personal and family preparedness
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Personal and Family Preparedness. Diana Mata - Intern Kevin Dodge - Intern. Introduction. Do you know where your car title is located? Do you have a list of all medications your household takes on a daily basis? Do you know what frequency the emergency - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Personal and Family Preparedness
Introduction
Diana Mata - Intern
Kevin Dodge - Intern
Pre-TestHow Prepared Are You???
Do you know where your car title is located?
Do you have a list of all medications your
household takes on a daily basis?
Do you know what frequency the emergency
broadcasting channel is on an AM/FM radio?
1) Be Informed
2) Make a Plan
3) Build a Kit
4) Get Involved
What Should We Do?
What are some potential hazards we face in North Texas?
Be Informed
Thunderstorms and Lightning
• If a sturdy shelter is not available, get inside a hardtop vehicle and keep the windows up
• Lightning strike victims carry no electrical charge and should be attended to immediately
• Avoid showering or bathing. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity
• Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm
Be Informed
Tornados
They may strike quickly, with little
or no warning
Before a tornado hits, the wind
may die down and the air may
become very still
A cloud of debris can mark the
location of a tornado even if a
funnel is not visible
Be InformedLook for the following danger signs:
• Dark, often greenish sky• Large hail• A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if
rotating)• Loud roar, similar to a freight train
Take shelter by going to the center
of an interior room on the lowest
level of a building
Put as many walls as possible
between you and the outside
Be Informed
Warning sirens are generallyactivated when:
• Tornado warnings from the National Weather Service naming your location in its path
• Severe thunderstorm warnings from the National Weather Service with winds forecast over 73mph
• When deemed necessary by city officials (civil unrest, Hazmat, disasters)
Be Informed
Watches vs. Warnings
Watch — Conditions are favorable for the severe weather event in or near the watch area. When a watch is announced, stay alert
and be ready to take action
Warning — Severe weather event is imminent or occurring in the warned area. Take action based on the emergency at hand
Be Informed
Floods/Flashfloods• It only takes six inches of fast-
moving floodwater to knock over an adult and two feet to carry away most vehicles, including pickups and SUVs
High winds• Can accompany other natural
disasters• Debris can turn into damaging
projectiles• Can cause power outages
Be Informed
Hail• Most commonly causes damage to property, vehicles and crops;
more than $1 billion in damage each year• The costliest thunderstorm event in U.S. history struck Dallas-Fort
Worth on May 5, 1995
What to do • Cover windows with curtains or close
blinds to reduce the impact of breaking glass
• Provide shelter for any outdoor pets or farm animals. Animals are particularly vulnerable to hail
• Pull over if you are driving
Be Informed
Heat and Drought• Older adults, young children,
and those who are sick or overweight are most likely to suffer when the mercury rises
Wildfires• Wildfires often begin
unnoticed. These fires are usually triggered by lightning or accidents
Be Informed
Winter Storms
A winter storm can last for several
days and be accompanied by:• high winds
• freezing rain
• sleet
• heavy snowfall
• cold temperatures
People can become trapped at home,
without utilities or other services, or in
their vehicle
Be Informed
Hazardous Materials• Chemical manufacturers are one
source of hazardous materials, but there are many others, including 18-wheelers, service stations, hospitals and hazardous materials waste sites
• Anyone living near an Interstate is susceptible to hazardous material exposure
Transportation Accidents• $10.8 million in 2009• 35,900 deaths in 2009
Be Informed
Blackouts/Loss of Electricity• Follow energy conservation measures to keep the use of
electricity as low as possible, which can help power companies avoid imposing rolling blackouts
• More likely during hottest and coldest periods of the year
Be Informed
Epidemic• An epidemic occurs when a disease affects a greater
number people than is usual for the locality or one that spreads to areas not usually associated with the disease
Pandemic• A pandemic is an epidemic of world-wide proportions
Be Informed
H5N1 (Avian Flu)• A relatively new Influenza A virus• Extremely virulent, capable of causing severe disease • Not currently transmittable
Be Informed
West Nile Virus• The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many
species of mosquitoes
Control measures• Avoid containers that allow standing water• Insect repellant• Long sleeves
Be Informed
• Practice good “Cough Etiquette”
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too
• Avoid touching
your eyes, nose
or mouth
Be Informed
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, especially after you cough or sneeze
• Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective but second to soap and warm water
• Stay home if you get sick. Germs spread that way
Be Informed
Carbon MonoxideYou can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high
levels it can kill a person in minutes
Be Informed
House Fires– Fire is Fast!– Fire is Hot!– Fire is Dark!– Fire is Deadly!
