Know what to do when natural disaster strikes

Know what to do when natural disaster strikes
Pam Wallenfelsz, MPH Walden University PUBH Dr. Howard Rubin October 30, 2014 Skagit County, Washington Teen Disaster Preparedness Planning

Teen Disaster Involvement
You can make a difference: Skagit County Disaster Possibilities Family Disaster Plan Disaster Kit Helping the Community Coping with a Disaster Resources in a Disaster As a teen you may feel like your actions do not matter in your environment. I would like to change that perception. The environment in Skagit County is linked to your wellbeing and you can be a catalyst for positive community change by empowering yourself with education and awareness regarding the county’s geophysical risk and taking action to be prepared. This presentation will give you ideas on creating a family disaster plan and kit, activity options that will assist your community during a disaster, tips on how to take care of yourself as well as realizing the importance of asking for help for yourself. Canstock. (n. d.) [Clipart Natural Disaster]. Retrieved from

Environmental Disaster
Geophysical Laboratory Earthquakes Tsunami Landslide Volcano Flood Mine Collapse Skagit County could be labeled a Geophysical laboratory. That is because our county is located within various terrain types, rock formations, seismic lines and rich environmental resources. These terrain variations include the Cascade mountain range known for its history in the ring of fire due to volcanic eruption and earthquake history. Another environmental variation is the coastline and its vulnerability to tsunami. That’s right Skagit County is at risk for EARTHQUAKES, TSUNAMIES, LANDSLIDES, VOLCANOES, FLOODS, AND COAL OR METAL MINE COLLAPSE. Any of these events could happen any day in our environment, and world wide these events are happening more frequently than in times past. Interestingly, the number of natural disasters in Skagit county is higher than the national average-you would never think that considering we don’t have tornados or hurricanes here. Also, too much of a good thing can turn into a disaster, such as excessive rain or wind. These natural disasters will affect your health and your community when they occur, being prepared will empower you to take control of your personal environment as well as assist those you love. City Data (2013). Upper-Skagit-Washington. Retrieved from Department of Natural Resources, Washington. (2014). Science and Environment. Retrieved from Easy Vectors. (n. d.) [Warning Sign]. Retrieved from Seneviratne, K., Baldry, D., Pathirage, C. (2010). Disaster knowledge factors in managing disasters successfully. International Journal of Strategic Property Management. 14,

Facts Mitigate Fear Readiness Response Recovery
Facts Mitigate Fear. In other words, knowing what might happen and having a plan makes it safer for you as well as less scary, and as an added benefit you will improve safety for your family and those around you. A disaster is defined as “the effect of a natural hazard, or something big and unexpected that is caused by nature (Kidshelp.com, 2014)”. There are three phases of a natural or environmental disaster. First is the readiness or preparation phase. After a natural disaster happens the next phase is the response phase, this is when you utilize your disaster kit and the plans that you have made. After the initial quick response there is a period of recovery, during this time personal and community needs are met, such as food and shelter, and the process of cleaning up the disaster area begins. Disaster Preparedness for Dummies. (Melee Entertainment). (2005). Beverly Hills, CA: Wiley. Kids Help (2014). When big things happen-Natural disasters. Retrieved from Skagit County Net. (2014) Emergency Management. Retrieved from

Steps for Action Make A Plan Build A Kit Help Others Ask For Help
Being ready, having a plan to respond to and being aware of the things that may happen during the recovery time help make the thought of a disaster less scary. Knowledge is very important, and just as important is knowing how to put that knowledge into action. This Presentation will give you information, improve your confidence and give you local contacts to use as resource tools. In a minute will talk about how to make that disaster plan. We will also go over a list of items that could be helpful to have in your disaster kit. Natural or environmental disasters often happen as a surprise so it is important to be prepared, but also to be able to help others who may need assistance. But equally important is the realization that these events are tough, and you may need to ask for help. Seneviratne, K., Baldry, D., Pathirage, C. (2010). Disaster knowledge factors in managing disasters successfully. International Journal of Strategic Property Management. 14,

