1. First Aid and Safety NOT including CPR Prepared for Health Education class at the Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush School District of Philadelphia Teacher: Todd Corabi

2. Personal Safety and Injury Prevention
There are numerous areas that people need to stay safe and protect themselves.
This powerpoint will help to make people safety conscious AND give tips for basic first aid for many potential accidents and situations

3. Safety First Prevention is the best way to avoid and reduce risks.
In the United States, more than 90,000 deaths occur each year due to accidents. Some of these accidents could be prevented if a person was safety conscious. That means “to be aware that safety is important and to be careful to act in a safe manner”
Prevention is the best way to avoid and reduce risks.
Prevention includes thinking ahead (preparation)
trying to spot possible hazards before accidents occur (observation)
Doing safe acts to prevent accidents (prevention)
In the United States, accidental injuries result in more than 90,000 deaths each year.

4. How Accidental Injuries Occur
Many, but not all, accidental injuries happen because people become careless.
They are often the result of an “accident chain,” a sequence of events that leads to an unintentional injury.
Being safety conscious means taking commonsense precautions. Examples of commonsense precautions are wearing protective gear when bicycling or in-line skating.
Ask students to think of other examples of precautions that can help people stay safe.

5. The Accident Chain
The situation: Nicole has overslept. She is rushing to put her jacket on and eat breakfast so that she doesn’t miss the bus.
The unsafe habit: When Nicole takes off her skates, she usually leaves them on the front steps.
The unsafe action: Nicole is thinking only of getting to the bus stop. She races out of the door without looking where she is going.
The accident: Nicole trips over her skates and falls forward onto the sidewalk.
The result: When she falls, Nicole sprains her wrist and scrapes both hands. She also misses her bus.
Use the example in the slide and the points below to explain to the class how unsafe habits can lead to an accidental injury.

6. Breaking the Accident Chain
By breaking just one link, you can disable the accident chain and prevent accidental injuries.
To break the accident chain:
Change the situation.
Change the unsafe action.
Change the unsafe habit.

7. Breaking the Accident Chain (cont’d.)
What actions could Nicole have taken to break a link in the accident chain?
(notes version of slide has possible answers)
Use the points below to initiate a discussion around the question on the slide.
If Nicole had been safety conscious, she might not have gotten hurt. There were several points at which she could have broken the accident chain:
Change the situation. Nicole could have planned ahead. She could have set her alarm or arranged for another family member to wake her if she did not get up on time.
Change the unsafe habit. Leaving belongings on floors, steps, and other places where people have to walk is a careless habit that can lead to injury. Nicole could have put her skates in her closet, on a shelf, or in another safe place.
Change the unsafe action. Although she was in a hurry, Nicole could have remained safety conscious. She could have kept her eye on the path to the bus stop to make sure that it was clear.

8. Steps to Take in an Emergency
People can get injured or ill at any time and in any place.
If a person has a serious or life-threatening problem, he or she will need emergency care.
Always have a basic first aid kit ready with
AT LEAST various band aids, bandages,
non-latex gloves, alcohol swabs, tweezers, scissors, and gauze pads.

9. Steps to Take in an Emergency
Check the Scene for safety:
If you get hurt, you can’t help someone else
Check the Person:
Unconscious vs Conscious
see next slide(s)
CALL for help:
Yell out loud for help from people around you, CALL 911, notify someone in charge (if applicable), Call/send for AED
Care for person
Using basic first aid/safety/CPR skills
CHECK
CALL
CARE

10. CHECK THE PERSON Unconscious vs Conscious people Conscious =
Adults and older teens:
Approach calmly, get permission, do a head to toe assessment looking for obvious signs of trauma
(broken bones, cuts, bleeding, etc) and asking questions
Younger teens and children ESPECIALLY little kids
Approach calmly, get their parent’s permission if possible, do a toe to head assessment at their level (kneeling or sitting)

11. When to call 911????..EMERGENCIES
Examples include but are not limited to:
No signs of life, Unconsciousness, Deep burns,, trouble breathing (with no response from Asthma inhalers if Asthmatic), persistent chest pain, vomiting blood, seizures, head injuries, broken bones through skin, perceived neck/back injury

12. Prevention and First Aid
It is obviously better to prevent and avoid accidents by being safe and being safety conscious. However, even if we do everything we can to prevent accidents, sometimes, they still occur.
The following slides will take SEVERAL situations and
Present to you basic prevention and first aid treatment
Click each term to display its definition.

