[PBARC] PREPAREDNESS

[E. Glenn Wolf, Jr.]

I got this from Tom, K5WTH, and thought it would be good to share ...

73,
glenn


Hello everyone,

September is National Preparedness month. We all need to ensure that our
families and friends are prepared for an emergency. Please take a few
minutes and visit this PREPARDNESS site and also read the 30 TIP'S below.

http://www.ready.gov/america/npm/index.htm
<http://www.ready.gov/america/npm/index.htm> 

30 Tips for Emergency Preparedness 

Here are 30 tips to help you and your family to become better prepared for
an emergency.

Preparedness Tip #1 
Take a moment to imagine that there is an emergency, like a fire in your
home, and you need to leave quickly.  What are the best escape routes from
your home?  Find at least two ways out of each room.  Now, write it down -
you've got the beginning of a plan. 

Preparedness Tip #2 
Pick a place to meet after a disaster.  Designate two meeting places.
Choose one right outside your home, in case of a sudden household emergency,
such as a fire. The second place you choose needs to be outside your
neighborhood, in the event that it is not safe to stay near or return to
your home. 

Preparedness Tip #3 
Choose an emergency contact person outside your area because it may be
easier to call long distance than locally after a local/regional disaster.
Take a minute now to call or e-mail an out-of-town friend or family member
to ask him or her to be your family's designated contact in the event of an
emergency. Be sure to share the contact's phone number with everyone in the
family.  During an emergency, you can call your contact who can share with
other family members where you are; how you are doing; and how to get in
contact with you. Remember, PAY phones will usually work when no other
phones will.

Preparedness Tip #4 
Complete an emergency contact card and make copies for each member of your
family to carry with them. Be sure to include an out-of-town contact on your
contact card.  It may be easier to reach someone out of town if local phone
lines are out of service or overloaded. You should also have at least one
traditionally wired landline phone, as cordless or cellular phones may not
work in an emergency. Visit www.redcross.org
<http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/verify_redirect.jsp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.redcr
oss.org&title=www.redcross.org>  or www.ready.gov
<http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/verify_redirect.jsp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ready
.gov&title=www.ready.gov>  for sample emergency contact cards.

Preparedness Tip #5 
Dogs may be man's best friend, but due to health regulations, most emergency
shelters cannot house animals. Find out in advance how to care for your pets
and working animals when disaster strikes. Pets should not be left behind,
but could be taken to a veterinary office, family member's home or animal
shelter during an emergency.  Also be sure to store extra food and water for
pets. For more information, visit  the  Animal Safety section on
www.redcross.org
<http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/verify_redirect.jsp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.redcr
oss.org&title=www.redcross.org>  or visit  the Humane Society Web site at
www.hsus.org
<http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/verify_redirect.jsp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hsus.
org&title=www.hsus.org>  

Preparedness Tip #6 
Go through your calendar now, and put a reminder on it - every six months -
to review your plan, update numbers, and check supplies to be sure nothing
has expired, spoiled, or changed. Also remember to practice your tornado,
fire escape or other disaster plans.

Preparedness Tip #7 
Check your child's school Web site or call the school office to request a
copy of the school's emergency plan. Keep a copy at home and work or other
places where you spend a lot of your time and make sure the school's plan is
incorporated into your family's emergency plan.  Also, learn about the
disaster plans at your workplace or other places where you and your family
spend time.

Preparedness Tip #8 
Teach your children how and when to call 9-1-1 or your local Emergency
Medical Services number for help.  Post these and other emergency telephone
numbers by telephones.

Preparedness Tip #9 
Practice. Conduct fire drills and practice evacuating your home twice a
year. Drive your planned evacuation route and plot alternate routes on a map
in case main roads are blocked or gridlocked. Practice earthquake and
tornado drills at home, school and work. Commit a weekend to update
telephone numbers, emergency supplies and review your plan with everyone.

Preparedness Tip #10 
A community working together during an emergency makes sense.  