Earthquake DUCK COVER HOLD
Since 1949 Skagit County has experienced 7 earthquakes of 5.0 or greater magnitude, which puts us just slightly below the state average but 97% greater than the overall national average. Liquification is one of the risks in our county due to the type of soil in the skagit valley: this is the effect of the old lahar from previous volcanic flow and soil from river drainage which loses its ability to support structures during an earthquake, areas close to the Skagit river are at higher risk for liquification. Safety action in an earthquake- Duck or drop down onto your hands and knees so you don’t fall down, Cover your head and neck under a table or next to a large item of furniture, Hold on to your shelter to provide a cover and an anchor. After the earthquake, meet at your designated meeting place, asses building safety before re-entering. Canstock. (n. d.) [Earthquake Zone Clipart]. Retrieved from Disaster Preparedness for Dummies. (Melee Entertainment). (2005). Beverly Hills, CA: Wiley. Palmer, S. P., Magsino, S. L., Bilderback, E. L., Poelstra, J. L., Folger, D. S., Niggemann, R. A. (2004, September). Earthquake activity and liquification: Liquification susceptibility map of Skagit County, Washington. Retrieved from ftp://ww4.dnr.wa.gov/ geology/pubs/ofr04-20/ofr _sheet57_skagit_liq.pdf)

Collapsed Abandoned Coal or Metal Mines
Tsunami Planned Escape Route Landslide Stay away Collapsed Abandoned Coal or Metal Mines Stay out Skagit County’s at risk population from a tsunami is 29,991 people. These people live in the areas of Edison, LaConner, Fir Island and Whitney. If you live near the coastal areas of our county, know your tsunami escape route. Also important to remember-if there is a tsunami warning-Do Not Approach the Water. Landslides have affected members of our community in the last year with our neighbors in Oso. Landslides may be triggered by heavy rainfall, earthquake, flooding, or previously exposed hillsides with greater than a 30% slope. Be aware, stay away from mudslides, as more may break loose. Do not touch any electrical wires that may be down or enter affected structures. Keep in mind that the slide could have blocked a roadway, or a waterway which may in turn cause flooding. Due to the active mining industries in our county’s history as well as our current economy, there are hundreds of abandoned mine shafts. These are very dangerous due to collapse risk, chemical fumes, drainage of toxic chemicals, and increased risk for landslides and sinkholes. Even though you think they may be fun to explore they are very dangerous and unstable - Stay out of them. Clker. (n. d.) [Mining Sign]. Retrieved from Gograph. (n. d.) [Landslide and Tsunami Stock Photo]. Retrieved from Hazard Profile. (2010). Washington State Hazard Mitigation. Retrieved from

Volcano Mount Baker & Glacier Peak Lahar Tephra
Evacuate-follow directions Skagit County is situated between two glorious mountains that just happen to be ancient, or not so ancient volcano’s. Most of our county is situated on previous lahar flow sediment. Dangers from volcanic activity include tephra fallout (ash product from the plume cloud), lava and lahar flow (hot volcanic melted rock, lahar is glacier ice instantly melted and mixed with rocks and debris and acts like wet cement). Scientists and Geologists have warning systems on these mountains and closely monitor the risk and any activity, if they issue evacuation orders-obey them. Make a plan with your family to follow if evacuation is ordered. Skagit County Net (2006). Geologically hazardous areas: Skagit County. Retrieved fromhttp:// 123RF. (n. d.) [Stock Vector Eruption]. Clipart Retrieved from

Flood Skagit River Watch water levels: Be Prepared:
water.weather.gov/hydrograph Be Prepared: Floods are one of the nation’s most frequent and costly disasters. Often we underestimate the power of water, but only two feet of water can float a school bus. Frequently the Skagit River level rises above flood level and affects our communities, since most of us live in the floodplain-meaning that at some point in the last 50 or 100 years (depending on your location), this property has been flooded with water. You can monitor the water level and follow the yearly averages and the predicted flood stage at the National Weather Service Hydrologic Prediction page for the Skagit River. One of these websites is Water covered roads are very dangerous, do not drive, walk or try to swim across them. Listen to radio/tv updates and evacuate if asked. This water is very cold and more dangerous than you may think both due to the low temperature, but also the unpredictable currents and floating debris. Make a checklist of preparation activities before flood season. Go to for a list of activities you can help your family do to be more prepared. Canstock Photo. (n. d.) [Flood clipart]. Retrieved from National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction System. (2014).Retrieved Skagit County Net. (2014). Flood Awareness. Retrieved from

