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Disaster Preparedness, Physical and Spiritual Basic information on tips on how to prepare for natural disasters and how to nurture the self and others in the aftermath. Part Two. -- Emergency Preparedness in case of Flash Flood: Know if you live in an area that is prone to flash-floods. Have a safety kit/plan like the one listed above, including extra diapers, wipes, rubber boots, waterproof gloves, and insect repellant. Learn evacuation routes and locations of emergency shelters. Practice evacuation plans with your family. Have a “designated person” for the family to contact should members be separated during a flood. Hire a licensed electrician to elevate electric switches, sockets, circuit breakers and wiring to at least 12" above your home's estimated flood elevation. To prevent floodwaters from entering, install backflow valves or plugs for drains, toilets, and other sewer connections. Anchor fuel tanks which can contaminate your basement if torn free. An unanchored tank outside can be swept downstream and damage other houses. Turn off the electric, water, and gas in your house before leaving, and if you have time, unplug appliances and other electrical items If you know a flash-flood is coming: Listen or watch news updates concerning the flash-flood watch or warning. Turn off power and utilities if evacuation appears likely. Keep immunization records with you should a wound become contaminated by flood water. Put clean water in soft drink bottles, sinks, and bathtubs, sanitizing sinks and tubs beforehand with bleach of course. Tie down outdoor possessions, such as patio furniture, barbecue grills and garbage cans, or bring them inside to prevent them from damaging the property of others. If you have to evacuate: Follow evacuation tips above. Don’t attempt to cross flooded streets or creeks. -- Emergency Preparedness in case of Forest fire: A forest fire can start without warning, so be prepared to leave your home immediately. Keep smoke alarms working properly, and practice escape routes with the family, including both floors if you have a two-story house. Keep radio tuned to the latest alerts. Have a safety plan/kit ready for evacuation When possible, keep thin the trees and brush around your home and property. Prune branches to 10 feet above ground. Dispose of brush, limbs, and leaves left over from thinning Keep gutters clear of dried leaves, brush, and grasses. Keep firewood and trash away from the home. Mow dry grass and weeds. Thin surrounding forest. Don’t allow branches to grow over or around roof and chimney. Keep an irrigated green belt around your home or property. Keep on hand fire tools, ladder, and fire extinguishers Maintain an outdoor water supply, with hose, nozzle, and pump. If fire reaches your home and you have to leave, wear layers of sturdy clothing, keep a handkerchief over your face. Be alert for changes in the direction and speed of smoke and fire. -- Emergency Preparedness in case of Mudslide: As outlined above, have ready a safety plan/kit. --Before a slide: Have your land assessed for risk of a mudslide, and take steps to correct when possible. Don’t build your home near a slopes, mountain edge, erosion valleys, or drainage ways. Have flexible pipe fittings installed, to minimize the danger. Recognize the warning sign of a possible slide--Changes in landscape, small slides, leaning trees. Windows and doors jam that didn’t before. New cracks in foundation, brick, tile, or plaster. Stairs, walks, or walls outside begin to pull away from foundation. Large cracks in pavement or ground. Bulges in the ground. Fences and trees tilt out of place. Trees cracking, rumbling sound of approaching slide. Falling rocks and debris flow. --During a slide: Run away from the slide as fast as you can. If leaving is not possible, curl yourself into a tight ball and cover your head with protection. --After a slide: Keep away from the slide; more may be on the way. Look for trapped victims without going into the wreckage. Show or tell rescuers where victims can be located. Be alert for broken gas and water lines. Be alert for damaged roads or railways. Replanting damaged ground can help prevent future slides and flooding. -- Emergency Preparedness in case of Winter Storm: Be prepared to leave your home safely if the electricity dies. Have a safety kit, evacuation plan, and tell others where you’re going. Arrange transportation with others if you are unable to drive yourself. Make sure smoke alarms are installed in your home and working properly. Using heaters in frigid weather can increase the risk of fire. Keep on hand warm clothes and extra blankets, gloves, caps, socks, etc. Winterize your home and car when possible. Stay indoors during a storm, but if you have to go outside, dress in several layers of clothing. To protect your lungs from the icy air, cover your mouth. If shoveling snow, work slowly and patiently, with frequent rests. Heavy physical exertion in frigid temperatures is taxing on the body, especially the elderly. If you’re driving and your car gets stuck, stay with your car. Walking in a blizzard or freezing temperatures can be deadly. Tie a bright cloth around your antenna to attract the attention of rescuers. Start the engine for ten minutes every two hours, making sure to keep the exhaust pipe clear so that dangerous fumes won’t back up. If it’s dark, leave the overhead light on so that you will be spotted by someone. To keep circulation going and to stay warm, frequently move arms and legs. To allow air in, roll window down slightly on the side that is away from the blowing wind. Items to place in a secure location following a disaster: Emergency phone numbers, such as police, fire, paramedics, and hospitals, and shelters. Insurance information and phone numbers. Numbers for utilities like electric, gas, and water companies, cable TV, Internet, etc. Medical records, including allergies, medications, illnesses, etc. Vehicle information--license number, make, model, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). Financial information--checking, savings, bonds, lending institutions, credit cards, etc. Birth certificates, death certificates, divorce papers, custody papers, guardianship papers, social security forms, vehicle ownership documents, wills, household inventory of possessions, including photographic or video documentation of valuables.
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First Aid and Emergency Topics
