calendar A light-hearted look at how to cope with, and be a good citizen in, EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

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1 calendar A light-hearted look at how to cope with, and be a good citizen in, EMERGENCY SITUATIONS Working in partnership with

2 This calendar has been designed as part of a toolkit to engage young people in raising their awareness in emergency situations. It will enable professionals to introduce this subject to a wide number of audiences as part of an overall awareness campaign in fulfilling our obligations under the Civil Contingencies Act ROSANNA BRIGGS MSc, Dip EP, MEPS Deputy County Emergency Planning Officer ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL

3 JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

4 U NE IN IN-STA N Y I -T What can we do if we have GO Have you made a plan? Dad, water is coming through the door! Don t be silly! I have floodboards at the door.

5 DAY: JANUARY NOTES GO IN-STAY IN-TUNE IN HERE ARE A FEW SIMPLE TIPS There are more practical day - to - day things you can do to help yourself if flooding strikes. DON T WADE in the water, It could be fast moving, also water pressure may have forced access covers out of place. FIND OUT if your street or area is prone to flooding. You can do this by checking A FLOOD BOX is a good idea for all the family. Pack a floating plastic crate with some essential items, like a torch and keep a a list of telephone numbers such as FLOODLINE ( ) and the emergency and insurance services in a plastic bag. You could also pack some of your favourite things. FLOODWATER IS DIRTY so always wash your hands before touching anything. FLOODBOARDS at your doors will help to stop water getting in. DON T FORGET your pets need help too!

6 GO IN-STAY IN-TUNE IN what can we do if we have... This is cosy I won t fall through Help! Do you need any shopping?

7 DAY: FEBRUARY NOTES 29 During severe weather COMMON SENSE is something you need to use! It is great fun to watch waves crashing on the shore from a safe distance: DANGEROUS if you get too close. It s easy to get swept away! If you see somebody in trouble, would you know how to call the emergency services, such as The Coastguards? Most of us love snow, but it can be dangerous. If you must go out, wear plenty of warm clothing and always tell someone where you are going. DON T walk or skate on frozen ponds: the ice may not be as thick as you think. Don t shelter under trees during thunderstorms or in high winds. Do you have elderly or disabled neighbours or family? Why not offer to run errands for them if they cannot get out? Are you sure your neighbours are safe. Why not offer to run errands for them if they cannot get out.

8 What if we have a Where did we leave the torch? What torch? At least i will keep warm MUM ASKED YOU TO GET NEW BATTERIES...

9 DAY: MARCH If you have a POWER CUT, do you know where you can find: A TORCH? Are the batteries fresh? CANDLES and MATCHES? IF YOU MUST USE CANDLES, USE THEM SAFELY! Put them in a proper holder. Keep them away from curtains and furniture. Never lean over them. Keep them apart at least 10cm. Don t move them when they are alight. If you have a power cut in cold weather, put on warm clothes! NOTES

10 GO IN-STAY IN-TUNE IN I ve lost my mummy! Where will i find her? What if we have an IF YOU CALL 999 AS A JOKE, EMERGENCY VEHICLES COULD ARRIVE LATE AT A REAL EMERGENCY AND SOMEONE COULD BE HURT - OR EVEN DIE! STAY INSIDE! LISTEN TO THE RADIO! WATCH TV NEWS! WAIT FOR THE ALL CLEAR! I ve lost my molly! Will she know where to find me? Take me to your disaster

11 GO IN-STAY IN-TUNE IN DAY: APRIL If an industrial accident, fire or explosion happens near you, please don t go and have a look. It is dangerous and you could get in the way of the emergency services. GO IN close all windows and doors. If you can t get home, seek shelter in a public building, such as a library or a town hall. STAY IN Don t panic! TUNE IN to your local radio/tv service NOTES Let the emergency services know if there are any elderly or infirm people in your street. If you are separated from your family during an emergency, go to a group of adults or a police officer.

12 What if you see a The cyclist was lucky. The truck had to brake hard. A dog ran across the road. IF YOU CALL 999 AS A JOKE, EMERGENCY VEHICLES COULD ARRIVE LATE AT A REAL EMERGENCY AND SOMEONE COULD BE HURT - OR EVEN DIE! Ouch! We ll soon get you to hospital. You ll be OK. Did i cause this? That was close! Good thing I had my mobile phone with me. Thanks for calling us.

13 DAY: MAY What would you do if you saw a road collision? Call the emergency services immediately! NOTES

14 Looking and listening IF YOU CALL 999 AS A JOKE, EMERGENCY VEHICLES COULD ARRIVE LATE AT AN EMERGENCY - SOME ONE COULD BE HURT - OR EVEN DIE! All the sirens, and flashing lights can be confusing, do you know what they are for?

15 DAY: JUNE We use many forms of communication but sight and sound are the most common in our everyday lives. All kinds of signs, lighting, sirens, horns, hooters, bells and whistles touch our senses every day NOTES Can you tell the difference between an ambulance, a police car or a fire engine siren? They are different! Flood warnings have usually been loud whining sirens that send shivers down your spine. Church bells are also often rung as emergency warnings. Lighthouses and foghorns protect ships from rocks and bad weather. Flashing blue lights, telephones, TV, radio and text messages all add to the ways we can communicate warning messages. If you hear emergency sirens, don t run towards them!

16 Can you you see any possible problems in the picture? IF YOU CALL 999 AS A JOKE, EMERGENCY VEHICLES COULD ARRIVE LATE AT A REAL EMERGENCY AND SOMEONE COULD BE HURT - OR EVEN DIE! Help!