Be Informed
Be Informed
Gas LeaksNatural gas is odorless and colorless, so harmless substances are added to it to make it smell like rotten eggs, to assist in identifying leaks
Be Informed
Holiday Travel• Inform someone from
your support network• Avoid less travelled
surface roads if possible
• Check weather before you leave
• Ensure your vehicle’s maintenance is up to date
Be Informed
Biological Threats
• Biological agents are organisms or toxins that can kill or incapacitate people, livestock and crops
• The three basic groups of biological agents that would likely be used as weapons are bacteria, viruses and toxins
Be Informed
Chemical Threats
• Chemical agents are poisonous vapors, aerosols, liquids and solids that have toxic effects on people, animals or plants
• While potentially lethal, chemical agents are difficult to deliver in lethal concentrations
Be Informed
Explosions
• Explosive devices can be highly portable, using vehicles and humans as a means of transport
• Terrorists have frequently used explosive devices as one of their most common weapons
Be Informed
Comanche Peak Power
Station• Located 100 miles southwest
of McKinney, TX
Nuclear Power Plant• Nearly 3 million Americans
live within 10 miles of an operating nuclear power plant
• Nuclear power plants operate in most states in the country and produce about 20 percent of the nation’s power
Make a Plan
Your family may not be together when a
disaster strikes.
Making a plan is essential• How will you get to a safe place?
• How will you contact one another?
• How will you get back together?
• What will you do in different situations and disasters?
• Who should you ask for help?
Make a Plan
Plan for your risks
Before, during, and after• Identify common hazards in your area• Share information from the “Be Informed” section with
all members of your household or your support network• Inquire about alert and warning systems at:
– home– work– school– locations where you spend time
• Make preparations to shelter in place or evacuate
Create a Personal Support Network
• Members of your network can be:
roommates relativesneighbors friendsco-workers family members
• They should be people you trust and who can check to see if you need assistance. Tell them about your capabilities and needs, so they can provide help when needed
Make a Plan
Plan to protect yourself / family
• Make an emergency plan
• Plan together with your support network
• Arrange for more than one person from your support network to check on you in an emergency, so there is at least one back-up person
• Keep your plan in a safe place where everyone can find it
Make a Plan
Communications Plan
• Fill out a family emergency plan
• Identify and confirm with the out-of-town contact• Someone who can establish contact with everyone during a
disaster
• Ways to communicate • Cell phone• Text messaging• Pay phone • Internet/email• Online registration programs • Social media
Make a Plan
• ICE, or “In Case of Emergency”
• EMT and first responders actually look for this!
• Put a new contact in your cell phone:– Call it “ICE” (or ICE1, ICE2, etc., for multiple)
– Add phone number
– Add notes for who this contact is, such as “Wife Alice” or “Dad – Bill” (if your phone lets you)
Make a Plan
File of Life Program
• The File of Life is a red, magnetic packet that contains vitally important medical information about you.
• The File of Life also provides an area to list contact information for your family members, and includes doctor, insurance information and any other special circumstances that rescue personnel should know in caring for you.
Make a Plan
Escape routes for your home• Identify at least two escape routes for each room
• If your home is taller than one story plan to use escape ladders
Establish a place to meet in the event of an
emergency
Where you are… Where to meet…
Near the home The next door neighbors telephone pole
Outside the immediate area
The neighborhood grocery store parking lot
Be InformedGet Tech Ready
Make a Plan
Utility Shut-off• It is very important to contact your service
provider in order to determine the safest shut-off and start-up procedures for each utility in your home
• gas• water• electricity
• There is always a possibility of secondary emergencies and accidents if not followed properly
Make a Plan
Vital Records and Documents
• Store important documents in an electronic
format or in a safe location away from your
home– Safe deposit box
– Someone from your support network
• Remember to update any information as soon as changes take effect
Make a Plan
Examples of Vital Records and Documents
Drivers License or ID card Medical records Marriage, birth, & death certificates House/car deeds Insurance policies Bank records/credit card accounts Divorce decrees & adoption records Home inventory list (with photos)
Make a Plan
Safety
• Take first aid and CPR classes
• Learn to use a fire extinguisher
• Update the medical information for everyone included in your plan
• Learn how to care for those in your family with serious medical conditions and/or physical limitations
Make a Plan
• Be sure to include pets in your plan• Pet Alert Decal for your home, it alerts first
responders that there is a pet inside the home
Make a Plan
Tailor a Plan for Your Needs
• Its important to consider any challenges or barriers that might limit your independence and self-reliance
• As you answer the following questions think about a day when you might feel your worst
Make a Plan
On your worst day…
• Could you move around on your own?• Would you be able to lift, grab or carry your
disaster kit?• Could you evacuate on your own?• Would you be able to safely drive a vehicle?• Would you be able to get access to news and
important information?• How long could you take care of yourself?
