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ARE YOU

1.1 Getting Informed

READY?
FEMA
AN INDEPTH
GUIDE TO CITIZEN
PREPAREDNESS

Disclaimer This document is not the official FEMA: Are Your


Ready? guide. This is a student project that utilizes one section
from the original guide for study within in a typographic class.
This document should not be used for citizen preparedness.

1
1
Are You Ready? 1.1 Getting Informed

BASIC
PREPARDNESS
In this part of the guide, you will learn preparedness strategies
that are common to all disasters. You plan only once,and are
able to apply your plan to all types of hazards.

When you complete Part 1, you will be able to:

Get informed about hazards and emergencies that may affect you and your family.

Develop an emergency plan.

Collect and assemble disaster supplies kit.

Learn where to seek shelter from all types of hazards.

Identify the community warning systems and evacuation routes.

Include in your plan required information from community and school plans.

Learn what to do for specifi c hazards.

Practice and maintain your plan.

2 3
Are You Ready? 1.1 Getting Informed

1.1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GETTING
1.1 Getting Informed 3
INFORMED
1.2 Emergency Planning and Checklists 10

1.3 Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit 19

1.4 Shelter 24

1.5 HazadSpecific Prepardness 30

1.6 Practicing and Mantaining Your Plan 31

Learn about the hazards that may strike your community, the risks you face from
these hazards, and your communitys plans for warning and evacuation. You can
obtain this information from your local emergency management office or your
local chapter of the American Red Cross. Space has been provided here to record
your answers.

4 5
Are You Ready? 1.1 Getting Informed

HAZARDS
Terrorism
Ask local authorities about each possible hazard or emergency and use the worksheet that
follows to recorwd your findings and suggestions for reducing your familys risk.
Explosions

Biological Threats
Possible Hazards Risk Level How Can I Reduce My Risk
and Emergencies None, Low
Moderate, or High
Chemical Threats
Natural Hazards
Nuclear Blasts
Floods
Nuclear Dispersion
Device (RDD)
Hurricanes
Natural Hazards
Thunderstorms and
Lightening You also can consult FEMA for hazard maps for your area. Go to www.fema.gov, select
maps, and follow the directions. National hazard maps have been included with each natu-
Tornados ral hazard in Part 2 of this guide.

Winter Storms
and Extreme Cold

Extreme Heat

Earthquakes
WARNING
SYSTEMS AND SIGNALS
Volcanoes
The Emergency Alert System (EAS) can address the entire nation on very short notice in
Landslides and case of a grave threat or national emergency. Ask if your local radio and TV stations partici-
Debris Flow pate in the EAS.

Tsunamis National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio (NWR) is a
nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly
from a nearby National Weather Service office to specially confi guredNOAA weather radio
Fires
receivers. Determine if NOAA Weather Radio is available where you live. If so, consider
purchasing a NOAA weather radio receiver.
Wildfires

Technological Hazards

Hazardous Materials
and Incidents

Nuclear Power Plants

6 7
Are You Ready? 1.1 Getting Informed

Ask local authorities about methods used to warn your community. Ask local authorities about emergency evacuation routes.

Record your specific evacuation route directions in the space provided.


Warning System What Should We Do?
Is there a map avail-
EAS able with evacuation
routes marked?
Yes No
NOAA Weather Radio

Evacuation Guidlines:

Always If Time Permits


Keep a full tank of gas in your car if an evacuation Gather your disaster
supplies kit.

EVACUTATING
seems likely. Gas stations may be closed during
emergencies and unable to pump gas during power
outages. Plan to take one car per family to reduce Wear sturdy shoes and
congestion and delay. clothing that provides some
YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY protection, such as long
Make transportation arrangements with friends or pants, longsleeved shirts,
your local government if you do not own a car. and a cap.
When community evacuations become necessary, local offi cials provide information to the
public through the media. In some circumstances, other warning methods, such as sirens Listen to a battery-powered radio and follow local Secure your home. Close
or telephone calls, also are used. Additionally, there may be circumstances under which evacuation instructions. and lock doors and win-
you and your family feel threatened or endangered and you need to leave your home, dows. Unplug electrical
Gather your family and go if you are instructe to equipment, such as radios
school, or workplace to avoid these situations.
evacuate immediately. and televisions, and small
The amount of time you have to leave will depend on the hazard. If the event is a weather appliances, such as toasters
Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by
condition, such as a hurricane that can be monitored, you might have a day or two to get and microwaves. Leave
severe weather.
ready. However, many disasters allow no time for people to gather even the most basic freezers and refrigerators
necessities, which is why planning ahead is essential. Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not plugged in unless there is a
take shortcuts; they may be blocked. risk of flooding.

Be alert for washed-out roads and bridges. Let others know where you
Evacuation: More Common than You Realize are going.
Do not drive into flooded areas.
Evacuations are more common than many people realize. Hundreds of times each year, transporta-
tion and industrial accidents release harmful substances, forcing thousands of people to leave their Stay away from downed power lines.
homes. Fires and floods cause evacuations even more frequently. Almost every year, people along
the Gulf and Atlantic coasts evacuate in the face of approaching hurricanes.

