Prepared by Marilyn Rausch Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program.

PREPARING FOR

DISASTER

Prepared by Marilyn RauschIndiana State Association FCRV DAT Program

The U.S. Armed ForcesNuclear

Biological and Chemical Survival

ManualBy Dick Couch Basic Books Copyright 2003

Most Information taken from

Indiana State Association FCRV Disaster Awareness Program 2005

READYAmerica

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

www.ready.gov

More Information taken from


“DISASTER”: Crushing misfortune, a calamity, a terrible accident.

Funk and Wagnell’s Dictionary Natural Events (tornado, fire, flood,

hurricane, etc.)

Nuclear, Biological and Chemical terrorism.

Introduction


Developing a Family Emergency Action Plan

Checklists for Disasters

Special procedures when you are at home, away from home and when your children are at school, when you are faced with terrorist threats.

Topics of Discussion


DEVELOPING A FAMILY ACTION PLAN


“A FAMILY EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN WILL DO MORE TO SAVE LIVES THAN ALMOST ANY ACTIVITY CARRIED OUT BY THE GOVERNMENT.”

U.S. Armed Forces Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Survival Manual.

DEVELOPING A FAMILY ACTION PLAN


Basic Guidelines

Family Home Hazard Checklist

Family Disaster Supplies Kit

Family Car Getaway Kit

Family Emergency Evacuation and Escape Plan

FAMILY EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN

Indiana State Association FCRV Disaster Awareness Program

BASIC GUIDELINES


Meet with all family members to discuss the dangers of all kinds of emergencies

Together, develop a family action plan to deal with each particular emergency.

BASIC GUIDELINES


Have both local and out-of-town contact that every member can call. Make sure everyone knows the phone numbers and carries coins or prepaid phone cards.

Teach children how and when to call 911. Keep emergency phone numbers by all phones.

Instruct family members to turn on the radio for emergency information.

Developing a Family Action Plan

COMMUNICATION


Draw floor plan of your home and mark at least two escape routes from each room.

Find the “safe spots” in your home for each type of disaster (basement for tornadoes, radiation threats, NOT for chemical attacks or floods, inside room without windows.

Pick two emergency meeting places… One near your home in case of fire.One outside your neighborhood in case you

cannot return home.

Developing a Family Action Plan, cont’d

DESTINATION


Know locations of emergency exits, supplies, fire extinguishers, and utility shutoff places. Show family members how to use them.

Keep family records in waterproof and fireproof containers

Take basic First Aid and CPR classes. Get First Aid manual or Boy Scout manual.

Discuss what to do about power outages and personal injuries.

Developing a Family Action Plan (cont)

OTHER INFORMATION


Guidelines when there is no time to prepare or find out what to do next.

Plans for supplies and actions before disaster happens.

Commonsense preparations for all types of emergency situations, then modified specifically for individual needs.

CHECKLISTS


FAMILY HOME HAZARD CHECKLIST


In your home, anything that can move, fall, break or cause a fire is a potential hazard during the shocks that would occur in a natural disaster or terrorist attack.

FAMILY HOME HAZARD CHECKLIST


Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections.

Fasten all shelves securely to a sturdy wall.

Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves.

Hang pictures and mirrors away from beds.

Brace overhead light fixtures.

FAMILY HOME HAZARD CHECKLIST(cont.)


Secure water heater by strapping it to wall studs.

Repair cracks in the ceiling and foundation.

Store weed killers, pesticides and other hazardous items away from heat sources.

Place oily polishing rags or waste in covered metal cans.

Clean and repair chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors, gas vents.

FAMILY HOME HAZARD CHECKLIST(cont.)


FAMILY DISASTER

SUPPLIES KIT


Standard items form the basis of all Family Disaster Supplies Kits.

Variations will depend on the size of the family and the special needs of individual family members.

FAMILY DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT


At least one gallon of water per person per day (store in unbreakable containers).

Prescription medication to last at least one week (more if traveling long distance)

Supply of nonperishable packaged or canned food, hand-operated can opener.


(cont.)


Special foods as needed for infants, elderly persons or persons on special diets.

Nonprescription drugs that might be needed (aspirin, antacids, laxatives, etc.)

Change of clothing, rain gear, sturdy shoes for each family member.


(cont.)


Thermal blankets and sleeping bags.

