic services -- water, gas, electricity r telephnes--were cut ff? Lcal fficials and relief wrkers will be n the scene after a disaster, but they cannt reach everyne right away. Therefre, the best way t make yu and yur family safer is t be prepared befre disaster strikes. In the midst f rushing thrugh everyday life, it's imprtant t take a minute r tw t prepare fr emergencies. Being prepared helps yu and yur family minimize the impact f a disaster such as a hurricane r an emergency such as a brken leg. The best way t make yur family and yur hme safer is t be prepared befre disaster strikes. Make a Plan Make a family cmmunicatins plan that includes an evacuatin plan and crdinates with yur schl, wrk and cmmunity cmmunicatin plans. Practice this plan with yur entire family. Build a disaster supplies kit that includes enugh supplies fr each family member fr three days. Remember t check yur kit every six mnths. Find ut what culd happen t yu Cntact yur American Red Crss chapter r lcal emergency management r civil defense ffice be prepared t take ntes: Ask what types f disasters are mst likely t happen. Request infrmatin n hw t prepare fr each. Learn abut yur cmmunity s warning signals: what they sund like and what yu shuld d when yu hear them. Ask abut animal care after disaster. Animals may nt be allwed inside emergency shelters due t health regulatins. Find ut hw t help elderly r disabled persns, if needed. Next, find ut abut the disaster plans at yur wrkplace, yur children s schl r daycare center and ther places where yur family spends time. Create a disaster plan Meet with yur family and discuss why yu need t prepare fr disaster. Explain the dangers f fire, severe weather and earthquakes t children. Plan t share respnsibilities and wrk tgether as a team. Discuss the types f disasters that are mst likely t happen. Explain what t d in each case. Pick tw places t meet: 1. Right utside yur hme in case f a sudden emergency, like a fire. 2. Outside yur neighbrhd in case yu can t return hme. Everyne must knw the address and phne number. 12 f 70

13 Ask an ut-f-state friend t be yur family cntact. After a disaster, it s ften easier t call lng distance. Other family members shuld call this persn and tell them where they are. Everyne must knw yur cntact s phne number. Discuss what t d in an evacuatin. Plan hw t take care f yur pets. Write dwn all f these cntact numbers and infrmatin n the family emergency cntact card. Cmplete this checklist Practice yur plan Pst emergency telephne numbers by phnes (fire, plice, ambulance, etc.). Teach children hw and when t call 911 r yur lcal Emergency Medical Services number fr emergency help. Shw each family member hw and when t turn ff the water, gas and electricity at the main switches. Check if yu have adequate insurance cverage. Teach each family member hw t use the fire extinguisher (ABC type), and shw them where it s kept. Install smke detectrs n each level f yur hme, especially near bedrms. Cnduct a hme hazard hunt. Stck emergency supplies and assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit. Take a Red Crss first aid and CPR class. Determine the best escape rutes frm yur hme. Find tw ways ut f each rm. Find the safe spts in yur hme fr each type f disaster. Test yur smke detectrs mnthly and change the batteries at least nce a year. Quiz yur kids every six mnths s they remember what t d. Cnduct fire and emergency evacuatin drills. Replace stred water every three mnths and stred fd every six mnths. Test and recharge yur fire extinguisher(s) accrding t manufacturer s instructins. Evacuatin Plan Lcal gvernment fficials, nt the Red Crss, issue evacuatin rders when disaster threatens. Listen t lcal radi and televisin reprts when disaster threatens. If lcal fficials ask yu t leave, d s immediately; they have a gd reasn fr making this request. Crdinate yur evacuatin plan in advance when creating yur family's disaster plan. Ensure that yu've tested the evacuatin rutes and that yu have planned several in the instance f clsed rads and rutes. Remember these simple tips: Wear lng-sleeved shirts, lng pants and sturdy shes s yu can be prtected as much as pssible. Take yur disaster supplies kit. Take yur pets with yu; d nt leave them behind. Because pets are nt permitted in public shelters, fllw yur plan t g t a relative's r friend's hme, r find a "pet-friendly" htel. Lck yur hme. Use travel rutes specified by lcal authrities dn't use shrtcuts because certain areas may be impassable r dangerus. Stay away frm dwned pwer lines. 13 f 70