13. VARIOUS SITUATIONS with their BASIC first aid
BLEEDING and CUTS

14. Stopping Severe Bleeding
To stop or slow blood loss, use the following methods:
Cover the wound with a clean cloth and press firmly against the wound with your hand. If it becomes soaked…use an additional clean cloth
If possible, elevate the wound above the level of the heart to slow blood flow.
Remember to always use gloves when treating someone else to avoid contact with blood that may be infected with HIV
Provide students with this additional information about stopping severe bleeding:
If the cloth covering the wound becomes soaked with blood, don’t remove it. Instead, add a second cloth.
If you suspect that the injury involves a broken bone, don’t move it.
Once the bleeding has stopped, cover the wound with a clean cloth to prevent infection. Also, stay with the victim until medical help arrives.

15. VARIOUS SITUATIONS with their BASIC first aid
Poisoning

16. Poisoning: PREVENTION:
Don’t drink ANYTHING if you don’t know what it is.
Keep cleaning fluids locked and away from children
Teach children to never drink anything unless given to them by an adult
Additional steps to follow in case of poisoning include the following:
The victim’s breathing and pulse should be checked once a minute. Until help arrives, keep the victim warm.
If required, perform rescue breathing.

17. Preventing Poisonings continued
To prevent accidental poisonings:
Never refer to a child’s medicine or vitamins as “candy.”
Make sure that all medicines have child-resistant caps.
Put all medicines and poisonous substances away immediately after using them.
Keep all cleaning products in their original, labeled containers.
Store all potentially poisonous substances in high cabinets, out of children’s reach. If possible, keep the cabinets locked.
Natural curiosity and the tendency to put objects into their mouths place young children at especially high risk of death by accidental poisoning.

18. Poisoning: TREATMENT:
Poisoning: Call 911 or local poison control center (number in front of phone book) and follow the instructions you receive.
Save the container of the substance responsible for the poisoning for hospital and medical care
Do not induce vomiting unless told to do so by 911 or local poison control center
Additional steps to follow in case of poisoning include the following:
The victim’s breathing and pulse should be checked once a minute. Until help arrives, keep the victim warm.
If required, perform rescue breathing.

19. VARIOUS SITUATIONS with their BASIC first aid
Burns

20. Treating Burns There are three main types of burns:
First-degree burn: A burn in which only the outer layer of skin is burned and turns red (example = sun burn)
Second-degree burn: A moderately serious burn in which the burned area blisters
(curling iron, hot pot handle, hot water, hot steam)
Third-degree burn: A very serious burn in which all layers of the skin are damaged
(call 911, usually from fire, electricity or chemicals but possible from scolding hot water)
A sunburn is a type of a first-degree burn.
Third-degree burns are usually caused by fire, electricity, or chemicals.

21. Treating Burns (cont) Prevention:
First-degree burn: Use sun block, avoid contact with hot objects (duh)
Second-degree burn: Keep pot handles turned IN so they can’t be knocked into or grabbed for example.
Third-degree burn: Use protective gloves, eye wear, clothes and/or tools (such as when dealing with chemicals, fireplaces, grills, wires, etc)
A sunburn is a type of a first-degree burn.
Third-degree burns are usually caused by fire, electricity, or chemicals.

22. Treating Burns (cont’d.)
Here is how each type of burn should be treated:
First-degree burn: Flush the burned area with cold water (not ice) for at least 15 minutes then wrap loosely in clean dressing. You may then use ice if desired
Second-degree burn: Minor second-degree burns can be treated by flushing the affected area with cold water (not ice) and elevating the burned area. Wrap in clean dressing..do not pop blisters
Third-degree burn: Call 911 or an ambulance at once. Do not attempt to remove burned clothing. While waiting for medical help, keep the victim still and have him or her sip fluids.
NOTE: If a burn is from electric or chemicals DO NOT use water or ice!!!!!!!

