Coping With Disasters
By Alan on Feb 23 in Blog tagged bedding, blankets, cash, change of clothing, check list, clear debris, communication plan, coping with disasters, credit cards, disaster, disaster apeals, durable shoes, essential medicines, evacuation plan and route, extra batteries, family preparedness, first aid kit, first aid manual, flashlight, flood, flood insurance, hurricane, if ye are prepared ye shall not fear, lowest floor, non-perishable food, nonelectric can opener, pets, portable battery-operated radio, prescriptions, protect your windows, red cross, sleeping bag, tornado, water | Comments Off
Coping With Disasters
.During the past 20 years, the U.S. has sustained 44 weather-related disasters in which overall damages with costs reached or exceeded $1 billion! More than 11,000 people lost their lives and Thirty-eight of these disasters occurred between 1988 to 1999, seven occurring in 1998 alone—the most for any year on record.
To help keep yourself and your loved ones safe, TheFamily.com provides you with this information you need to be prepared in times of disaster.
DISASTER CHECK LIST
When facing the prospect of any type of natural disaster, make sure you have the following disaster supplies on hand:
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FLASHLIGHT AND EXTRA BATTERIES
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PORTABLE, BATTERY-OPERATED RADIO AND EXTRA BATTERIES
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FIRST AID KIT AND FIRST AID MANUAL
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NON-PERISHABLE FOOD AND WATER
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NONELECTRIC CAN OPENER
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ESSENTIAL MEDICINES OR PRESCRIPTIONS
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CASH AND CREDIT CARDS
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DURABLE SHOES AND APPROPRIATE CHANGE OF CLOTHING
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BLANKETS, BEDDING, OR SLEEPING BAGS
HURRICANE SAFETY – Before A Hurricane Hits:
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Evacuation: Plan an evacuation route. Contact the local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter, and ask for the community hurricane preparedness plan. This plan should include information on the safest evacuation routes and nearby shelters. Learn safe routes inland. Be ready to drive 20 to 50 miles inland to locate a safe place.
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Family Preparedness: Make sure that all family members know how to respond after a hurricane. Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water. Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
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Pets: Make arrangements for pets.
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Protect Your Windows: Permanent shutters are the best protection. A lower-cost approach is to put up plywood panels. Use 1/2 inch plywood—marine plywood is best—cut to fit each window. Remember to mark which board fits which window. Pre-drill holes every 18 inches for screws. Do this long before the storm.
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Clear Debris: Trim back dead or weak branches from trees.
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Consider Flood Insurance: Check into flood insurance. You can find out about the National Flood Insurance Program through your local insurance agent or emergency management office. There is normally a 30-day waiting period before a new policy becomes effective. Homeowners’ policies do not cover damage from the flooding that accompanies a hurricane.
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Communication Plan: In case family members are separated from one another during a disaster (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the “family contact.” After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
When A Hurricane Hits:
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Status: A hurricane watch is issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours. A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane conditions (winds of 74 miles per hour or greater, or dangerously high water and rough seas) are expected in 24 hours or less.
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During A Hurricane Watch or Warning:
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Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for official hurricane reports.
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Check emergency supplies. Fuel your car.
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Bring in lawn furniture, toys, and garden tools, and anchor objects that cannot be brought inside.
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Secure buildings by closing and boarding up windows. Remove outside antennas.
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Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings. Open only when absolutely necessary and close doors quickly.
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Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles, and gather some cooking utensils.
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Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container on the highest level of your home.
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If officials indicate evacuation is necessary, secure your home by unplugging appliances, turning off electricity and the main water valve, and locking up your home. Then leave as soon as possible. Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges.
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TORNADO SAFETY
Tornadoes are the most violent atmospheric phenomenon on the planet. Winds of 200-300 mph can occur with the most powerful tornadoes. When a tornado warning has been issued for your area or whenever a tornado hits, do the following:
In A Home Or Small Building: Go to the basement (if available) or to an interior room on the lowest floor, such as a closet or bathroom. Wrap yourself in overcoats or blankets to protect yourself from flying debris.
In A School, Hospital, Factory, Or Shopping Center: Go to interior rooms and halls on the lowest floor. Stay away from glass enclosed places or areas with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums and warehouses. Crouch down and cover your head.