A first aid kit, including extra items over and above a normal workplace first aid kit.

Sanitation and personal hygiene items.

Cellular telephone with list of important numbers.


(cont.)


Battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries and bulbs.

Credit cards, cash.

Extra set of car keys.

List of physicians and phone numbers.


(cont.)


Important family documents (wills, passports, financial records.)

“Outdoors” items, such as compass, matches, tent, plastic containers.

Items you may want to include for your kit (Gameboy for the kids, a Bible, other readings)


(cont.)


Do not only keep them in safe deposit boxes.

Make photocopies or computer disks and send them to friends or relatives who do not live in your area. If disaster destroys your home, bank, etc., you can retrieve them from a distance.

Include such things as copies of birth and marriage certificates, citizenship papers, Social Security cards, driver’s licenses, passports, home titles, contacts for insurance companies.

A suggestion about family documents


FAMILY CAR

GETAWAY KIT

State Association FCRV Disaster Awareness Program 2005

Added items in case you and your family need to evacuate your home to move to another location

FAMILY CAR GETAWAY KIT


Powerful flashlight and/or safety lantern with plenty of batteries.

Booster cables.

Fire extinguisher.

Tire repair kit and pump or aerosol flat-tire device.

FAMILY CAR GETAWAY KIT(cont.)


Maps, flares, other emergency signaling devices.

Full gas tank (keep your tank at least half full)

Certified container for gasoline.

Extra water, oil

Blankets (especially in winter).

FAMILY CAR GETAWAY KIT(cont.)


EMERGENCY EVACUATION

AND ESCAPE PLANS


PREPARE AHEAD OF TIME◦ Develop an escape plan.◦ Draw a floor plan of your home, show

locations of emergency exits, supplies, fire extinguishers, utility shutoff places.

◦ Plan a place outside of the home to meet.◦ Practice emergency evacuation drills at

least 2 times yearly, more often with younger children.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION AND

ESCAPE PLANS


Listen to a battery-powered radio for the location of emergency shelters.

Follow the instructions of local officials. Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes. Take your Family Disaster Supplies Kit. Lock your home. Use travel routes specified by local

officials. Have cash on hand (ATMs may not work).

EMERGENCY EVACUATION AND ESCAPE PLANS

(cont)When need comes to evacuate


Shut off water, gas, and electricity, if instructed to do so.

Let others know when you leave and where you are going.

Make arrangements for pets – animals are not allowed in shelters.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION AND ESCAPE PLANS

(cont)If you have time and it is safe to do so…


SPECIAL PROCEDURES FOR IMPENDING

TERRORIST ATTACK


Become familiar with your community’s disaster preparedness procedures. If none are available, ask why.

Follow the directions of the emergency response personnel, the military, and the National Guard.

If you have particular skills, consider volunteering for special training in case of need.

SPECIAL PROCEDURES FOR IMPENDING TERRORIST ATTACKS


When you are at home. When you are away from home. When your children are at school. When you are at your workplace. In neighborhoods, apartment buildings.

In moving vehicles. In high-rise buildings.

SPECIAL PROCEDURES FOR IMPENDING TERRORIST ATTACKS


SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS WHEN AT HOME


Gather all family members and all emergency supplies and proceed to your safe room.

Close all doors and windows and turn off ventilation system.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS WHEN AT HOME


Seal all windows and doors with plastic or duct tape.

Attempt to find out what kind of attack has occurred in order to anticipate needed first aid.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS WHEN AT HOME (cont.)


SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS WHEN AWAY FROM HOME


Proceed home quickly UNLESS otherwise directed by authorities to remain where you are.

Avoid high-profile venues.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS WHEN AWAY FROM HOME


If outside, cover all exposed skin surfaces.

Protect the respiratory system as much as possible (shield your mouth, nose, and eyes with wet towels or wet paper towels.)

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS WHEN AWAY FROM HOME (cont.)


If the incident occurs inside a building, leave the building immediately and try to avoid the contaminated area on your way out.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS WHEN AWAY FROM HOME (cont.)


Talk to school authorities to find out what they will do in case of such an attack.

Ask how they communicate with families during a crisis.

Ask if they store adequate food, water, other basic supplies

Find out if they are able to “shelter in place,” and where they plan to go if they must get away.