23. VARIOUS SITUATIONS with their BASIC first aid
FIRE Safety

24. Fire Safety Here are some of the leading causes of fires in the home:
Careless cooking habits
Careless cigarette smoking
Improper storage of flammable materials
Electrical overload or damaged electrical circuits and wiring
Fire strikes more than 350,000 homes and kills more than 3,000 people a year in the United States.
Leading causes of fires in the home are as follows:
Careless cooking habits. Spills can catch fire if they come into contact with the heat of an oven, stove, or open flame. Spattered grease and oil can be especially dangerous.
Careless cigarette smoking. Fires can start when people fall asleep while smoking or throw smoldering cigarettes into wastebaskets.
Improper storage of flammable materials. Paint, old newspapers, and rags are all examples of flammable materials.
Electrical overload or damaged electrical circuits and wiring. If more than two electrical appliances are plugged into a wall outlet, there is a risk of electrical overload. Overloaded circuits, frayed wires, and damaged cords can cause fires.

25. Preventing Fires
You can prevent fires by taking the following safety measures:
Keep stoves and ovens clean.
Store matches and cigarette lighters in safe places, out of the reach of children.
Check electrical appliances for loose or damaged cords. Repair or replace damaged appliances and broken outlets.
If you smoke..never smoke in bed and make sure all cigarettes and ashes are “out” before throwing away
Other fire safety measures include the following:
Anyone who smokes should never smoke in bed. Wait until cigarettes and cigars in ashtrays are completely extinguished before emptying them into trash cans.
Never run electrical cords under carpets—the movement of people and the weight of furniture can damage cords lying under the rugs.

26. Being Prepared for a Fire
Smoke alarms can provide a strong defense against injuries or death from fires.
Keep the following points in mind when using smoke alarms:
Install a smoke alarm on every level of the house, preferably outside a sleeping area and in every room.
Check smoke alarms once a month by pushing the test button. Also, change their batteries at least once a year.

27. Being Prepared for a Fire (cont’d.)
Water will put out fires in which paper, wood, or cloth is burning. However, water must not be used on oil, grease, or electrical fires.
If a small grease fire starts in the kitchen, turn off heat, cover to “smother” flames.
However, small fires get big FAST!!!
For this reason, every home needs at least one fire extinguisher.

28. Being Prepared for a Fire (cont’d.)
Own a fire extinguisher and take the following precautions when using a fire extinguisher:
Make sure that you read and understand the instructions so that you can operate it in an emergency.
Check the pressure gauge periodically to make sure that the fire extinguisher is ready to use.
Replace or recharge it as necessary.

29. Being Prepared for a Fire (cont’d.)
Here are some important points when escaping from fire:
Plan escape routes with your family in case of fire.
Most fatal fires occur during the night, so every escape route should begin in a bedroom.
A window with a fire escape or a ladder may save a life if flames, heat, or smoke block a bedroom door.
Decide on a meeting point outside so that everybody knows whether people are safe.
Practice the escape plan by holding a family fire drill every six months.
Other important points to remember when escaping from fire:

30. Escaping a Fire If possible, leave quickly.
Get out of the building before
calling 911 or the fire department.
Before opening a closed door, feel it to see if it is hot.
If it is, do not open it. There may be flames just outside the door.
Click to display the tips to help students escape a fire safely.
Knowing what to do ahead of time will help a person stay calm and could save his or her life and the lives of other family members.
Click to continue with other tips.

31. Escaping a Fire (cont’d.)
If you must exit through smoke, crawl along the floor.
If you can't get out, stay in the room with the door closed.
Roll up a blanket or towel and put it across the bottom of the door to keep out smoke.
Click to display the tips to help students escape a fire safely. Use the following explanations to expand upon the tips on the slide:
If you must exit through smoke, crawl along the floor. Because smoke and hot air rise, it is important to stay as low as possible so that you can breathe in the cleaner air and are not overcome by the smoke.
If you can't get out, stay in the room with the door closed. If there is a telephone in the room, call 911 or the fire department. If possible, open the window and yell for help.
Click to continue with other tips.