14 If yu have nly mments befre leaving, grab these things and g! Medical supplies: prescriptin medicatins and dentures. Disaster supplies: flashlight, batteries, radi, first aid kit, bttled water Clthing and bedding: a change f clthes and a sleeping bag r bedrll and pillw fr each husehld member Car keys and keys t the place yu may be ging (friend's r relative's hme) If lcal fficials haven't advised an immediate evacuatin If there's a chance the weather may get wrse r flding may happen, take steps nw t prtect yur hme and belngings. D this nly if lcal fficials have nt asked yu t leave. Prtect yur hme Bring things indrs. Lawn furniture, trash cans, children's tys, garden equipment, cltheslines, hanging plants and any ther bjects that may fly arund and damage prperty shuld be brught indrs. Leave trees and shrubs alne. If yu did nt cut away dead r diseased branches r limbs frm trees and shrubs, leave them alne. Lcal rubbish cllectin services will nt have time befre the strm t pick anything up. Lk fr ptential hazards. Lk fr ccnuts, un-ripened fruit, and ther bjects in trees arund yur prperty that culd blw r break ff and fly arund in high winds. Cut them ff and stre them indrs until the strm is ver. Turn ff electricity and water. Turn ff electricity at the main fuse r breaker, and turn ff water at the main valve. Leave natural gas n. Unless lcal fficials advise therwise, leave natural gas n because yu will need it fr heating and cking when yu return hme. If yu turn gas ff, a licensed prfessinal is required t turn it back n, and it may take weeks fr a prfessinal t respnd. Turn ff prpane gas service. Prpane tanks ften becme disldged in disasters. If high winds are expected, cver the utside f all windws f yur hme. Use shutters that are rated t prvide significant prtectin frm windblwn debris, r fit plywd cverings ver all windws. If flding is expected, cnsider using sand bags t keep water away frm yur hme. It takes tw peple abut ne hur t fill and place 100 sandbags, giving yu a wall ne ft high and 20 feet lng. Make sure yu have enugh sand, burlap r plastic bags, shvels, strng helpers, and time t place them prperly. Remember. Huses d nt explde due t air pressure differences. Damage happens when wind gets inside a hme thrugh a brken windw, dr, r damaged rf. Cver the utside f windws with shutters r plywd. Tape des nt prevent windws frm breaking. All tape des is prevent windws frm shattering. Using tape n windws is nt recmmended. Prtect yur valuables Mve bjects that may get damaged by wind r water t safer areas f yur hme. Mve televisin sets, cmputers, stere and electrnic equipment, and easily mveable appliances like a micrwave ven t higher levels f yur hme and away frm windws. Wrap them in sheets, blankets, r burlap. Make a visual r written recrd f all f yur husehld pssessins. Recrd mdel and serial numbers. This list culd help yu prve the value f what yu wned if thse pssessins are damaged r destryed, and can assist yu t claim deductins n taxes. D this fr all items in yur hme, including expensive items such as sfas, chairs, tables, beds, chests, wall units, and any ther furniture t heavy t mve. Stre a cpy f the recrd smewhere away frm hme, such as in a safe depsit bx. If it's pssible that yur hme may be significantly damaged by impending disaster, cnsider string yur husehld furnishings temprarily elsewhere. 14 f 70

15 Gather essential supplies and papers Yu will need the fllwing supplies when yu leave yur hme; put them all tgether in a duffle bag r ther large cntainer in advance. This is yur disaster supplies kit. Flashlight with plenty f extra batteries Battery-pwered radi with extra batteries First aid kit Prescriptin medicatins in their riginal bttle, plus cpies f the prescriptins Eyeglasses (with a cpy f the prescriptin) Water (at least ne galln per persn is recmmended; mre is better) Fds that d nt require refrigeratin r cking Items that infants and elderly husehld members may require Medical equipment and devices, such as dentures, crutches, prstheses, etc. Change f clthes fr each husehld member Sleeping bag r bedrll and pillw fr each husehld member Checkbk, cash, and credit cards Map f the area Imprtant papers t take with yu Driver's license r persnal identificatin Scial Security card Prf f residence (deed r lease) Insurance plicies Birth and marriage certificates Stcks, bnds, and ther negtiable certificates Wills, deeds, and cpies f recent tax returns 15 f 70

