Disaster Preparedness for Individuals and Families Shelley Bendall Division of Emergency Management January 28, 2014

Why should you care about disaster preparedness?  During a disaster or emergency: –professional first responders overwhelmed –may be delayed in getting to you –must be prepared to take care of yourselves until the professionals can get to you –must be confident your home and family are taken care of before you can return to work

How do you get prepared?  Take responsibility for yourself and your family  Know the hazards and risks you face  Know your warning methods  Make a family disaster plan  Assemble a family disaster kit  Get trained  Volunteer to help your neighbors and community

How do you take responsibility?  Realize local government is likely to be responding to hundreds, perhaps thousands, of calls for assistance- overwhelms all divisions of government, not just first responders  FEMA recommends every household have the capability to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours

What hazards do you face?  Severe weather: severe thunderstorms, lightning, wind damage, tornadoes, ice storms, flash flooding, heat waves  Hazardous materials releases  Earthquakes  Utility outages

What are your warning methods?  NOAA weather radio  Emergency Alert System  Local TV and radio stations  Cable interrupt system  Outdoor warning sirens  Telephone notification  AM 1620

Winter Weather Preparedness  Listen to your radio, television, or NOAA Weather Radio for weather reports and emergency information  Know how to prevent and unthaw frozen pipes  Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow; drink plenty of fluids and eat regularly  Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia  Be extremely careful with generators

Winter Weather Preparedness  Drive only if absolutely necessary  Travel during the day and don’t travel alone  Let someone know your schedule  Stay on main roads

Winter Weather Preparedness  If you get stuck in your car: –Pull off road, turn on hazard lights, hang a distress flag from antenna –Remain in your vehicle unless you can see a building you know you can make it to –Run the engine/heater 10 minutes each hour to keep warm –Keep a window cracked while running engine

Hazardous Materials Releases  Can happen in chemical facilities, train car derailments, tanker truck accidents, other areas  Listen to radio and TV for information  Will likely be told to shelter-in-place or evacuate

If evacuation is ordered:  Leave immediately if you are able to do so  Use travel routes specified by local officials-these will be based on the chemical, time of day, weather, etc.  Call your family contact to tell them where you are  Don’t return until the “all clear” is given by local officials  If you cannot self evacuate and have time the time to do so, call a friend or family member to evacuate you

If shelter in place is ordered:  Turn off heat/AC units and close all windows  Go to your safe room with no windows  Wet towels and stuff them under the door  Tape plastic over all doors, vents, electrical outlets and other areas where air from the outside might get into your safe room  Listen to local TV or radio for instructions  Don’t come out until the “all clear” given by local officials

Family Disaster Plan  Make a list of every hazard you face and walk through what you would do for each event  Identify safe rooms for tornadoes and sheltering in place  Identify two escape routes from each room  Identify assistance you might need and talk through your needs with family, friends, or care providers  Identify an out-of-state contact  Remember to plan for your pets  Know emergency plans of schools and day cares  Practice, exercise, and update your plan

Disaster Supplies Kit  Include items you will need to be self-sufficient for 72 hours including: –bottled water (1 gallon per person per day-add more for pets and those with special needs) –non-perishable food and snacks –battery operated radio –flashlight –extra batteries –first aid kit –prescription medication and other vital supplies –whistle –cash

Disaster Supplies Kit -place supplies in easy to carry containers such as plastic totes or duffle bags -store kits where they can be reached easily during an emergency -refresh supplies every 6 months or as needed -personalize with what you and your family need -have a “go kit” and car kit if possible

Plan for your Pets  Identify shelter with friends/family/vet  Identify hotels that accept pets  Gather pet supplies including proper ID and up-to-date vet records  Assemble an emergency kit for your pets

For More Information  Division of Emergency Management –Shelley Bendall  FEMA “Are You Ready?” guide (one free copy per household) 