Make a Plan
Planning
• Consider how a disaster might affect your needs
• Plan to make it on your own for a several days
• Identify what kinds of resources you use on a daily basis and what you might need if these are limited
• Consider your unique needs as you plan to keep your health, safety and independence
• Keep in mind any pets or livestock that may rely on you for food and shelter
Make a Plan
As you identify your needs and the resourcesavailable during a disaster remember to keep inmind:
• Ages of members in your family or group• Your responsibilities for assisting others• Locations you frequently visit• Dietary needs• Medical needs• Transportation needs• Disabilities or functional needs• Pets or service animals
Make a Plan
Locations to consider as you plan
• Home
• Workplace
• Vehicles
• Commuter transportation
• Schools
• Places of Worship
• Sports arenas and playing fields
• Entertainment locations
• Shopping malls or retail centers
• Travel locations or hotels
Commit a weekend to:• Update telephone numbers
• Start buying emergency supplies
• Review your emergency plan with everyone
Make a Plan
Several resources provide step-by-step
instructions on how to create a planNational
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) www.ready.gov
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) www.cdc.gov/phpr/
State• Texas Division of Emergency Management (DEM)
www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem
Make a PlanRegional
• North Central Texas Council of Governments www.nctcog.org/ep
• Know What 2 do www.knowhat2do.com
• DFW Get the Plan www.dfwgettheplan.org
County• Collin County Homeland Security
www.co.collin.tx.us/homeland_security/
Build a Kit
Build a Kit• Water
one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.
• Food
at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
• Radio
battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both.
• Flashlightwith extra batteries.
• Can openermake sure it’s a manual can opener.
• Whistleto signal for help.
• Cash and changein case ATM’s are unavailable or
something prevents the use of
credit/debit cards.
• Wrench or pliersto turn off utilities.
• First-Aid kit
• Sanitation and personal hygiene itemsMess kit
• Important documents
• Emergency plan
Build a Kit
• Change of clothes and shoes per person
• Duct tape
• Plastic sheeting
• Work gloves
• Rain gear/poncho
• Tarp
• Helmet
• Baby Needs
• Elderly Needs
• Matches and/or lighter
• Local maps
• Emergency reference materials such as first aid book
• charger and/or cell phone battery
• Entertainment items for all ages
• Medications
Additional emergency supplies
Build a Kit
Additional kits would be:
– Pet/livestock
– Vehicle
– Work
– Pandemic
Build a Kit
Maintaining a kit
• Keep canned food in a cool, dry place
• Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to protect from pests and to extend its shelf life
• Be sure to write the “best by” date on all containers
• Rotate your food stock on a regular basis
• Reevaluate supplies on an bi-annual basis
Build a Kit
Pack supplies in a duffle bag, suitcase or storage container and keep it in an easily
accessible place.
Build a Kit
Being prepared can reduce fear, anxiety,
and losses that accompany disasters.
Get Involved
Preparing your community by identifying
local partners• MRC
• Salvation Army
• VOAD
• Fire Corps
• CERT
• VIPS
Get Involved
Build a team• Start a house meeting/grassroots effort
Set goals• Be engaged and educated
Serve your community
• Create an event for your community
Be a preparedness leader• Become a trainer to teach others in the
community
Get Involved
Purchase and program a NOAA weather radio– 162.400 MHz
Monitor news and weather alerts– WBAP-820 AM– KRLD-1080AM and 96.7
FM
Post-Test
• What is one item you want to include in your emergency supply kit?
• Who is one person you will you include in your support network?
• Do you know how to get emergency information if you had to right now?
QUESTIONS
Collin County Homeland SecurityPublic Health Emergency ManagementOffice: 214-491-6834Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]