In A High-Rise Building: Go to interior small rooms or halls. Stay away from exterior walls or glassy areas.
In Cars Or Mobile Homes ABANDON THEM IMMEDIATELY!!! Most deaths occur in cars and mobile homes. If you are in either of those locations, leave them and go to a substantial structure or designated tornado shelter.
FLOOD SAFETY
According to FEMA, flash floods and floods are the #1 weather-related killer with nearly 140 deaths recorded in the U.S each year. If there is the possibility of a flood in your area, do the following:
When Inside: If ordered to evacuate or if rising water is threatening, leave immediately and get to higher ground.
If Caught Outdoors:
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Go to higher ground immediately! Avoid small rivers or streams, low spots, canyons, dry riverbeds, etc.
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Do not try to walk through flowing water that is more than ankle deep.
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Do not allow children to play around streams, drainage ditches or viaducts, storm drains, or other flooded areas.
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IF IN A VEHICLE: DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH FLOODED AREAS!Even shallow water should be avoided. The majority of deaths due to flash flooding involve people driving through flooded areas. Water only one foot deep can displace 1500 lbs! Two feet of water can easily carry most automobiles.
POST-DISASTER RED FLAGS
The damage caused by natural disasters such as fires, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, and blizzards can often bring out the best in people, as strangers reach out to help others in need. Unfortunately, the aftermath of a crisis also brings out persons who take advantage of those who have already been victimized. Some of the most common “after-disaster” scams involve home repairs, clean-up efforts, heating and cooling equipment, and flood-damaged cars. The Better Business Bureau has the following advice for consumers:
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Check with your insurance company about policy coverage and specific filing requirements the company may have.
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Although you may be anxious to get things back to normal, avoid acting in haste. Don’t be pressured into signing a long-term contract. Make temporary repairs if necessary.
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For major permanent repairs, take time to shop around for contractors, get competitive bids, check out references, and get a report from the BBB.
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Be wary of door-to-door workers who claim your home is unsafe. If you are concerned about possible structural damage in your home, have an engineer, architect, or building official inspect it.
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Prepare a written agreement with anyone you hire. It should delineate the work to be done, the materials to be used, and the price breakdown for both labor and materials. Review it carefully before signing. Never pay for all repairs in advance, and don’t pay cash.
DISASTER APPEALS
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Examine your options instead of giving to the first charity from which you receive an appeal. There will be a variety of relief efforts responding to the diverse needs of disaster victims.
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Be wary of appeals that are long on emotion but short on what the charity will do to address the specific disaster.
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Ask how much of your gift would be used for the disaster mentioned in the appeal, and how much would go towards administrative and fund raising costs.
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Find out what the charity intends to do with any excess contributions remaining after the victims’ needs are addressed.
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Remember there will be opportunities to give in the future. The problems caused by disasters don’t disappear after the headlines do.
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Complaints: Consumers who feel they may have been victimized can file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau to try to recover their money and to warn others about the individual or company.
“I tell you these things because of your prayers; wherefore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms, lest the wickedness of men reveal these things unto you by their wickedness, in a manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth; but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.” D&C 38: 30
72-Hour Kit – Emergency Preparedness
By Alan on Dec 07 in Blog tagged 72 Hour Kit, alternate cooking sources, blankets, clothing, emergency preparedness, extra batteries, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, flashlights, food, gas leaks, medications, Misc., money, pets, shoes, tools, water, weather radio | Comments Off
Week 48 72-hour Kit
In my week 46 article on emergency purification of water I wrote about the 72-hour kit recommended by city, state and federal government. These are primarily to get us through short-term emergencies that we can find ourselves in.
When we lived in Yorktown, VA the local government was always worried about the hurricane season. The month before the season usually started the stores would run sales on emergency items that you might need to ride out a tropical storm or lower class hurricanes. We picked up a NOAA weather radio, batteries and the like. Quite honestly I was disappointed that we never had one while we were there. One of the unusual features in the area was the railroad type crossing arms that were on each of the Interstate on and off ramps. I had no idea what they were there for. It was explained to me that they were to allow the highway patrol or other officials to direct the flow of traffic in one direction, on both sides of the Interstate, during an emergency evacuation of the area. The arms would prevent you from getting on or off in the wrong direction. What did happen while we were there was a tornado in the area. It occurred April 28, 2008. It damaged several businesses, homes, an elementary school, a strip mall and destroyed at least a dozen homes.
