DISASTERS/EMERGENCIES
Disasters
Disasters can happen anytime, to anyone. When a sudden disaster strikes, you may not have time to prepare. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away. Knowing what to do is your best protection. Careful planning helps ensure you'll have what you need to get through an emergency.
Find out what types of disasters (such as: floods, thunderstorms, power outages, and fire emergencies) are most likely to happen and create a disaster plan. Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for a disaster.
Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team. Be sure to practice and maintain your plan every six months.
Inspect your home, both indoors and outdoors, at least once a year and fix potential hazards. Dead or rotting trees and branches can fall and cause injury and damage to your home. Be sure to prune trees regularly to eliminate destruction and injury.
Prepare emergency supplies. Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for one week. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy to carry containers, such as a duffel bag. Include the following items in your emergency supply bag.
- Flashlight
- Battery-operated radio
- Extra batteries
- Emergency food and water (one week supply per person)
- Essential prescription medicines (one week supply)
- First aid kit and manual
- Extra blankets
- Fire extinguisher
- Cash and credit card
- Extra pair of clothes and shoes (per person)
- Extra pair of glasses
If a disaster strikes remain calm and patient. Put your plan into action!
Storm Emergencies
Storm emergencies include floods, thunderstorms and hurricanes. Timely preparation can avert heavy personal, business and government expenditures.
Flood
The physical devastation that accompanies a flood is tremendous. As floodwater recedes there may be threats to your personal health and safety. Taking basic precautions can help you prevent injuries as well as the possibility of disease.
Before a flood occurs find out if you live in a flood-prone area from your local emergency management office or Red Cross chapter. Ask whether your property is above or below the flood stage water level and learn about the history of flooding for your region.
Plan and practice an evacuation route. Have disaster supplies on hand. Avoid areas subject to sudden flooding. Do not try to walk across running water more than 6 inches deep. Do not drive into flooded areas. If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground.
During a flood, and its aftermath, there are some basic facts to remember that will help protect your personal health and safety.
Do not eat any food that may have come into contact with floodwater. Undamaged, commercially canned foods can be saved if you remove the can labels, thoroughly wash the cans, and then disinfect them with a solution consisting of bleach and water
Proper Hygiene. Practice basic hygiene during the emergency period. Always wash your hands with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected.
Thunderstorms
Some thunderstorms can be seen approaching, while others hit without warning. Learn to recognize the danger signs of a thunderstorm (dark, towering, or threatening clouds and distant lightning and thunder). Check your yard for hazards and listen to local TV or radio stations for emergency information. Be prepared and always have disaster supplies on hand.
When a thunderstorm strikes:
- Stay inside away from windows, water and faucets.
- Use the phone only for emergencies.
- Make sure family members know how to respond after a thunderstorm.
Power Outages
Power outages can be very frustrating, especially when they are prolonged. Generators are often used during power outages. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines:
- Use and maintain generators properly.
- Always refuel generators outdoors.
- Use the appropriate sized and type power cords to carry the electric load.
- Never run cords under rugs or carpets where heat might build up or damage to a cord may go unnoticed.
- Never connect generators to another power source such as power lines.
- If power lines are lying on the ground or dangling near the ground, do not touch the lines.
- Notify your utility company as soon as possible.
Fire Emergencies
People over the age of 65 face the greatest risk of dying in a fire. Decreased mobility, health and sight may limit a person's ability to respond quickly during a fire emergency. Older adults and caregivers need to know that there are special precautions one can take to protect themselves and home from fire.
- Turn the stove off when you leave the cooking area.
- Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn.
- Install and maintain smoke alarms. Smoke alarms should be installed on each level of your home and outside all sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and replace batteries once a year.
- Plan your escape. Know at least two exits from every room. Make any accommodations, such as providing exit ramps and widening doorways to facilitate an emergency escape.
- Be fire-safe around the home. Don't overload electrical outlets or extension cords. If you smoke, never smoke in bed or near flammable objects. Properly maintain chimneys and space heaters.
For more information
http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_500_,00.html
http://www.nu.com/environmental/safety/outdoor.asp
Emergency Preparedness Program
The Health District maintains a confidential list of homebound Westport and Weston residents. These individuals have special evacuation needs or are dependent on electricity, and lack a local support system. Intervention by the Health District occurs during emergencies as the need arises.
The list is updated quarterly. To place your name on the emergency preparedness list or for more information, contact the Health District at 227-9571.