16 Build A Disaster Supplies Kit There are six basics yu shuld stck fr yur hme in the case f an emergency: water, fd, first aid supplies, clthing and bedding, tls and emergency supplies, and special items fr medical cnditins. Keep the items that yu wuld mst likely need during an evacuatin in an easy-t carry cntainer. Belw is a cmprehensive list f what shuld be included in yur kit recmmended items are marked with an asterisk (*). Pssible cntainers include a large, cvered trash cntainer, a camping backpack r a duffle bag. Water Stre water in plastic cntainers such as sft drink bttles. Avid using cntainers that will decmpse r break, such as milk cartns r glass bttles. A nrmally active persn needs t drink at least tw quarts f water each day. Ht envirnments and intense physical activity can duble that amunt. Children, nursing mthers, and ill peple will need mre. Stre ne galln f water per persn per day. Keep at least a three-day supply f water per persn (tw quarts fr drinking, tw quarts fr each persn in yur husehld fr fd preparatin/sanitatin).* Additinal Infrmatin Water surces during an emergency Fd Stre at least a three-day supply f nn-perishable fd (10 t 14 days is recmmended) that require n refrigeratin, preparatin r cking, and little r n water. If yu must heat fd, pack a can f stern. Select fd items that are cmpact and lightweight. Include a selectin f the fllwing fds in yur Disaster Supplies Kit: Ready-t-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables Canned juices Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.) High energy fds Vitamins Fd fr infants Cmfrt/stress fds Additinal Infrmatin Fd supplies during an emergency First Aid Kit Assemble a first aid kit fr yur hme and ne fr each car. (20) adhesive bandages, varius sizes. (1) 5" x 9" sterile dressing. (1) cnfrming rller gauze bandage. (2) triangular bandages. (2) 3 x 3 sterile gauze pads. (2) 4 x 4 sterile gauze pads. (1) rll 3" chesive bandage. (2) germicidal hand wipes r waterless alchl-based hand sanitizer. (6) antiseptic wipes. (2) pair large medical grade nn-latex glves. Adhesive tape, 2" width. Anti-bacterial intment. Cld pack. Scissrs (small, persnal). Tweezers. CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield. Nn-Prescriptin Drugs Aspirin r nn=aspirin pain reliever Anti-diarrhea medicatin Antacid (fr stmach upset) 16 f 70

17 Syrup f Ipecac (use t induce vmiting if advised by the Pisn Cntrl Center) Laxative Activated charcal (use if advised by the Pisn Cntrl Center) Tls and Supplies Mess kits, r paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils* Emergency preparedness manual* Battery-perated radi and extra batteries* Flashlight and extra batteries* Cash r traveler's checks, change* Nn-electric can pener, utility knife* Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type Tube tent Pliers Tape Cmpass Matches in a waterprf cntainer Aluminum fil Plastic strage cntainers Signal flare Paper, pencil Needles, thread Medicine drpper Shut-ff wrench, t turn ff husehld gas and water Whistle Plastic sheeting Map f the area (fr lcating shelters) Sanitatin Tilet paper, twelettes* Sap, liquid detergent* Feminine supplies* Persnal hygiene items* Plastic garbage bags, ties (fr persnal sanitatin uses) Plastic bucket with tight lid Disinfectant Husehld chlrine bleach Clthing and Bedding *Include at least ne cmplete change f clthing and ftwear per persn. Sturdy shes r wrk bts* Rain gear* Blankets r sleeping bags* Hat and glves Thermal underwear Sunglasses Special Items Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly r disabled persns Fr Baby* Frmula Diapers Bttles Pwdered milk 17 f 70