*	Talk to your neighbors about how you can work together during an
emergency. 
*	Find out if anyone has specialized equipment like a power generator,
or expertise such as medical knowledge, that might help in a crisis. 
*	Decide who will check on elderly or disabled neighbors. 
*	Make back-up plans for children in case you can't get home in an
emergency. 

Sharing plans and communicating in advance is a good strategy

Preparedness Tip #11 
What if disaster strikes while you're at work?  Do you know the emergency
preparedness plan for your workplace?  While many companies have been more
alert and pro-active in preparing for disasters of all types since the
September 11, 2001 attacks, a national survey indicates that many employees
still don't know what their workplace plan is for major or minor disasters.
If you don't know yours, make a point to ask. Know multiple ways to exit
your building, participate in workplace evacuation drills, and consider
keeping some emergency supplies at the office. Visit www.ready.gov
<http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/verify_redirect.jsp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ready
.gov&title=www.ready.gov>  and click on Ready Business for more information
about business preparedness.

Preparedness Tip #12 
You should keep enough supplies in your home to meet the needs of you and
your family for at least three days. Build an emergency supply kit to take
with you in an evacuation. The basics to stock in your portable kit include:
water, food, battery-powered radio and flashlight with extra batteries,
first aid supplies, change of clothing, blanket or sleeping bag, wrench or
pliers, whistle, dust mask, plastic sheeting and duct tape, trash bags, map,
a manual can opener for canned food and special items for infants, elderly,
the sick or people with disabilities. Keep these items in an easy to carry
container such as a covered trash container, a large backpack, or a duffle
bag. 

Preparedness Tip #13 
Preparing for emergencies needn't be expensive if you're thinking ahead and
buying small quantities at a time. Make a list of some foods that:

*	Have a long shelf-life and will not spoil (non-perishable). 
*	You and your family like. 
*	Do not require cooking. 
*	Can be easily stored. 
*	Have a low salt content as salty foods will make you more thirsty. 

Keep the list in your purse or wallet and pick up a few items each time
you're shopping and/or see a sale until you have built up a well-stocked
supply that can sustain each member of your family for at least three days
following an emergency.

Preparedness Tip #14 
Take a minute to check your family's first aid kit, and note any depleted
items - then, add them to your shopping list. Don't have a first aid kit?
Add that to the list or build a kit yourself.  Just add the following items
to your shopping list and assemble a first aid kit. Consider creating a kit
for each vehicle as well: 

First Aid Kits - Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each
car. 

*	(20) adhesive bandages, various sizes 
*	(1) 5" x 9" sterile dressing 
*	(1) conforming roller gauze bandage 
*	(2) triangular bandages 
*	(2) 3 x 3 sterile gauze pads 
*	(2) 4 x 4 sterile gauze pads 
*	(1) roll 3" cohesive bandage 
*	(2) germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer 
*	(6) antiseptic wipes 
*	(2) pair large medical grade non-latex gloves 
*	Adhesive tape, 2" width 
*	Anti-bacterial ointment 
*	Cold pack 
*	Scissors (small, personal) 
*	Tweezers 
*	CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield 
*	First Aid Manual 

Non-Prescription and Prescription Drugs 

*	Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever 
*	Anti-diarrhea medication 
*	Antacid (for stomach upset) 
*	Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison
Control Center) 
*	Laxative 
*	Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center) 
*	Prescription drugs, as recommended by your physician, and copies of
the prescriptions in case they need to be replaced 

For more information about first aid kits, visit www.redcross.org
<http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/verify_redirect.jsp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.redcr
oss.org&title=www.redcross.org> .

Preparedness Tip #15 
Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person. Store a minimum of one
gallon of water per person per day (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for
food preparation and sanitation). Store water in plastic containers such as
soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break,
such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to
drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and strenuous
activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and people who
are sick will also need more.