SCHOOLS, DAYCARES


Are there adequate supplies on hand?

How can you communicate with family if you cannot leave?

How adequate is heating, air conditioning and ventilation system? Can it be turned off if necessary?

WORKPLACE


Talk to neighbors about how to work together in an emergency.

Find out if anyone has specialized equipment (generators) or expertise (medical knowledge) that may help in an emergency.

Plan who will check on elderly or disabled neighbors.

Make back-up plans for children if you can’t get home to them.

COMMUNICATE IN ADVANCE.

NEIGHBORHOODS APARTMENT BUILDINGS


If there is an explosion or other factor that makes it difficult to control the vehicle, pull over, stop the car, set the parking brake.

If roadway is unstable avoid overpasses, bridges, power lines, signs, and other hazards.

If a power line falls on your car, you are at risk of electric shock. Stay inside until a trained person removes the wire.

Listen to the radio and follow instructions.

IN A MOVING VEHICLE


Note location of closest emergency exit. Know another way out if first choice is blocked. Take cover against a desk or table. Move away from tall objects that might fall. Face away from windows and glass. Move away from exterior walls. Determine if you should stay put, shelter-in-

place, or get away. Listen for and follow instructions. Do not use elevators, and stay to the right on

stairwells.

IN A HIGH-RISE BUILDING


Prepare ahead of time.

Communicate with your family about your plans in time of need.

Be aware of Disaster plans within your community.

SUMMARY


BE INFORMED about disaster threats.

BE PREPARED before disaster happens.

See pages in your handout that give useful links to government and non-profit agencies that can give more information before, during and after an event.

There are also pages on specific recommendations for actions to be taken in Explosions, Radiation Threat, Biological Threats and Chemical Threats.

SUMMARY


BE INFORMED


EXPLOSIONSBIOLOGICAL THREAT

CHEMICAL THREATRADIATION THREAT

BE INFORMED ABOUT

WHAT TO DO


IF THERE IS AN EXPLOSION

TAKE SHELTER against a desk or sturdy table.

EXIT the building ASAP.

DO NOT USE ELEVATORS.

CHECK for fire and other hazards.

TAKE EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT if time allows.

Be Informed aboutEXPLOSIONS


IF THERE IS A FIREEXIT the building ASAP.CRAWL low if there is smoke.Use a wet cloth to COVER your nose and

mouth.Use the back of your hand to FEEL closed

doors. If the door is NOT HOT, brace against it and

open it slowly. If the door is HOT, do not open it. Look for

another way out.

Be informed aboutEXPLOSIONS (CONT’D)


IF THERE IS A FIRE (cont’d)DO NOT USE ELEVATORS. If you catch fire, do not run. STOP-DROP-ROLL

to put out the fire. If you are at home, go to a previously

designated MEETING PLACE.Account for your FAMILY MEMBERS and

SUPERVISE small children.NEVER go back into a burning building.



IF YOU ARE TRAPPED IN DEBRIS

If possible, USE A FLASHLIGHT to signal your location to rescuers.

AVOID unnecessary movement so that you don’t kick up dust.

COVER YOUR NOSE AND MOUTH with anything you have on hand. (Dense weave cotton material acts as a good filter. Breathe through the material.)

TAP on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are.



IF YOU ARE TRAPPED IN DEBRIS (cont’d.)

If available, use a WHISTLE to signal rescuers.

Shout ONLY as a last resort. SHOUTING CAN CAUSE A PERSON TO INHALE DANGEROUS AMOUNTS OF DUST AND DECREASES THE AMOUNT OF OXYGEN AVAILABLE.



The DELIBERATE RELEASE of GERMS or other biological substances that can make you sick. Some biological agents, such as anthrax, do not cause contagious diseases. Others, like smallpox, can be caught from other people.

Be informed aboutBIOLOGICAL THREAT


May not be immediately obvious. Usually identified through pattern of unusual illness.

You will probably learn of the danger through TV or Radio.

Not everyone may be in danger or need treatment.


(Cont’d)


LISTEN FOR FOLLOWING NEWS

Are you in the group or area authorities consider in danger?

What are the signs and symptoms of the disease.

Are medications or vaccines being distributed. Where? Who should get them? Where should you seek emergency medical

care if you become sick?