18 Fr Adults* Medicatins Heart and high bld pressure medicatin Insulin Prescriptin drugs Denture needs Cntact lenses and supplies Extra eye glasses Entertainment (based n the ages f family members) Games (cards) and bks Prtable music device Imprtant Family Dcuments Keep these recrds in a waterprf, prtable cntainer: Will, insurance plicies, cntracts deeds, stcks and bnds Passprts, scial security cards, immunizatin recrds Bank accunt numbers Credit card accunt numbers and cmpanies Inventry f valuable husehld gds, imprtant telephne numbers Family recrds (birth, marriage, death certificates) Stre yur kit in a cnvenient place knwn t all family members. Keep a smaller versin f the supplies kit in the trunk f yur car. Keep items in airtight plastic bags. Change yur stred water supply every six mnths s it stays fresh. Replace yur stred fd every six mnths. Re-think yur kit and family needs at least nce a year. Replace batteries, update clthes, etc. Ask yur physician r pharmacist abut string prescriptin medicatins. Fd and Water in an Emergency (A5055) (FEMA 477) (PDF File) If an earthquake, hurricane, winter strm r ther disaster strikes yur cmmunity, yu might nt have access t fd, water and electricity fr days, r even weeks. By taking sme time nw t stre emergency fd and water supplies, yu can prvide fr yur entire family. This brchure was develped by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in cperatin with the American Red Crss and the U.S. Department f Agriculture. Having an ample supply f clean water is a tp pririty in an emergency. A nrmally active persn needs t drink at least tw quarts f water each day. Ht envirnments can duble that amunt. Children, nursing mthers and ill peple will need even mre. Yu will als need water fr fd preparatin and hygiene. Stre a ttal f at least ne galln per persn, per day. Yu shuld stre at least a tw-week supply f water fr each member f yur family. If supplies run lw, never ratin water. Drink the amunt yu need tday, and try t find mre fr tmrrw. Yu can minimize the amunt f water yur bdy needs by reducing activity and staying cl. Water Surces Hw t Stre Water Stre yur water in thrughly washed plastic, glass, fiberglass r enamel-lined metal cntainers. Never use a cntainer that has held txic substances. Plastic cntainers, such as sft drink bttles, are best. Yu can als purchase fd-grade plastic buckets r drums. Seal water cntainers tightly, label them and stre in a cl, dark place. Rtate water every six mnths. 18 f 70

19 Emergency Outdr Water Surces If yu need t find water utside yur hme, yu can use these surces. Be sure t treat the water accrding t the instructins n page 3 befre drinking it. Rainwater Streams, rivers and ther mving bdies f water Pnds and lakes Natural springs Avid water with flating material, an dr r dark clr. Use saltwater nly if yu distill it first. Yu shuld nt drink fld water. Hidden Water Surces in Yur Hme If a disaster catches yu withut a stred supply f clean water, yu can use the water in yur ht-water tank, pipes and ice cubes. As a last resrt, yu can use water in the reservir tank f yur tilet (nt the bwl). D yu knw the lcatin f yur incming water valve? Yu'll need t shut it ff t stp cntaminated water frm entering yur hme if yu hear reprts f brken water r sewage lines. T use the water in yur pipes, let air int the plumbing by turning n the faucet in yur huse at the highest level. A small amunt f water will trickle ut. Then btain water frm the lwest faucet in the huse. T use the water in yur ht-water tank, be sure the electricity r gas is ff, and pen the drain at the bttm f the tank. Start the water flwing by turning ff the water intake valve and turning n a ht-water faucet. D nt turn n the gas r electricity when the tank is empty. Three Ways t Treat Water In additin t having a bad dr and taste, cntaminated water can cntain micrrganisms that cause diseases such as dysentery, typhid and hepatitis. Yu shuld treat all water f uncertain purity befre using it fr drinking, fd preparatin r hygiene. There are many ways t treat water. Nne is perfect. Often the best slutin is a cmbinatin f methds. Tw easy treatment methds are utlined belw. These measures will kill mst micrbes but will nt remve ther cntaminants such as heavy metals, salts and mst ther chemicals. Befre treating, let any suspended particles settle t the bttm, r strain them thrugh layers f paper twel r clean clth. Biling: Biling is the safest methd f treating water. Bring water t a rlling bil fr 3-5 minutes, keeping in mind that sme water will evaprate. Let the water cl befre drinking. Biled water will taste better if yu put xygen back int it by puring the water back and frth between tw clean cntainers. This will als imprve the taste f stred water. Disinfectin: Yu can use husehld liquid bleach t kill micrrganisms. Use nly regular husehld liquid bleach that cntains 