Preparedness Tip #16 
One of the easiest ways you can prepare for emergencies is to keep some
supplies readily available. Every kit is unique and can be tailored to meet
the specific needs of your family, but below is a general list of supplies
you may want to consider:

Tools and Supplies (Essential Items are Marked with an Asterisk *) 

*	Mess kits, or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils 
*	Emergency preparedness manual and a copy of your disaster plan,
including your emergency contacts list 
*	Battery-operated radio and extra batteries* 
*	Flashlight and extra batteries* 
*	Cash or traveler's checks, change* 
*	Non-electric can opener, utility knife* 
*	Fire extinguisher: small ABC type stored near where fires are likely
to occur such as a kitchen, or near a fireplace. It should not be kept in
the disaster supplies kit. 
*	Tube tent 
*	Duct Tape* 
*	Compass 
*	Matches in a waterproof container 
*	Aluminum foil 
*	Plastic storage containers 
*	Signal flare 
*	Paper, pencil* 
*	Needles, thread 
*	Medicine dropper 
*	Shut-off wrench or pliers, to turn off household gas and water 
*	Whistle* 
*	Plastic sheeting* 
*	Map of the area (for locating shelters and evacuation routes) 

(Continued in the next tip)

Preparedness Tip #17 
Also include items for sanitation in your emergency supply kit.  Consider
the following:

Sanitation (Essential Items are Marked with an Asterisk *) 

*	Toilet paper, towelettes* 
*	Soap, liquid detergent* 
*	Feminine supplies* 
*	Personal hygiene items* 
*	Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)* 
*	Plastic bucket with tight lid 
*	Disinfectant 
*	Household chlorine bleach 

 (Continued in the next tip)

Preparedness Tip #18 
Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person in
your emergency supply kit.  We suggest long pants and long sleeves for
additional protection after a disaster. 

Clothing and Bedding (Essential Items are Marked with an Asterisk *) 

*	Sturdy shoes or work boots* 
*	Rain gear* 
*	Blankets or sleeping bags* 
*	Hat and gloves 
*	Thermal underwear 
*	Sunglasses 

Preparedness Tip #19
You should also keep a smaller version of your emergency supply kit in your
vehicle, in case you are commuting or traveling when disaster strikes.

Emergency Kit For Your Vehicle

*	Bottled water and non-perishable high energy foods, such as granola
bars, raisins and peanut butter 
*	Flashlight and extra batteries 
*	Blanket 
*	Booster cables 
*	Fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type) 
*	First aid kit and manual 
*	Maps 
*	Shovel 
*	Tire repair kit and pump 
*	Flares or other emergency marking devices 

Preparedness Tip #20 
Teach children how to dial 9-1-1 in an emergency. Review emergency action
steps with all family members: 

*	Check the scene and the victim 
*	Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number posted by the telephone 
*	Care for the victim 

Help your children learn more about emergencies. Download this preparedness
coloring book
<http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/verify_redirect.jsp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.redcr
oss.org%2Fpubs%2Fdspubs%2Fchildmatls.html%23genprep&title=preparedness+color
ing+book> . or visit Red Cross' "Masters of Disaster
<http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/verify_redirect.jsp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.redcr
oss.org%2Fdisaster%2Fmasters%2F&title=Masters+of+Disaster> ."

Preparedness Tip #21 
Read the information on your city, county and/or state government Web sites
as well as the "Be Prepared" section of www.redcross.org
<http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/verify_redirect.jsp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.redcr
oss.org&title=www.redcross.org>  or Ready.gov
<http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/verify_redirect.jsp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ready
.gov&title=Ready.gov>  and print emergency preparedness information. Be sure
to keep a copy with your disaster supplies kit. It can provide telephone
numbers, addresses and other information you need when electronic
connections are not available options for obtaining the information.

Preparedness Tip #22 
When water is of questionable purity, it is easiest to use bottled water for
drinking and cooking if it is available. When it's not available, it is
important to know how to treat contaminated water. In addition to having a
bad odor and taste, water from questionable sources may be contaminated by a
variety of microorganisms, including, bacteria and parasites that cause
diseases such as dysentery, cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis. All water of
uncertain purity should be treated before use. Use one or a combination of
these treatments:

