A Health Guide for the Public in Disaster Planning and

Recovery

• As we have seen recently,you may be unable to obtain needed resources for some period of time following an event, even from government agencies. You may not have access to food, water, and electricity for days, or even weeks.

• You should be prepared with enough stored emergency food and water supplies for your entire family for at least 48 – 72 hours.

FAMILY DISASTER SUPPLY KIT

Pack at least a 3 day supply of food and water. Store it in a portable container and in a handy place. Choose foods that are easy to carry, nutritious and ready-to-eat.

Also pack these emergency items:• Medical supplies and first aid manual• Hygiene supplies • Portable radio, flashlights and extra batteries

• Shovel and other useful tools

• Money and matches in a waterproof container

• Fire extinguisher

• Blanket and extra clothing

• Infant and small children's needs (if appropriate)

FAMILY DISASTER SUPPLY KIT

PREPARATION FOR SHELTERS

• SHELTERS SHOULD BE A REFUGE OF LAST RESORT

• Do not report to a shelter until it is officially opened. The media will announce shelter openings.

• Choose 2 or 3 shelters closest to you. Shelter openings depend upon storm direction, intensity, and other factors. Some shelters fill up quicker than others.

• Tell a friend or relative where you are going.

• Consider volunteering at the shelter.

• Pets, firearms, and alcoholic beverages are not allowed in shelters.

PREPARATION FOR SHELTERS

PREPARATION FOR SHELTERSSuggested Items to bring

• Bedding • Beach or lounge chair • Medications (prescription and over the

counter). Include vitamin, mineral, and protein supplements in your stockpile to assure adequate nutrition.

• Medical alert tags • Clothing and personal care items • Flashlight/batteries • First Aid Kit

• Identification, insurance, and other valuable papers

• Cash, traveler’s checks• Books, games • Infant care items • Drinking water, snacks, and

a 24 hour supply of non-perishable food.

PREPARATION FOR SHELTERSSuggested Items to bring

PLAN AHEAD FOR YOUR PET

DO NOT LEAVE PETS AT HOME

MAKE arrangements with a friend outside the area

For care contact: • Pet friendly hotels and motels• Veterinarians• Kennels

PLAN AHEAD FOR YOUR PET

Make sure: • Vaccinations are up to date • Collar has ID tag and a leash • Carrier is large enough so pet can stand, sit, and

turn around• PROVIDE food, bottled water and medications

for at least a week and a photo of pet with family member to reclaim in case it is lost

Health Care Precautions After an Emergency

• Use care around electricity

• Careful use of generators

• Exposure to flood waters

• Use of protective clothing

• Use care when entering structures

• Heavy lifting caution

• Supervision of small children

• Caution when using cleaning supplies

• Compliance with boil water orders

• Consume only safe food and water

• Use lime with caution

Health Care Precautions After an Emergency

Food

• Preparing an Emergency Stockpile of Food– Storage tips– Nutrition tips– Shelf life of foods– Short term supplies– Long term supplies

Food

• What to do with your food when the electricity goes off

• How to cook when the power goes out

• Food contamination– What and when to destroy– What you can try to salvage

and how

Water

• The absolute necessity

• How to store emergency supplies

• Where to find hidden water sources in your home

• Emergency outdoor water sources

• 3 Easy ways to purify water

• More rigorous purification methods

Water

• How to disinfect a private water supply affected by flooding

Clean Up After Flooding

• Use care around utilities• Check foundations of structures• Clean up of your property• How to disinfect washable surfaces• Remember the heating and air systems• When/How you can salvage clothing,

furniture, curtains, rugs, toys, bedding, utensils and appliances

• Definition of cleaning/disinfection

Tetanus

• Exposure to flood water– Symptoms – How is it contracted?

• Who needs a vaccination

Mold Growth

• Limiting mold growth by cleaning, sanitizing, drying

• Disposal of contaminated absorbent materials

• Remember the heating and air systems

• Symptoms of mold exposure

• Those at greatest risk to mold exposure

• Wear protective clothing during clean up

Chemical Event

• Signs of a possible chemical event

• What you should do during a chemical event– If the event occurs indoors– If the event occurs outdoors

Radiological Event

• Where radiation sources are normally found

• Possible terrorist use of radiation sources

• Contamination and treatment basics

• Shelter in place