5.25 percent sdium hypchlrite. D nt use scented bleaches, clr safe bleaches r bleaches with added cleaners. Add 16 drps f bleach per galln f water, stir and let stand fr 30 minutes. If the water des nt have a slight bleach dr, repeat the dsage and let stand anther 15 minutes. The nly agent used t treat water shuld be husehld liquid bleach. Other chemicals, such as idine r water treatment prducts sld in camping r surplus stres that d nt cntain 5.25 percent sdium hypchlrite as the nly active ingredient, are nt recmmended and shuld nt be used. While the tw methds described abve will kill mst micrbes in water, distillatin will remve micrbes that resist these methds, and heavy metals, salts and mst ther chemicals. Distillatin: Distillatin invlves biling water and then cllecting the vapr that cndenses back t water. The cndensed vapr will nt include salt and ther impurities. T distill, fill a pt halfway with water. Tie a cup t the handle n the pt's lid s that the cup will hang right-side-up when the lid is upside-dwn (make sure the cup is nt dangling int the water) and bil the water fr 20 minutes. The water that drips frm the lid int the cup is distilled. 19 f 70

20 Fd Supplies When Fd Supplies Are Lw If activity is reduced, healthy peple can survive n half their usual fd intake fr an extended perid and withut any fd fr many days. Fd, unlike water, may be ratined safely, except fr children and pregnant wmen. If yur water supply is limited, try t avid fds that are high in fat and prtein, and dn't stck salty fds, since they will make yu thirsty. Try t eat salt-free crackers, whle grain cereals and canned fds with high liquid cntent. Yu dn't need t g ut and buy unfamiliar fds t prepare an emergency fd supply. Yu can use the canned fds, dry mixes and ther staples n yur cupbard shelves. In fact, familiar fds are imprtant. They can lift mrale and give a feeling f security in time f stress. Als, canned fds wn't require cking, water r special preparatin. Fllwing are recmmended shrt-term fd strage plans. Special Cnsideratins As yu stck fd, take int accunt yur family's unique needs and tastes. Try t include fds that they will enjy and that are als high in calries and nutritin. Fds that require n refrigeratin, preparatin r cking are best. Individuals with special diets and allergies will need particular attentin, as will babies, tddlers and elderly peple. Nursing mthers may need liquid frmula, in case they are unable t nurse. Canned dietetic fds, juices and sups may be helpful fr ill r elderly peple. Make sure yu have a manual can pener and dispsable utensils. And dn't frget nnperishable fds fr yur pets. Fd Strage Tips Keep fd in a dry, cl spt - a dark area if pssible. Keep fd cvered at all times. Open fd bxes r cans care-fully s that yu can clse them tightly after each use. Wrap ckies and crackers in plastic bags, and keep them in tight cntainers. Empty pened packages f sugar, dried fruits and nuts int screw-tp jars r air-tight cans t prtect them frm pests. Inspect all fd fr signs f spilage befre use. Nutritin Tips Use fds befre they g bad, and replace them with fresh supplies, dated with ink r marker. Place new items at the back f the strage area and lder nes in frnt. During and right after a disaster, it will be vital that yu maintain yur strength. S remember: Eat at least ne well-balanced meal each day. Drink enugh liquid t enable yur bdy t functin prperly (tw quarts a day). Take in enugh calries t enable yu t d any necessary wrk. Include vitamin, mineral and prtein supplements in yur stckpile t assure adequate nutritin. 20 f 70

21 Shelf-life f Fds fr Strage Here are sme general guidelines fr rtating cmmn emergency fds. (mark cntainers with date f purchase) Use within six mnths: Pwdered milk (bxed) Dried fruit (in metal cntainer) Dry, crisp crackers (in metal cntainer) Ptates Use within ne year: Canned cndensed meat and vegetable sups Canned fruits, fruit juices and vegetables Ready-t-eat cereals and uncked instant cereals (in metal cntainers) Peanut butter Jelly Hard candy and canned nuts Vitamin C May be stred indefinitely (in prper cntainers and cnditins): Wheat Vegetable ils Dried crn Baking pwder Sybeans Instant cffee, tea and cca Salt Nncarbnated sft drinks White rice Builln prducts Dry pasta Pwdered milk (in nitrgen-packed cans) 21 f 70