DRAT Disaster Readiness Actions for Teens Prepare Make a Plan
Make a Kit Stay Calm DRAT is an acronym for Disaster Readiness Actions for Teens. Steps that teens can do to take these actions include; Preparation is the best tool for Prevention. Preparation can prevent injury both to you and those in your family. Preparation may also assist in maintaining a safe shelter, water, and food source following a disaster. Making a plan enables you to instinctively move to action instead of being immobilized by fear. Practicing, role playing and discussing your plan with your family will aid in its effectiveness. Knowledge is not good enough by itself, confidence in following through with the action will save you or someone you love. An accessible disaster kit places in your hands the items you may need to survive, take action to prepare an effective kit. And last but not least-Stay Calm. A steady calm attitude aids you in recalling the things you have learned and prepared, this will help reassure those around you and aid you in thinking through your next step without panicking. Disaster Readiness Action for Teens (DRAT). (n.d.) Retrieved from Seneviratne, K., Baldry, D., Pathirage, C. (2010). Disaster knowledge factors in managing disasters successfully. International Journal of Strategic Property Management. 14,

Make A Plan Draw a plan Fire extinguisher Meeting Place
Survival Kit Location Prioritize Actions Making an effective plan entails several steps. First draw a sketch of your home, your school, and your workplace showing two ways out of each location. Know where the the fire alarms and fire extinguishers are located, and how to trigger them, some require breaking a safety clasp, or breaking a window. Meet with your family and decide on a safe meeting place outdoors, and away from present danger such as water, trees, unstable structure or roadways. Make sure it is clear to all where the location is and what to do when they arrive there. Know where your survival kit is stored. Somewhere you or someone in your family can grab all or part of it on your way to your safe meeting place. Make an action plan that lists actions in order of priority and who may do them, such as: who calls 911, who does role call, who is in charge of the survival kit, who inspects the area for further dangers, are there injuries to take care of, who secures the pets, are there evacuation orders, is the structure safe to re-enter, etc.

Make A Kit Cash Hand/body washing supplies Flashlight/Batteries
Pet supplies Radio Face masks to filter air Food-MRE’s, energy sources, can food First Aid Kit-Bandages/Sling/Pain meds/Benadryl/Antibiotic Ointment/Gloves Can opener, eating utensils Water (1 gallon/person each day) Phone numbers for family members and outside common contact person Blanket/Sleeping bags Lighter/Waterproof Matches Small cooking stove, fuel, pot Warm Clothing-Hat/Gloves/Warm Socks Rope Prescription Medications Change of Clothing Waterproof Jacket (Black trash bags) Toilet Paper/Feminine Supplies Knife and/or Leatherman Tool The county emergency planning office suggests that it will take 3 days to get Federal aid here in our county if there is a large natural disaster, so we all need to make a kit to keep our family safely fed, watered and warm for 3 days minimum. Put these items in a easy to grab container and store it in a place that all residents can access. Designate a common contact person who lives outside your county or state (its often easier to get through calling outside your local area) so all family members can check in with this person and this person can account for family members and relay messages, or aid in getting help. One contact person will also decrease the amount of phone usage thus freeing up resources for emergency care. Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA). (2006). Emergency supply list. Retrieved from Skagit County Net. (2014) Emergency Management. Retrieved from

Help Others Be prepared Share your plan Community Red Cross
Skagit Community Action YMCA You can make a difference! Helping others in your community can actually be a way to help yourself! Preparation is vitally important. Once you have identified your family’s needs and accessed your kit and resources, helping others provides a way for you to stay in touch with emergency personnel and put your preparation skills to work for your community. Sharing your plan with others will enable them to be better prepared and empowers them to prevent health complications and maintain a safer situation for those in their care. Disaster relief relies on volunteer help to assist in supplying what people need right now, keeping your community safe, and helping rebuild. You can help first of all by making a plan with your family, you being prepared gives you confidence, helps you motivate others to make a plan and be safe and ultimately may save your life or the lives of your family or community members. During the disaster organizations need help in many areas such as handing out food and other needed items like diapers, soap, blankets etc.,, helping with pets, filling sandbags, cleaning up areas, and serving meals. You can take a class to be even more prepared by becoming certified by the Red Cross ( Other local organization that may utilize your help include the YMCA and Skagit Community Action.