*	Filter:  Filter the water using a piece of cloth or coffee filter to
remove solid particles. 
*	Boil:  Bring it to a rolling boil for about one full minute. Cool it
and pour it back and forth between two clean containers to improve its taste
before drinking it. 
*	Chlorinate: 
	- Add 16 drops (1/8 teaspoon) of liquid chlorine bleach per gallon
of water. Stir to mix. Sodium hypochlorite of the concentration of 5.25% to
6% should be the only active ingredient in the bleach. There should not be
any added soap or fragrances. A major bleach manufacturer has also added
Sodium Hydroxide as an active ingredient, which they state does not pose a
health risk for water treatment. 
	- Let stand 30 minutes. 
	- If it smells of chlorine. You can use it. If it does not smell of
chlorine, add 16 more drops (1/8 teaspoon) of chlorine bleach per gallon of
water, let stand 30 minutes, and smell it again. If it smells of chlorine,
you can use it. If it does not smell of chlorine, discard it and find
another source of water. 

Flood water can also be contaminated by toxic chemicals. Do NOT try to treat
flood water.

Preparedness Tip #23 
In some emergencies you may be required to turn off your utilities. To
prepare for this type of event:  

*	Locate the electric, gas and water shut-off valves. 
*	 Keep necessary tools near gas and water shut-off valves 
*	Teach adult family members how to turn off utilities. 

If you turn off the gas, a professional must turn it back on. Do not attempt
to do this yourself.

Preparedness Tip #24 
Understand that during an emergency you may be asked to "shelter-in-place"
or evacuate. Plan for both possibilities and be prepared to listen to
instructions from your local emergency management officials. Visit Ready.go
<http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/verify_redirect.jsp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ready
.gov&title=Ready.go> v and www.redcross.org/preparedness
<http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/verify_redirect.jsp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.redcr
oss.org%2Fpreparedness&title=www.redcross.org%2Fpreparedness>  for more
information on sheltering-in-place.

Preparedness Tip #25 
A disaster can cause significant financial loss. Your apartment or home may
be severely damaged or destroyed. You may be forced to live in temporary
housing. Income may be cut off or significantly reduced. Important financial
records could be destroyed. Take the time now to assess your situation and
ask questions.

To help you, consider using the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK), a
tool developed by Operation Hope, FEMA and Citizen Corps or contact your
local Red Cross chapter for Disasters and Financial Planning: A Guide for
Preparedness
<http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/verify_redirect.jsp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.redcr
oss.org%2Fservices%2Fdisaster%2Fbeprepared%2FFinRecovery%2FFinPlan%2F&title=
Disasters+and+Financial+Planning%3A+A+Guide+for+Preparedness> . 

Preparedness Tip #26 
Learn if earthquakes are a risk in your area by contacting your local
emergency management office, local American Red Cross chapter, or state
geological survey or department of natural resources. Information about
earthquake risk is also available from the U.S. Geological Survey National
Seismic Hazards project
<http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/verify_redirect.jsp?url=http%3A%2F%2Feqhazmaps
.usgs.gov&title=U.S.+Geological+Survey+National+Seismic+Hazards+project> . 

Preparedness Tip #27 
Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters in terms of
human hardship and economic loss. As much as 90 percent of the damage
related to all natural disasters (excluding draught) is caused by floods and
associated debris flow. Most communities in the United States can experience
some kind of flooding. Melting snow can combine with rain in the winter and
early spring; severe thunderstorms can bring heavy rain in the spring or
summer; or hurricanes can bring intense rainfall to coastal and inland
states in the summer and fall. Regardless of how a flood occurs, the rule
for being safe is simple: head for higher ground and stay away from
floodwater. Even a shallow depth of fast-moving floodwater produces more
force than most people imagine. You can protect yourself by being prepared
and having time to act. Local radio or television stations or a NOAA Weather
Radio are the best sources of information in a flood situation.

Preparedness Tip #28 
When there is concern about a potential exposure to a chemical or other
airborne hazard, local officials may advise you to "shelter-in-place " and
"seal the room." This is different from taking shelter on the lowest level
of your home in case of a natural disaster like a tornado. If you believe
the air may be badly contaminated or if you are instructed by local
officials, follow the instructions below to create a temporary barrier
between you and the contaminated air outside.