32. Escaping a Fire (cont’d.)
If your clothing catches fire, stop, drop, and roll.
Once outside, go to the prearranged meeting place. Let everyone know that you are safe. Then someone should call 911 or the fire department.
Click to display the tips to help students escape a fire safely. Use the following explanations to expand upon the tips on the slide:
If your clothing catches fire, stop, drop, and roll. Rolling on the ground will smother the flames. Never run—the rush of air will fan the flames.
Once outside, go to the prearranged meeting place. Never reenter a burning building.

33. VARIOUS SITUATIONS with their BASIC first aid
Falls, bruises, sprains, strains, broken bones

34. Preventing Falls These safety rules can help you prevent falls:
In the kitchen: Clean up spills right away.
In the bathroom: Put a nonskid mat on the bottom of the tub or shower.
On the stairs: Keep all staircases well lit.
At school: Follow school rules related to safety.
Falls account for the largest number of nonfatal injuries among people under age 14.
Use the following points to expand upon the safety rules to prevent falls:
In the kitchen: Let family members know when you have washed the floor. In addition, use a step stool—never a chair—to get items that are out of reach.
In the bathroom: In households with older adults or people who are unstable on their feet, install a secure handgrip on the side of the tub. Secure rugs with tape, or use rugs with latex backings.
On the stairs: Do not leave objects on the steps. Check handrails to be sure that they are stable. If small children live in the house, put gates at the top and bottom of the staircase.
At school: Walk, do not run, in the hallways. Keep to the right while walking down hallways or stairs.
Click to continue with other safety rules.

35. Rest Ice Compression Elevation Sprains and Bruises
Tell the victim not to use the injured body part. Then use the R.I.C.E. formula:
Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation
Ask students if they have ever experienced a sprain. Have volunteers describe the first aid they received.

36. BROKEN BONES
Broken bones: Because moving broken bones can cause further injury, have the person remain still until medical assistance arrives.
If a person needs to be moved, create a splint:
Anatomical splint
Soft splint
Hard splint
See local Red Cross guide for details on these types of splints. It is better if they don’t move
Additional steps to follow in case of poisoning include the following:
The victim’s breathing and pulse should be checked once a minute. Until help arrives, keep the victim warm.
If required, perform rescue breathing.

37. VARIOUS SITUATIONS with their BASIC first aid
Electrical safety

38. Preventing Electric Shocks
Electricity can be extremely dangerous.
Improper use or maintenance of electrical appliances, wiring, and outlets can cause severe electric shock.
There is also the danger of electrocution, or death resulting from electric shock.

39. Preventing Electric Shocks (cont’d.)
To avoid electric shock, follow these rules:
Never use an electrical appliance near water, such as in a bathtub, or if you are wet.
Unplug small appliances, such as hair dryers and toasters, when they are not in use. Repair or replace broken appliances.
Pull out an electrical plug by the plug itself, not by the cord.
Repair or replace loose or damaged cords.
In homes with small children, unused outlets must be covered with outlet protectors.

40. VARIOUS SITUATIONS with their BASIC first aid
Guns

41. Gun Safety
Observe the following basic gun safety rules if someone in your family, or someone you know, keeps guns at home:
Guns should be stored unloaded, in a locked cabinet.
Bullets should be stored in a different locked cabinet.
A gun should never be pointed at anyone, and its barrel should aim downward when someone is carrying it.
In 1998 in the United States, 900 people died as a result of the accidental discharge of firearms. Many of these victims were children.
Stress to students that guns should always be treated as if they are loaded.

42. Gun Safety (cont’d.) To protect yourself against weapons at school:
Cooperate with your school’s efforts to keep them off school grounds.
Know and follow school rules prohibiting the possession of weapons.
If you suspect that another student is carrying a gun or any other weapon, inform a teacher or school administrator. You can request that your name not be revealed.
It is everyone’s responsibility to help keep schools safe. Some schools require students to go through metal detectors. Some other schools have established hot lines that students can call anonymously to report students who carry guns or other weapons.

