[KYHAM] KEN TRAINING for July 22: Disaster Driving, ARES Style

[Ron Dodson]

As a member of a local ARES team, you may find yourself 
setting in the "shack" at your home, office or EOC.  
You may be on foot or in a mobile communications unit. 
One thing is for sure, unless you are at a fixed site 
and remain there, some driving must be done to get to 
any other location. Worse yet, what if the disaster happens 
WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING! This week, we'll look at some 
different types of conditions that you may find yourself
in and steps that you can take to handle whatever 
situation confronts you.

How do you respond if an earthquake occurs while driving?
Experiencing an earthquake while in a moving vehicle has
been compared to driving on four flat tires. If an
earthquake
occurs while you are driving:
*  Gradually decrease speed 
*  Pull to the side of the road 
*  Do not stop on or under overpasses or bridges 
*  Avoid parking near trees, downed power lines and
buildings 
*  Stop the car and stay down on the floor
*  Remain in your car until the shaking stops 
*  Keep in mind that aftershocks follow the initial
earthquake
*  Turn on your car radio and listen for advisories 
*  Do not drive until it's safe and avoid overpasses or
bridges 
*  If driving on a freeway or interstate if it's safe to do
so,
   exit at the first opportunity 
*  Response after an earthquake may be a daunting
experience.  
   If the quake is severe, most of the routes you usually
take 
   may be compromised. Preplan with your other team members 
   for such an occasion! Could be, "You can't get there from
here".

What about a FLOOD?  Hardly a year passes without someone
being drowned after attempting driving through flood waters.
*  Never attempt to drive through a flooded roadway!
*  Remember, Water may be deeper than it appears
*  Water weighs 62.4 lbs per cubic foot 
*  For each foot that water rises, over 500 pounds
   of force are applied to the bottom and sides of the car
*  In one foot of water enough force can be applied that 
   your car will weigh 1,500 lbs less than it would on dry
land
*  Cars can float for short periods. In smaller vehicles, 
   you can lose control in only 6 inches of water and even
   in large vehicles control can still be lost in 2 feet or
less!
*  If you have driven into flood water and try to escape
your car
   you can be knocked off your feet by the force of the
current

We often do storm spotter duty with the NWS offices around
us.  
What if you are out and a tornado strikes where you are???
*  Leave the car and try to find shelter in a building.
   If you are out spotting, I suggest you preplan this 
   beforehand and park in a location with accessable
shelter!
*  If there is no building, seek shelter in a ditch or
ravine
*  Do not use overpasses as shelter!  Though thought safe in 
   the past, research has shown this is not true in most
cases
*  Never try to out run a tornado

In a blizzard, stay in the car!  
*  Do not leave the car unless you see a safer place 
   that is easily within walking distance for the
conditions!
*  Start the car for brief periods for heat, but always
leave a
   down wind window open slightly to avoid carbon monoxide 
   poisoning dangers. Be sure the exhaust stays clear of
snow.
*  Leave the dome light on at night as a sign to possible
rescuers
*  If you are with others, sleep in shifts

Whatever occurs, you can be better prepared if you carry 
the following in your vehicle:
*  First aid kit (bandages, gauze, tape etc.) 
*  Bottled water 
*  Non-perishable foods 
*  Blanket or sleeping bag 
*  Flashlight with extra batteries and bulb
*  Fire extinguisher (C02)
*  Pocket radio with extra batteries 
*  Tools (screwdriver, pliers, wire, pocket knife, can
opener)
*  Tissues and pre-moistened towel Extra clothes and sturdy
shoes 
*  Short rubber hose for siphoning Sealable plastic bags
*  Local maps for the area
*  Matches/Toiletries 
*  Gloves"

In all cases carry your ID's, FCC licenses and a copy of KRS
432.570 
and cooperate with public safety officials, they are trying 
to ensure your safety and that of others.