Support for Yourself Wellbeing Talking Self care
Events like a natural disaster will affect people in different ways, but they can affect your physical health, your emotional health or your feelings and mood and you may be sad and grieving for the things you lost in the disaster. It can also affect how you think or handle things, like your coping mechanisms and ability to think through a problem. These events can also affect your social health and your normal hang out group or social circle and how they react to you and each other. Another consideration is your spiritual health; you may feel depressed, angry at God or confused. It is very important that you find someone you can talk to, try to express how you feel, your fears, ask questions, or journal through your feelings. Take care of yourself by getting rest, exercise, and safe water to drink, so you can function better mentally as well as physically. Talk to a pastor or trusted person from your belief center and read the link in the ‘read more’ page about God and disasters. Working through your feelings by talking with someone aids you in grieving for what you may have lost but also aids you processing these events so you can move on with new perspective for the future. Kids Help. (2011, March 23). Natural Disasters. Retrieved from Military One Source. (2010). Helping your teenager cope after a natural disaster. Retrieved from

Stay Healthy Wash hands Food Water Rest
Health is very important to your survival. And you are a key component of your health. Taking extra precautions during an environmental disaster is important due to the possible contamination of your water, food and air supply. Careful and consistent hand washing is vital health and the prevention of disease. Also be aware of your water and food sources. If you are cooking a meal, only prepare as much as your family will eat at that mealtime, because once it is cooked you most likely will not have a facility to store the food at a safe temperature to prevent bacteria from multiplying and making you sick. Water should be purified, filtered or boiled unless otherwise advised by someone in authority during the disaster recovery period. Health is contingent on many aspects of your life and a stressful situation such as an environmental natural disaster will affect your bodies ability to fight off diseases, viruses and bacteria it is exposed to, it is important to get sleep and take care of yourself as best you can. Contagious diseases often increase following a disaster situation because of crowded living conditions, injuries, or unsafe water. Be aware, be careful and you can avoid illness and disease. Jafari, N., Shahsanai, A., Memarzadeh, M., Loghmani, A. (2011). Prevention of communicable diseases after disaster. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences. 16(7),

Disaster Recovery Stay Healthy Clean Up – Safely! Be Aware Be Patient
After a natural disaster there is a time of recovery. It is important during this time be to very careful about staying healthy. Often diseases are rapidly passed around after a disaster because people don’t have proper water, food and hand washing supplies. Be aware and wash frequently, especially when eating or preparing food. Helping your family and community clean up after the disaster may help you process the event and also gives you a sense of control and positive recognition for your efforts. There is always a lot of work involved in cleaning up, be safe and follow directions carefully. If the organization requests wearing a face mask, follow all the guidelines, as these rules are made to protect your from disease both now and in the future. Often after a disaster people take advantage of homes and belongings left unlocked or unsecured, or people without a safe house, be aware, stay with others you trust and work together, don’t be tempted to try alcohol and drugs just because everything is crazy and someone tells you it will make it feel better. It is only a temporary feeling that will change, using these substances will not change the situation or aid in your ability to cope. Be aware and stay safe and sober. Be patient with the recovery process, it will take a while before life will return to a normal routine and the infrastructure and community can function as they did. Helping with the recovery process will enable you to understand why it takes as long as it does. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). Fact Sheet: Prevent Illness after a disaster. Retrieved from

Community Resources Police and Fire Personnel Skagit Community Action
Teen Shelter YMCA-Boys & Girls Club Skagit Regional Health Providers Department of Transportation There are people in your community who have training and certifications to help in a natural or environmental disaster situation. Look for these people if you need help, or you can approach them now to aid you in gathering information and supplies in order to be more prepared in the event of a disaster. Police and fire department personnel are safe people to approach if you have questions or need help. Skagit community action is a non profit organization that helps people in our community who may be struggling with housing, food, medical, literacy or other issues. The YMCA, boys and girls club and the Mount Vernon Teen shelter also have safe people you can talk to, both in preparation and planning and also during or after a disaster event. Skagit Regional Hospital and its clinics provide care and also have planning resources and occasionally conduct disaster awareness meetings. Another community resource is the Department of Transportation in Skagit County, these people are aware of the risks of natural disasters, the affected infrastructure such as roads and accessibility, the emergency plans and evacuation routes.

Resources for Tips & Kit Supplies
Cabelas- Dehydrated food options Costco Wholesale-Dehydrated food packages for families or individuals County Public Health Department-Tips, resources Elders living in your community-stories from past disasters and tips for what to do to be ready Skagit County Fire Department- Supplies, kit ideas, awareness materials Skagit Valley Medical Center/Clinics- Resource for tips and supplies Multiple sources of supplies, ideas and awareness materials exist in our area. The county fire departments can assist you with creating your survival kit, they have resources, materials and sometimes supplies to help you. Hospital and Public Health Department Personnel have awareness supplies, educational materials, and people you can talk to about concerns and tips for getting prepared as well as protecting yourself from disease, and preventing disease among your family during an environmental disaster. Another great resource is the older generation who live in the community, they may have seen or lived through local environmental disasters in the past and are a wealth of practical information and stories. Retail resources for dehydrated food supplies, emergency heat, light and other supplies include Cabelas, Costco and other local businesses.