22 Blackuts Tp Safety Tips fr a Blackut Only use a flashlight fr emergency lighting. Never use candles! Turn ff electrical equipment yu were using when the pwer went ut. Avid pening the refrigeratr and freezer. D nt run a generatr inside a hme r garage. If yu use a generatr, cnnect the equipment yu want t pwer directly t the utlets n the generatr. D nt cnnect a generatr t a hme's electrical system. Listen t lcal radi and televisin fr updated infrmatin. Hw Can I Prepare Befre a Blackut Happens? Assemble essential supplies, including: Flashlight Batteries Prtable radi at least ne galln f water a small supply f fd. Due t the extreme risk f fire, d nt use candles during a pwer utage. If yu have space in yur refrigeratr r freezer, cnsider filling plastic cntainers with water, leaving abut an inch f space inside each ne. (Remember, water expands as it freezes, s it is imprtant t leave rm in the cntainer fr the expanded water). Place the cntainers in the refrigeratr and freezer. This chilled r frzen water will help keep fd cld if the pwer ges ut, by displacing air that can warm up quickly with water r ice that keeps cld fr several hurs withut additinal refrigeratin. If yu use medicatin that requires refrigeratin, mst can be kept in a clsed refrigeratr fr several hurs withut a prblem. If unsure, check with yur physician r pharmacist. If yu use a cmputer, keep files and perating systems backed up regularly. Cnsider buying extra batteries and a pwer cnverter if yu use a laptp cmputer. A pwer cnverter allws mst laptps (12 vlts r less) t be perated frm the cigarette lighter f a vehicle. Als, turn ff all cmputers, mnitrs, printers, cpiers, scanners and ther devices when they're nt being used. That way, if the pwer ges ut, this equipment will have already been safely shut dwn. Get a high quality surge prtectr fr all f yur cmputer equipment. If yu use the cmputer a lt, such as fr a hme business, cnsider purchasing and installing an uninterruptible pwer supply (UPS). Cnsult with yur lcal cmputer equipment dealer abut available equipment and csts. If yu have an electric garage dr pener, find ut where the manual release lever is lcated and learn hw t perate it. Smetimes garage drs can be heavy, s get help t lift it. If yu regularly use the garage as the primary means f entering yur hme upn return frm wrk, be sure t keep a key t yur huse with yu, in case the garage dr will nt pen. If yu have a telephne instrument r system at hme r at wrk that requires electricity t wrk (such as a crdless phne r answering machine), plan fr alternate cmmunicatin, including having a standard telephne handset, cellular telephne, radi, r pager. Remember, t, that sme vice mail systems and remte dial-up servers fr cmputer netwrks may nt perate when the pwer is ut where these systems are lcated. S even if yu have pwer, yur access t remte technlgy may be interrupted if the pwer that serves thse areas is disrupted. Check with remte service prviders t see if they have backup pwer systems, and hw lng thse systems will perate. Keep yur car fuel tank at least half full because gas statins rely n electricity t pwer their pumps. Fllw energy cnservatin measures t keep the use f electricity as lw as pssible, which can help pwer cmpany(ies) avid impsing rlling blackuts. 22 f 70

23 Specific Infrmatin fr Peple With Disabilities If yu use a battery-perated wheelchair, life-supprt system, r ther pwer-dependent equipment, call yur pwer cmpany befre rlling blackuts happen. Many utility cmpanies keep a list and map f the lcatins f pwer-dependent custmers in case f an emergency. Ask them what alternatives are available in yur area. Cntact the custmer service department f yur lcal utility cmpany(ies) t learn if this service is available in yur cmmunity. If yu use a mtrized wheelchair r scter, have an extra battery. A car battery als can be used with a wheelchair but will nt last as lng as a wheelchair's deep-cycle battery. If available, stre a lightweight manual wheelchair fr backup. If yu are Blind r have a visual disability, stre a talking r Braille clck r large-print timepiece with extra batteries. If yu are Deaf r have a hearing lss, cnsider getting a small prtable battery-perated televisin set. Emergency bradcasts may give infrmatin in American Sign Language (ASL) r pen captining. Using a Generatr If yu are cnsidering btaining a generatr, get advice frm a licensed prfessinal, such as an