43. VARIOUS SITUATIONS with their BASIC first aid
Driving, Pedestrian
Non-motorized “wheels”

44. Driving Safety
In every area of the United States, traffic laws are enforced to ensure order and safety.
In Philadelphia all passengers and the driver should wear a seat belt and children should be in the proper type of car or booster seat.
All drivers of motor vehicles are required to obey traffic regulations.
Never text while driving
Use cell phones only with hands free devices

45. Safety on Wheels (bikes, scooters, skates, skateboards)
You can have fun on wheels and be safe by following some important guidelines:
Check the equipment you use.
Always wear a helmet (law under 13)
When in-line skating, skateboarding, or riding a scooter, wear wrist guards, elbow and knee pads, and light gloves.
Wear athletic shoes for bicycling, skateboarding, or riding a scooter.
Obey local traffic rules
Provide the class with these additional guidelines for ensuring safety on wheels:
Always obey traffic rules.
When bicycling, ride in the same direction as motor traffic.
When riding with a group, ride in a single line.
Learn and use hand signals.
Before turning left, look back for traffic behind you.
Avoid riding in bad weather.
When skating, keep your speed under control, and know how to stop and fall properly.
Avoid skating at night or in traffic.

46. Safety on Foot
Obey traffic signals when crossing the street, and cross only at intersections or crosswalks.
Look left, right, and left again before stepping into the street.
Do not walk or run into the street from between parked cars.
Do not wear headphones while walking
(one okay, 2 is distracting)
Tell the class that pedestrians have the right-of-way when they share the road with motorists. Nevertheless, one must obey traffic rules and stay alert to the unexpected.
Inform students that they should never assume that motorists or bicyclists:
Can see them or are paying attention.
Know what they plan to do—such as cross the street.
Will act in a safe and capable manner.
Will signal before taking a turn.
Will act according to their signals.
Will obey the law.

47. VARIOUS SITUATIONS with their BASIC first aid
Neighborhood, personal protection, parks and recreation areas

48. Safety in Your Neighborhood
To reduce your chances of becoming a victim of deliberate injury:
Avoid potential trouble. Do not go out alone at night. Tell a parent about where you are going and when you will return home. Stay in well-lit areas.
Be smart and aware. Move away from anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable.
Get help when you need it. If anyone tries to touch you or says anything that frightens you, scream and run to the nearest public or safe place. Tell your parent or another trusted adult immediately.
Violence can be a problem in any community. Although one may avoid areas where she or he feels unsafe, it is impossible to predict when and where an act of violence will occur.
Additional tips to reduce the chances of becoming a victim of deliberate injury include the following:
Leave expensive items at home, and always carry identification. Be prepared in case you need to make an emergency phone call. Don’t talk to strangers.
In the event of a dangerous encounter with someone, ask for help or call 911 if necessary. If the person is a stranger, try to remember details about him or her, such as clothing, physical appearance, and type and color of car.

49. Safety in Your Neighborhood
Stages of self defense:
Aware: be aware of everything and everyone around you
Avoidance: Don’t go near potentially bad situations if possible, play it safe when dealing with money, jewerly
Prevention: If possible, find a way to get away from a fight
Physical Contact: If you have no choice, FIGHT
Follow up: create a police report, tell your parents/school
Violence can be a problem in any community. Although one may avoid areas where she or he feels unsafe, it is impossible to predict when and where an act of violence will occur.
Additional tips to reduce the chances of becoming a victim of deliberate injury include the following:
Leave expensive items at home, and always carry identification. Be prepared in case you need to make an emergency phone call. Don’t talk to strangers.
In the event of a dangerous encounter with someone, ask for help or call 911 if necessary. If the person is a stranger, try to remember details about him or her, such as clothing, physical appearance, and type and color of car.

50. Outdoor Recreational Safety
You can stay safe outdoors by following these commonsense rules:
Take a buddy.
Stay aware.
Know your limits.
Use good judgment.
Be sure to warm up and cool down.
Explain the rules on the slide using the following points:
Take a buddy. Take a friend when participating in outdoor activities. Friends can help each other in case of an emergency.
Stay aware. Learn the signs of weather emergencies. When necessary, move to safe shelter quickly.
Know your limits. Set reasonable goals that reflect your abilities. If you’re a beginning swimmer, for example, do not try to swim farther than you can handle.
Use good judgment. Ask yourself, “Do I have the equipment I need, and am I acting safely?” If unsure, ask a parent or other trusted adult.
Be sure to warm up and cool down. Warming up and cooling down will help prevent injuries. Remember to stretch after both the warm-up and the cool-down.