Wrapping It Up Make A Plan Make A Kit Be an Expert Be Helpful
Be Honest To summarize what we have covered, lets quickly review the highlights. Make a plan for each of the possible natural disasters options in our county. A plan to get out of your building, for what to do next, and where to get help. Review and practice this plan until you work out the problems and become confident in it. Make a survival kit with supplies for the members of your family to keep you safe, warm, fed, and watered for a minimum of 3 days. Don’t forget your pets, formula for babies, or extra prescription medications for those who may require them. Educate and empower yourself, become an expert. Find experts who can answer your questions and concerns and become confident in your plan and your skills. Be Helpful. Help others understand the importance of disaster preparedness, during the disaster find ways to help your neighbors and community. Be honest with yourself. If you are fearful, are having difficulty coping or are depressed, or just need to talk through the situation with a safe person, locate a counselor, disaster personnel or spiritual mentor who can listen and help you process your response to the disaster and it’s affects on you and your family.

Skagit County We are proud of our community in Skagit county. Our environment is important to us, both to keep us alive and how we utilize or abuse it. Environmental disasters can affect every aspect of our lives when an event happens in our community. Utilize the information we have covered to empower yourself and be prepared to affect positive change for yourself, your family and your community in the face of environmental natural disaster. Wallenfelsz, P. (2014). Photo credit. Skagit County from Little Mountain.

READ MORE: Mount Vernon & Burlington Public Library-Disaster Preparedness Kids Help at We do Something. Skagit Emergency Guide. Washington.html#ixzz3FcBlOHOk Disaster Readiness Actions for Teens (DRAT). Retrieved fromwww.cidrap.umn.edu/sites/default/files/public/downloads/practice/drat_fact_sheet.pdf Red Cross Flood Preparation Checklist. Why Does God Allow Disaster? fervr.net/bible/why-does-god-allow-natural-disasters If you would like more information, online activities, interesting facts, or learn of way that teens can help, check out these online resources.

References 123RF. (n. d.) [Stock Vector Eruption]. Clipart Retrieved from Canstock. (n. d.) [Earthquake Zone Clipart]. Retrieved from Canstock Photo. (n. d.) [Flood clipart]. Retrieved from Canstock. (n. d.) [Natural Disaster]. Retrieved from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). Fact Sheet: Prevent Illness after a disaster. Retrieved from City Data (2013). Upper-Skagit-Washington. Retrieved from Clker. (n. d.) [Mining Sign]. Retrieved from Department of Natural Resources, Washington. (2014). Science and Environment. Retrieved from TOPICS/GEOLOGICHAZARDSMAPPING/PAGES/GEOLOGIC_HAZARDS.ASPX Disaster Preparedness for Dummies. (Melee Entertainment). (2005). Beverly Hills, CA: Wiley. Disaster Readiness Actions for Teens (DRAT). (n. d.). Retrieved from Easy Vectors. (n. d.) [Warning Sign]. Retrieved from Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA). (2006). Emergency supply list. Retrieved from Gograph. (n. d.) [Landslide and Tsunami Stock Photo]. Retrieved from Hazard Profile. (2010). Washington State Hazard Mitigation. Retrieved from Jafari, N., Shahsanai, A., Memarzadeh, M., Loghmani, A. (2011). Prevention of communicable diseases after disaster. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences. 16(7), Kids Help (2014). When big things happen-Natural disasters. Retrieved from Military One Source. (2010). Helping your teenager cope after a natural disaster. Retrieved from National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction System. (2014).Retrieved from water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?gage=mvew1&wfo=sew Palmer, S. P., Magsino, S. L., Bilderback, E. L., Poelstra, J. L., Folger, D. S., Niggemann, R. A. (2004, September). Earthquake activity and liquification: Liquification susceptability map of Skagit County, Washington. Retrieved from ftp://ww4.dnr.wa.gov/geology/pubs/ofr04-20/ofr _sheet57_skagit_liq.pdf) Skagit County Net. (2014) Emergency Management. Retrieved from Skagit County Net. (2014). Flood Awareness. Retrieved from Skagit County Net (2006). Geologically hazardous areas: Skagit County. Retrieved fromhttp:// Seneviratne, K., Baldry, D., Pathirage, C. (2010). Disaster knowledge factors in managing disasters successfully. International Journal of Strategic Property Management. 14, Red Cross. (2014). Young Volunteers. Retrieved from

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