(Cont’d)


DURING A DECLARED BIOLOGIC EMERGENCY

BE SUSPICIOUS if a family member becomes ill. DO NOT ASSUME that the illness is automatically

the result of a biological attack. Symptoms overlap.

USE COMMON SENSE. Practice good hygiene and cleanliness.

IF YOUR SYMPTOMS MATCH THOSE THAT ARE DESCRIBED AND YOU ARE IN A GROUP CONSIDERED AT RISK: IMMEDIATELY SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.


(Cont’d)


IF YOU ARE POTENTIALLY EXPOSEDFollow the instructions of doctors and other

public health officials.

If the disease is contagious, stay away from others.

Seek medical treatment.


(Cont’d)


IF YOU ARE AWARE OF A SUSPICIOUS SUBSTANCE

Quickly get away.

PROTECT YOURSELF. ◦ Cover your mouth and nose with layers of fabric that

can filter the air but still allow breathing.

◦ WASH with soap and water.


(Cont’d)


IF YOU ARE AWARE OF A SUSPICIOUS SUBSTANCE

Contact authorities.

Watch TV, listen to the radio, etc., to get official news and information as noted before.

IF YOU BECOME SICK, SEEK IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY ATTENTION.


(Cont’d)


A DELIBERATE RELEASE of a TOXIC GAS, LIQUID OR SOLID

THAT CAN POISON PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT.

Be informed aboutCHEMICAL THREAT


POSSIBLE SIGNS OF CHEMICAL THREAT

Many people suffering from watery eyes, twitching, choking, having trouble breathing or losing coordination.

Many sick or dead birds, fish, small animals are also a cause for suspicion.



IF SIGNS ARE EVIDENT: FIND CLEAN AIR

Try to define impacted area where chemical is coming from.

TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO GET AWAY.



IF SIGNS ARE EVIDENT: FIND CLEAN AIR (cont’d)

If the chemical is INSIDE the building, get out without passing the contaminated area.

If you cannot get out without crossing the contaminated area, move as far away as possible and “shelter-in-place.”


(cont’d)


IF SIGNS ARE EVIDENT: FIND CLEAN AIR (cont’d)

If you are OUTSIDE, quickly decide what is the fastest way to find clean air.

◦ Can you get out of the area quickly.

◦ Is it better to go inside the closest building and “shelter-in-place”?


(cont’d)


IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO A CHEMICAL

1. STRIP IMMEDIATELY AND WASH.

2. Look for a hose, fountain, or any source of water. Wash with soap if possible. Do not scrub chemical into your skin.

3. Seek emergency MEDICAL ATTENTION.


(cont’d)


Commonly referred to as a “dirty bomb” or “radiological dispersion device.”

NOT A NUCLEAR BLAST!

Use of common explosives to spread radioactive materials over a targeted area.

Force of explosion and radioactive contamination is more localized. Exposure can be limited.

Be informed aboutRADIATION THREAT


IF THERE IS RADIATION THREAT OR “DIRTY BOMB”

If you are outside, cover your mouth and nose.

Quickly go inside a building that has not been damaged.

CLOSE WINDOWS AND DOORS.

TURN OFF AIR CONDITIONERS, HEATERS, VENTILATION SYSTEMS.


(cont’d)



If you are inside a building that has been damaged, cover nose and mouth immediately.

Go outside to find a building that has not been damaged and quickly get inside.

CLOSE WINDOWS

TURN OFF AIR CONDITIONERS, HEATERS AND OTHER VENTILATION SYSTEMS.


(cont’d)



If you think you have been exposed to radiation, take off your clothes and wash as soon as possible.

Stay where you are, watch TV, listen to the radio, check the Internet for official news as it becomes available.


(cont’d)


IF THERE IS RADIATION THREAT OR “DIRTY BOMB”To limit the amount of radiation that you are exposed to,

think

SHIELDING: The more that is between you and the radioactive materials, the more of the radiation will be absorbed by the shield and the less will be your exposure.

DISTANCE: The farther away you are from the blast and the fallout, the lower your exposure.

TIME: Minimizing the time spent exposed will also reduce your risk.


(cont’d)


BE INFORMED

BE PREPARED

BE AWARE


Prepared by Marilyn Rausch Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program.

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Transcript of Prepared by Marilyn Rausch Indiana State Association FCRV DAT Program.