51. Water Safety Follow these rules to stay safe in and around water:
Learn how to swim well.
Always swim with a buddy and only when a lifeguard or adult is present.
Do not swim when you are tired.
Check the water depth before you dive—it should be at least 9 feet.
Do not try diving unless you have been taught the proper technique.
Other water safety rules include the following:
Never dive into dark or shallow water or an above-ground pool.
Check for other swimmers or objects in the water or below the surface.
If you are caring for young children, do not let them go in or near a pool unless you are watching them.

52. Water Safety (cont’d.)
Get ready. Raise your arms gently and cross them. At the same time, place one left forward and the other one back.
Stay calm. Allow your arms, legs, and neck to go limp. Take a deep breath and hold
it as you sink vertically into
the water. Only the top part of your head should remain above the surface.
Raise your head. Keeping your arms and legs in the same position as in step 2, raise your head
quickly but smoothly
above
the water.
Exhale through your nose.
Go below the surface. While holding your breath, put your head down. As you drop below the surface, press downward
with your
arms and
hands to keep yourself from going too far.
Rest. Stay under water and rest for six to ten seconds. Then repeat steps 2
through 5. Continue this technique until help arrives.
Take a breath. To keep your head above your surface, gently sweep your arms down and out while you step downward
with both
the feet.
Take a fresh
breath through
your mouth.
Stay calm. Allow your arms, legs, and neck to go limp. Take a
deep breath
and hold it as
you sink
vertically into
the water. Only the top part of your head should remain above the surface.
Get ready. Raise your arms gently and cross them. At the same time, place one
leg forward
and the
other one back.
Raise your head. Keeping your arms and legs in the same position as in step 2, raise your head quickly
but smoothly
above the
water.
Exhale
through your
nose.
Take a breath. To keep your head above the
surface, gently sweep your arms down and out
while you
step
downward
with both
feet. Take a
fresh breath
through your
mouth.
Go below the surface. While holding your
breath, put your head down. As
you drop
below the
surface,
press
downward
with your arms and hands to keep yourself from going too far.
Rest. Stay under water and rest for six to ten seconds. Then repeat steps 2
through 5. Continue
this technique
until help arrives.
The biggest danger involved in water recreation is drowning. This slide shows and describes the technique that helps swimmers and nonswimmers stay afloat in warm water. It is not recommended for use in cold water because it can cause the swimmer to lose body heat faster. In cold water it is better to tread water slowly or float on the back to save energy.

53. VARIOUS SITUATIONS with their BASIC first aid
Weather related emergencies
And natural disasters

54. What Are Weather Emergencies?
Certain emergency situations that no one can prevent include weather emergencies, or dangerous situations brought on by changes in the atmosphere.
Common weather emergencies include storms, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, and thunderstorms.

55. What Are Weather Emergencies? (cont’d.)
The National Weather Service (NWS) issues two types of advisories, or reports:
Storm watches: These are issued when current weather conditions indicate that a storm is likely to develop.
Storm warnings: These are issued when an actual weather emergency is occurring and people in the affected area are in immediate danger.
The NWS monitors the progress of storms and periodically issues bulletins about what is happening. When a storm watch or warning is issued, people in the area should do the following:
Stay tuned to the radio or TV for further advisories, and take steps to prepare for the storm.
Follow the instructions of the NWS and local officials and evacuate as quickly as possible if instructed to do so.

56. Emergency Supplies Kit
Keep these supplies ready in the event of a weather emergency or natural disaster.
An emergency supplies kit should include enough supplies to last a family for three days. If people must evacuate their homes, they should take the supplies, sturdy walking shoes, money, and any necessary prescription medicines.

