Kanawha County’s Emergency Preparedness Plan

Planning is bringing the future into the present so you can do something about it now. Alan Lakein Time management expert

Creating A Partnership Kanawha County’s Emergency Preparedness Plans and YOU Providing the opportunity to share information and answer questions Regardless of where you live, emergency situations can interrupt routine daily life. Knowledge and Preparation creates the power to protect our families, our environment and our local economy.

What is the KanPlan? A coordinated public education program providing Kanawha County Citizens with emergency preparedness information and support. Sharing our preparedness information and tools to assist our communities, businesses and families In the development of their own Peace in Emergency Preparedness

What is an emergency? Unplanned event with potential to harm people, resources or structures. In the Kanawha Valley it could include a chemical release or a weather event such as a tornado, flood or wildfire. Significant traffic events can create emergency situations.

Kanawha County’s Emergency Preparedness Plan A coordinated effort comprised of: Preparedness/Prevention Response Recovery Resources for more information are available: Kanawha Putnam Emergency Planning Council American Red Cross AARP Department of Homeland Security FEMA

Guidelines for… –Predictable serious incidents –Warning the public –Providing information to the public –Communicating among responder agencies –Rapid recovery to protect economy –Protecting the environment –Caring for pets and animals Kanawha County’s Emergency Preparedness Plan

PUBLIC WARNING MESSAGES

Warning Methods EAS sends message: Local broadcast stations and NOAA weather radio. Disaster sirens: 48 sirens across the county sound a single blast for three minutes “KC911” : Call you reporting the emergency when it affects your area. (new technology has enhanced this capability for Kanawha County citizens)

Sharing Information What will emergency response officials do to notify you of an emergency? 1. Use the telephone ring-down system with Recorded message and instructions (KC911) 2.Sound Emergency Sirens 3. Activate NOAA weather radios 4. Emergency Broadcast System Announcements on local radio and television

WHAT YOU CAN DO

YOUR PLAN: Develop : –your own Emergency Preparedness plan. Consider: – the types of emergency situations you might experience at home. Prepare: – your Shelter-In-Place Kit and Emergency Kit. Use : resources available through KanPlan.

What is your emergency plan? Have an Emergency Plan. Develop an Emergency Kit. Determine family needs. Including medically necessary items. Document phone numbers and important information. Gather emergency supplies and keep them refreshed. Know how to get emergency notifications. The County’s Preparedness Plan includes: School plans. Business plans. Senior plans. Know resources for more information. Discuss plans with everyone in the household.

Shelter In Place –Develop your Shelter-In-Place kit. –Know how to shelter in place properly. –Practice your Shelter-In-Place plan. –Understand resources for more information. –Know how others prepare. Business responsibilities for employees. How are schools prepared? Senior centers, public housing, etc.

Shelter-In-Place Kit Keep several hours of supplies where they can be accessed quickly. –Plastic sheeting –Duct tape –Television or radio –Batteries –Telephone –Water –Personal supplies

Evacuation According to the specific emergency Know the following: When would an evacuation be necessary? How would an evacuation notice be shared? Where are the nearest evacuation routes? Resources for more information. Kanawha County Commission has received a Grant for Preparation of a Countywide Evacuation Plan that is currently being developed to be completed in 2010.

Resources for information Web Sites:

We Can All Have Peace in Preparedness Your Peace A prepared public provides emergency responders the ability to concentrate their resources on resolving and recovering from the situation.

Overview The best time to plan for an emergency? Is before you have one. A plan provides everyone with? The best thinking under the best circumstances. Emergency responders and service providers have a plan and responsibilities.

Provide YOUR Peace by PLANNING Being prepared is everyone’s job!

Participating Agencies – Metro 911 – Kanawha County Commission – Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority – Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority – City of Charleston Office of Emergency Services & Homeland Security – American Red Cross Central WV Chapter – Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office – Kanawha County Office of Emergency Services – Kanawha County Health Department – Kanawha Putnam Emergency Planning Council – National Weather Service – Local Municipality First Responders (Fire, EMS, Police) – Volunteer Fire Departments