[PBARC] PREPAREDNESS
WOLF, EARNEST G
EWOLF at entergy.com
Wed Aug 30 08:45:37 EDT 2006
I got this from Tom 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.r
edcross.org&title=www.redcross.org> or www.ready.gov
<http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/verify_redirect.jsp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.r
eady.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.r
edcross.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.h
sus.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.r
eady.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.r
edcross.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.r
edcross.org%2Fpubs%2Fdspubs%2Fchildmatls.html%23genprep&title=preparedne
ss+coloring+book> . or visit Red Cross' "Masters of Disaster
<http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/verify_redirect.jsp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.r
edcross.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.r
edcross.org&title=www.redcross.org> or Ready.gov
<http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/verify_redirect.jsp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.r
eady.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.r
eady.gov&title=Ready.go> v and www.redcross.org/preparedness
<http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/verify_redirect.jsp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.r
edcross.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.r
edcross.org%2Fservices%2Fdisaster%2Fbeprepared%2FFinRecovery%2FFinPlan%2
F&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%2Feqhaz
maps.usgs.gov&title=U.S.+Geological+Survey+National+Seismic+Hazards+proj
ect> .
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.
More information about the PBARC
mailing list