17 DAY: JULY Take care when cooking: don t leave pans unattended on the stove. Be careful not to overload electrical sockets, use a bar adapter rather than a block. If too many appliances are used, the socket can overheat. Turn off all appliances at night. Take care around bonfires and barbecues. Don t block exits with discarded rubbish, toys or bikes. Did you leave a tap running? DO YOU HAVE A FIRE ACTION PLAN? Ensure you have at least one working smoke alarm on each level of your home. In case of fire: NOTES GET OUT, STAY OUT, CALL 999 FOR THE FIRE SERVICE!

18 Help! Help! We all love holidays but Help! Help! IN AN EMERGENCY DIAL 999 ASK FOR COASTGUARD

19 DAY: AUGUST NOTES Beware of monster crabs and maneating sharks! Holidays are fun but can go wrong, so take extra care. If swimming in the sea, check to see if there are lifeguards on the beach. Always obey warning flags and take great care with inflatables. If you see somebody in difficulties, alert the emergency services. If you are abroad, remember to take extra care crossing the road as local traffic may drive on the, wrong side. Don t dig into cliffs or dunes: they could collapse! Be careful on rocks and watch the tide: it is easy to get cut off. Treat your resort with respect. Don t leave litter or broken glass. Please don t light fires or barbecues. If you find washed up items of possible danger - chemical drums or sewage for example, dial 999 and ask for Coastguard. Don t forget: hat sunscreen water bottle

20 I wishi had learnt to read maps. Did you bring a first-aid kit,and drinking water with you? Be careful in I m not dressed for this am I? CLOSE GATES BEHIND YOU LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS KEEP DOGS ON A LEAD DON T HARASS WILDLIFE AND DOMESTIC ANIMALS USE THE ENVIRONMENT RESPONSIBLY Look out! you are too close to the edge. HONK! Hey! Watch out! Move over,i m coming past! Some rivers have very fast currents. DON T go wading in areas you don t know.

21 DAY: SEPTEMBER Getting out and about is something we all enjoy. Just follow a few basic commonsense rules to avoid emergency situations. If you are walking or fishing in a remote spot, DON T GO ON YOUR OWN! Tell someone where you are going and what time to expect you back. Make sure you have suitable clothing and equipment for all weathers. It is not advisable to go hill walking in high heels! Take drinking water and sunblock if it is likely to be hot NOTES When taking part in possibly dangerous outdoor pursuits such as canoeing and abseiling, only do so under qualified supervision and use the safety equipment provided, you really don t want a trip to hospital in the rescue helicopter!

22 Come quick! The school s on fire. HA! HA! HA! HA! Becoming a GOOD CITIZEN There is good and bad behaviour in this picture, what do you think? IF YOU CALL 999 AS A JOKE, EMERGENCY VEHICLES COULD ARRIVE LATE AT AN EMERGENCY - SOME ONE COULD BE HURT - OR EVEN DIE! Some people put litter anywhere but in a bin. Please don t be one of those! GET OUT OF MY WAY! Thank you, my dear. Can I help you, missus?

23 DAY: OCTOBER Being a good citizen can mean many things: good manners, being helpful and generally behaving in a civilised way is a good start. You will find most people respond in kind to good manners and consideration. Courtesy after all, costs nothing. Being caring and knowledgeable about the environment, litter - conscious and caring about the welfare of others is also the way forward. Be considerate and helpful to old and young alike. Having respect for other people s cultures and beliefs shows a maturing personality. Show the adults how it should be done!

24 In case of an emergency it is good to know some first aid What is in your first-aid kit? Do you have one? Where do you keep it? Ask about being taught first aid. Find a willing subject to practise on! ANTISEPTIC WIPES Should I call an ambulance? Here are some situations where it is vital to call an ambulance, although knowing first aid could also help: Unconsciousness or slipping in and out of consciousness Suspected stroke Heavy blood loss Suspected broken bones Deep wound Suspected heart attack Difficulty in breathing Severe burns Severe allergic reaction or fits Never dial 999 unless it is an emergency: someone else may need an ambulance NEVER MAKE HOAX CALLS! Washing hands is very much a part of good hygiene. When you wash, sing happy birthday to you twice to judge how long you should take. Could you put an unconcious person in the recovery position? Coughs and sneezes do spread diseases, so try to keep them to yourself! Never move somebody who is injured unless there is danger present.

25 DAY: NOVEMBER FIRST AID KITS Your first aid kit could include: Plasters. Bandages. Triangular bandages for slings. Eye patches. Safety pins or tape. Medical spoon for giving babies and children their medicines (these are more accurate and much safer than a teaspoon). Saline for cleaning wounds. Gauze. Thermometer. Tweezers (for splinters). Blunt-ended scissors. Sun block (Factor 25 or higher for children). Child insect repellent. Keep your medical kit high up and out of reach of small children. You may choose to have two kits: one large one that stays at home and a smaller emergency kit for when you go out in the car or on holiday

26 EMERGENCY Checklist Flashlight and batteries or a wind-up torch. Elderly or vulnerable neighbours and family. If you have to leave your home, know how to turn off electricity and water. List of useful phone numbers and insurance details. First-aid kit. Cash and credit cards. Radio and batteries or a wind-up one, to listen to local stations. Bottled water and tinned food that has a ring-pull. Mobile phone. House and car keys: lock up your valuables. Spare bedding and clothes. Flood box. Don t forget your pets and anything of sentimental value!

27 DAY: DECEMBER Yes it all sounds very scary, but, as the Scouts say - BE PREPARED. Most of the precautions we can take are just common sense. Emergencies don t happen very often, but you can have some fun helping your family prepare. Don t forget that floodbox!

28 2007 DESIGN, ILLUSTRATION AND PRODUCTION