electrician. Make sure the generatr is listed with Underwriter's Labratries r a similar rganizatin. Sme municipalities, Air Quality Districts, r states have "air quality permit" requirements. A licensed electrician will be able t give yu mre infrmatin n these matters. Always plan t keep the generatr utdrs -- never perate it inside, including the basement r garage. D nt hk up a generatr directly t yur hme's wiring. The safest thing t d is t cnnect the equipment yu want t pwer directly t the utlets n the generatr. Cnnecting a crd frm the generatr t a pint n the permanent wiring system and backfeeding pwer t yur hme is an unsafe methd t supply a building during a pwer utage. Fr mre infrmatin abut using generatrs safely, see the Generatr fact sheet. What D I D During A Blackut? Turn ff r discnnect any appliances, equipment (like air cnditiners) r electrnics yu were using when the pwer went ut. When pwer cmes back n, it may cme back with mmentary "surges" r "spikes" that can damage equipment such as cmputers and mtrs in appliances like the air cnditiner, refrigeratr, washer, r furnace. Leave ne light turned n s yu'll knw when yur pwer returns. Leave the drs f yur refrigeratr and freezer clsed t keep yur fd as fresh as pssible. If yu must eat fd that was refrigerated r frzen, check it carefully fr signs f spilage. See the Red Crss brchure called, "Help The Pwer Is Out" fr mre infrmatin. Use the phne fr emergencies nly. Listening t a prtable radi can prvide the latest infrmatin. D nt call fr infrmatin -- nly call t reprt a life-threatening emergency. Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic signals will stp wrking during an utage, creating traffic cngestin. Remember that equipment such as autmated teller machines (ATMs) and elevatrs may nt wrk during a pwer utage. If it is ht utside, take steps t remain cl. Mve t the lwest level f yur hme, as cl air falls. Wear lightweight, light-clred clthing. Drink plenty f water, even if yu d nt feel thirsty. If the heat is intense and the pwer may be ff fr a lng time, cnsider ging t a mvie theater, shpping mall, r "cling shelter" that may be pened in yur cmmunity. Listen t lcal radi r televisin fr mre infrmatin. Get mre tips n the preparing fr a heat wave. Remember t prvide plenty f fresh, cl water fr yur pets. 23 f 70

24 If it is cld utside, put n layers f warm clthing. Never burn charcal fr heating r cking indrs. Never use yur ven as a surce f heat. If the pwer may be ut fr a prlnged perid, plan t g t anther lcatin (relative, friend, r public facility) that has heat t keep warm. Energy Cnservatin Recmmendatins T cnserve pwer t help avid a blackut, the pwer industry recmmends: In heating seasn, set the furnace thermstat at 68 degrees r lwer. In cling seasn, set the thermstat at 78 degrees r higher. Cnsider installing a prgrammable thermstat that yu can set t have the furnace r air cnditining run nly when yu are at hme. Mst pwer is used by heating and cling, s adjusting the temperatures n yur thermstat is the biggest energy cnservatin measure yu can take. Turn ff lights and cmputers when nt in use. This is especially true abut cmputer mnitrs, avid using a "screen saver" and just simply turn the mnitr ff when yu wn't be using the cmputer fr a while. Turn the cmputer ff cmpletely each evening. It is n lnger true that cmputer equipment is damaged frm turning it ff and n. Clse windws when the heating r cling system is n. Caulk windws and drs t keep air frm leaking, and replace ld windws with new, energyefficient windws. Clean r replace furnace and air-cnditiner filters regularly. When buying new appliances be sure t purchase energy-efficient mdels. Wrap the water heater with an insulatin jacket, available at mst building supplies retailers. If yu have t wash clthes, wash nly full lads and clean the dryer's lint trap after each use. When using a dishwasher, wash full lads and use the "light" cycle. If pssible, use the "rinse nly" cycle and turn ff the "high temperature" rinse ptin. When the regular wash cycle is dne, just pen the dishwasher dr t allw the dishes t air dry. Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient cmpact flurescent lights. Use ne large light bulb rather than several smaller nes. Fr Mre Infrmatin If yu wuld like mre infrmatin abut rlling blackuts and hw t deal with them, cntact the pwer cmpany that serves yur area. 24 f 70