To shelter-in-place and seal-the-room: 

*	Close and lock all windows and exterior doors. 
*	Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems. 
*	Close the fireplace damper. 
*	Get your disaster supplies kit and turn on your battery-powered
radio. 
*	Go to an interior room that is above ground level and without
windows, if possible. In the case of a chemical threat, an above-ground
location is preferable because some chemicals are heavier than air, and may
seep into basements even if the windows are closed. 
*	If directed by local authorities on the radio, use duct tape to seal
all cracks around the door and any vents into the room. Tape plastic
sheeting, such as heavy-duty plastic garbage bags, over any windows. 
*	Listen to your radio or television for further instructions. Local
officials will tell you when you can leave the room in which you are
sheltering, or they may call for evacuation in specific areas at greatest
risk in your community 

Preparedness Tip #29 
If There is an Explosion:

*	Take shelter against your desk or a sturdy table. 
*	Exit the building immediately. 
*	Do not use elevators. 
*	Check for fire and other hazards. 
*	Take your emergency supply kit if time allows. 

If There is a Fire:

*	Exit the building immediately. 
*	If there is smoke, crawl under the smoke to the nearest exit and use
a cloth, if possible, to cover your nose and mouth. 
*	Use the back of your hand to feel the upper, lower, and middle parts
of closed doors. 
*	If the door is not hot, brace yourself against it and open slowly. 
*	If the door is hot, do not open it. Look for another way out. 
*	Do not use elevators. 
*	If your clothes catch on fire, stop-drop-and-roll to put out the
fire. Do not run. 
*	If you are at home, go to your previously designated outside meeting
place. 
*	Account for your family members and carefully supervise small
children. 
*	GET OUT and STAY OUT. Never go back into a burning building. 
*	Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. 

Preparedness Tip #30 
Unlike an explosion, a biological attack may or may not be immediately
obvious. Most likely local health care workers will report a pattern of
unusual illness or a wave of sick people seeking medical attention. The best
source of information will be radio or television reports.

Understand that some biological agents, such as anthrax, do not cause
contagious diseases. Others, like the smallpox virus, can result in diseases
you can catch from other people.

In the event of a biological attack, public health officials may not
immediately be able to provide information on what you should do. It will
take time to determine exactly what the illness is, how it should be
treated, and who may have been exposed. You should watch TV, listen to the
radio, or check the Internet for official news including the following:

*	Are you in the group or area authorities believe may have been
exposed? 
*	What are the signs and symptoms of the disease? 
*	Are medications or vaccines being distributed? 
*	Where? Who should get them and how? 
*	Where should you seek emergency medical care if you become sick? 

During a declared biological emergency:

*	If a family member becomes sick, it is important to be suspicious. 
*	Do not assume, however, that you should go to a hospital emergency
room or that any illness is the result of the biological attack. Symptoms of
many common illnesses may overlap. 
*	Use common sense, practice good hygiene and cleanliness to avoid
spreading germs, and seek medical advice. 
*	Consider if you are in the group or area authorities believe to be
in danger. 
*	If your symptoms match those described and you are in the group
considered at risk, immediately seek emergency medical attention. 

If you are potentially exposed:

*	Follow instructions of doctors and other public health officials. 
*	If the disease is contagious expect to receive medical evaluation
and treatment. You may be advised to stay away from others or even
deliberately quarantined. 
*	For non-contagious diseases, expect to receive medical evaluation
and treatment. 

If you become aware of an unusual and suspicious substance nearby:

*	Quickly get away. 
*	Protect yourself. Cover your mouth and nose with layers of fabric
that can filter the air but still allow breathing. Examples include two to
three layers of cotton such as a t-shirt, handkerchief or towel. Otherwise,
several layers of tissue or paper towels may help. 
*	Wash with soap and water. 
*	Contact authorities. 
*	Watch TV, listen to the radio, or check the Internet for official
news and information including what the signs and symptoms of the disease
are, if medications or vaccinations are being distributed and where you
should seek medical attention if you become sick. 
*	If you become sick seek emergency medical attention.