57. Tornadoes
If a tornado watch is issued, use a battery-powered radio to listen to updates and prepare to take shelter.
Move underground into a cellar or basement or go to a windowless interior room or hallway. If you are outdoors, lie in a ditch or flat on the ground.
Cover yourself with whatever protection you can find, such as a mattress or heavy blanket.
If a person is outdoors when a tornado occurs, he or she should stay away from trees, cars, and buildings, which could fall. Also, the person should stay where he or she is. Tornadoes move along a narrow path at about 25 to 40 miles per hour. The storm will pass quickly.
Ask volunteers to explain why it’s important to go to a cellar or basement if possible.

58. Hurricanes
A hurricane is a strong windstorm with driving rain that originates at sea.
Each hurricane has a center, called its eye, where weather conditions are calm.
A circular cloud mass whirls around the eye, giving the storm its fiercest strength.
Most hurricanes occur in late summer and early fall. Hurricanes are more likely to occur along the eastern and southern coastlines of the United States.

59. Hurricanes Follow these guidelines in the event of a hurricane:
Board up windows and doors. Bring items such as outdoor furniture and bicycles inside.
Evacuate immediately if the NWS or local officials advise you to do so.
If no evacuation is advised, stay indoors. Be prepared for power loss by keeping a working flashlight and battery-powered radio on hand, along with extra batteries for both items.

60. Blizzards and Thunderstorms
A blizzard is a very heavy snowstorm with winds of up to 45 miles per hour.
During a blizzard, stay inside if possible.
If you are caught outside, keep moving and find shelter as soon as possible.
While looking for shelter, keep your head, nose, mouth, and ears covered to prevent hypothermia.
Additional safety measures include:
During a blizzard, keep a flashlight and battery-powered radio on hand, both with extra batteries in case of power loss.
When caught outside in a blizzard, watch for landmarks along the path to avoid getting lost.

61. Blizzards and Thunderstorms (cont’d.)
Thunderstorms can occur almost anywhere, but they usually cause only minor damage.
In the event of a thunderstorm, especially one that includes lightning:
If possible, stay inside or seek shelter during the storm.
Be prepared for power loss. Unplug electrical appliances, and avoid using the telephone or running water until the storm has passed.
Additional guidelines to stay safe during thunderstorms:
If caught outdoors, squat low to the ground in an open area.
Keep away from electric poles and wires, tall trees, water, and metal objects, all of which attract lightning.

62. Natural Disasters
A natural disaster is an event caused by nature that results in widespread damage, destruction, and loss. Floods and earthquakes are examples of natural disasters.
To prepare for such events, put together an emergency supplies kit as shown previously.
The emergency supplies kit must be stored in a place in the home that is easily accessible.
Click the link to show the contents of an emergency supplies kit.

63. Floods
If the NWS issues a flood watch for your area, move valuable items to higher levels of your home, and keep your emergency kit handy.
Listen to radio bulletins while you watch for signs of rising water.
Floods can happen almost anywhere at any time.

64. Floods (cont’d.)
A flood warning means that you should evacuate your home, if so advised, and move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, and creeks.
Warning of a flash flood, one that can rise suddenly and violently, requires immediate evacuation.

65. Floods (cont’d.)
In any flood situation, stay tuned to the radio and follow these safety rules:
Never walk, swim, ride a bike, or drive a car through the water. Drowning is a risk. So is electrocution from downed power lines.
Drink only bottled water. Floods can pollute the water supply.
If an evacuation is ordered, return home only after being advised that it is safe to do so.
On returning home after the floods, throw away contaminated food. Disinfect anything that has come in contact with floodwaters.

66. Earthquakes
An earthquake, a violent shaking of the earth’s surface, can be a fearsome natural disaster.
It is usually not a single event; after the initial shaking, several aftershocks, or secondary earthquakes, often occur.
Although there is no reliable way to predict earthquakes, scientists use the Richter scale to record the amount of ground motion.
The Richter scale rates the ground motion on a scale of 1 to 10. The most destructive quakes have a magnitude, or size, of 7 or more.

67. Earthquakes (cont’d.)
Follow these guidelines to protect yourself during an earthquake.

68. Even this LONG slide show which is comprehensive can not be ALL inclusive. In general:
use common sense to try to prevent accidents from occurring
When needed, use safety devices and follow rules
Provide basic first aid to the best of your ability and call 911 if an emergency