Just last week there were widespread hurricane-force winds, often exceeding 100 mph. These winds covered areas of California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado. They toppled semi-trucks, trees, fences and power lines. Some homes were damaged from trees falling on them to the point they had to be condemned. Electricity was out for more than 48 hours in many of the affected areas. In a local TV report, one resident said that as soon as everything was back to normal he was going to start stocking up on emergency supplies.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says:
“The first 72 hours after a disaster are critical. Electricity, gas, water and telephones may not be working. In addition, public safety services such as police and fire departments may not be able to reach you immediately during a serious crisis. Each person should be prepared to be self-sufficient – able to live without running water, electricity and/or gas, and telephones – for at least three days following a disaster. To do so, keep the following on hand and rotate supplies to keep them fresh:
Food: Maintain enough nonperishable food for each person for at least 72 hours.
Water: Store enough so each person has a gallon a day for 72 hours, preferably for one week. Store in airtight containers and replace it every six months. Store disinfectants such as iodine tablets or chlorine bleach, eight drops per gallon, to purify water if necessary.
First aid kit: Make sure it is well stocked, especially with bandages and disinfectants.
Fire extinguisher: Your fire extinguisher should be suitable for all types of fires. Teach all family members how to use it.
Flashlights with extra batteries: Keep flashlights beside your bed and in several other locations. Do not use matches or candles until you are certain there are no gas leaks.
Weather Radios: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio, with battery backup, portable radio or portable television with extra batteries: Telephones may be out of order or limited to emergency use. The NOAA weather radio, portable radio or portable television may be your best source of information.
Miscellaneous items: Extra blankets, clothing, shoes and money. Wear sturdy shoes just in case you need to walk through rubble and debris.
Alternative cooking sources: Store a barbecue or camping stove for outdoor camping.
Caution: Ensure there are no gas leaks before you use any kind of fire as a cooking source and never use charcoal (or propane) indoors. Gasoline-powered appliances should be filled away from ignition sources.
Special items: Have at least 72 hours of medications and food for infants and those with special needs. Don’t forget diapers.
Tools: Have an adjustable or pipe wrench for turning off gas and water, and a shovel or broom for cleaning up.
Pets: Assemble an animal emergency supply kit and develop a pet care buddy system with friends or relatives to make sure someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so. Be sure each of your pets has a tag with your name and phone number. Whether you decide to stay put in an emergency or evacuate to a safer location, you will need to plan for your pets.
Pay attention to directions from emergency managers, police and others and obey instructions in the event of an evacuation. Obtain a NOAA weather radio to receive alerts and learn the language of weather warnings:
A watch is issued by the National Weather Service when the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location, and/or timing is still uncertain.
A warning is issued when a hazardous event is occurring or has a very high probability of occurrence. Warnings advise of a threat to life or property.
An advisory is issued when a hazardous event is occurring or has a very high probability of occurrence. Advisories describe events that cause significant inconvenience.”
A site called The National Terror Alert Response Center states,
“There are many types of disasters and emergencies: floods, fires, earthquakes, hurricanes and tornadoes. In many cases, a 72-hour kit could mean the difference between life and death. It is estimated that after a major disaster, it may take up to three days for relief workers to reach some areas. It would be wise to consider a 72- hour kit that you could live on for 7-10 days. In such a case, if you live in a disaster prone area a 72-hour kit is the minimum you should have available. Plan your 72- hour kit according to your family’s size.” They have an extensive list for a kit at:
www.nationalterroralert.com/72hourkit/
We have bare basics 72-hour kits in backpacks that can be grabbed quickly and easily carry on our backs if we need to evacuate our home. 
From my Community Emergency Response Team training I learned other things that a homeowner should do to protect his or her home: secure the water heater into the adjacent wall. This is can easily be done with galvanized plumbers tape. Be sure to screw it into studs in the wall and not just the drywall. 
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