8 9
Always

Are You Ready? 1.1 Getting Informed

COMMUNITY
EMERGENCY PLANS
In cases where schools institute procedures to shelter-in-place, you may not be permitted
to drive to the school to pick up your children. Even if you go to the school, the doors will
likely be locked to keep your children safe. Monitor local media outlets for announcements
about changes in school openings and closings, and follow the directions of local
emergency officials.
Ask local officials the following questions about your communitys For more information on developing emergency preparedness plans for schools, please log
disaster/ emergency plans: on to the U.S. Department of Education at www.ed.gov/emergencyplan.
Does my community have a plan? Yes No
Can I obtain a copy? Yes No

What does the plan contain?

How often is it updated? WORKPLACE


EMERGENCY PLANS
What should I know about
the plan?
If you are an employer, make sure your workplace has a building evacuation plan that is
What hazards does it cover? regularly practiced.
1. Take a critical look at your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system to
determine if it is secure or if it could feasibly be upgraded to better filter potential
In addition to finding out about your communitys plan, it is important that you know what
contaminants, and be sure you know how to turn it off if you need to.
plans are in place for your workplace and your childrens school or day care center.
2. Think about what to do if your employees cant go home.
1. Ask your employer about workplace policies regarding disasters and emer-
gencies, including understanding how you will be provided emergency and 3. Make sure you have appropriate supplies on hand.
warning information.

2. Contact your childrens school or day care center to discuss their


disaster procedures.

SCHOOL
EMERGENCY PLANS

Know your childrens school emergency plan:

1. Ask how the school will communicate with families during a crisis.

2. Ask if the school stores adequate food, water, and other basic supplies.

3. Find out if the school is prepared to shelter-in-place if need be, and where they plan
to go if they must get away.

10 11
1.2 Emergency Planning and Checklists

EMERGENCY
Are You Ready?

ESCAPE
PLANNING +
1.2
ROUTES
Where to Meet:

CHECKLISTS Near the Home For example, the next door


neighbors telephone pole
Establish a place to meet in
the event of an emergency,
such as a fire. Record the
locations here.

Outside the For example, the neighborhood


Immediate Area grocery store parking lot

Now that youve learned about what Escape routes


can happen and how your community Caring for animals
is prepared to respond to emergen-
Safety Skills
cies, prepare your family by creating
Special needs

FAMILY
a family disaster plan. You can begin
this process by gathering family mem- Insurance and vital records
bers and reviewing the information Family communications
you obtained in Section 1.1 (hazards, Utility shut-off and safety
COMMUNICATIONS
warning systems, evacuation routes
Information on these family planning Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan how you will contact one
and community and other plans). another. Think about how you will communicate in different situations.
considerations are covered in the
Discuss with them what you would
following sections. Complete a contact card for each family member. Have family members keep these cards
do if family members are not home
handy in a wallet, purse, backpack, etc. You may want to send one to school with each child
when a warning is issued. Addition- to keep on file. Pick a friend or relative who lives out-of-state for household members to
ally, your family plan should address notify they are safe.
the following:

12 13
Are You Ready? 1.2 Emergency Planning and Checklists

This is a sample contact Natural gas leaks and explosions are When you learn the proper shut-off proce-
card. Copies to fill out can responsible for a significant number of dure for your meter, share the information
be found in Appendix C. fires following disasters. It is vital that all with everyone in your household. Be sure
Also in Appendix C is a household members know how to shut not to actually turn off the gas when prac-
more detailed Family Com- off natural gas. Because there are differ- ticing the proper gas shut-off procedure.
munications Plan which ent gas shut-off procedures for different
If you smell gas or hear a blowing or
should be completed and gas meter configurations, it is important
hissing noise, open a window and get
posted so the contact infor- to contact your local gas company for
everyone out quickly. Turn off the gas,
mation is readily accessible guidance on preparation and response
using the outside main valve if you
to all family members. regarding gas appliances and gas service
can, and call wthe gas company from a
A copy should also be to your home.
neighbors home.
included in your family
disaster supplies kit.

Caution
If you turn off the gas for any reason, a qualified professional must turn it back on. NEVER attempt
to turn the gas back on yourself.

Water
Water quickly becomes a precious Preparing to Shut Off Water
resource following many disasters. It is
1. Locate the shut-off valve for the water
vital that all household members learn
line that enters your house. It may
how to shut off the water at the main
look like this.

UTILITY
house valve.
2. Make sure this valve can be com-
Cracked lines may pollute the water
pletely shut off. Your valve may be
supply to your house. It is wise to shut off
SHUT OFF AND SAFETY your water until you hear from authorities
rusted open, or it may only partially
close. Replace it if necessary.
that it is safe for drinking.
In the event of a disaster, you may be instructed to shut off the utility service at your home. 3. Label this valve with a tag for easy
The effects of gravity may drain the
identification, and make sure all
Following is some general guidance for shutting off utility service. water in your hot water heater and toilet
household members know where it
tanks unless you trap it in your house by is located.
Modify the information provided to reflect your shut off requirements as directed by your
shutting off the main house valve (not
utility company(ies).
the street valve in the cement box at the
curbthis valve is extremely difficult to
Natural Gas turn and requires a special tool).
Natural gas leaks and explosions are Because there are different gas shut-
responsible for a significant number of off procedures for different gas meter
fires following disasters. It is vital that all configurations, it is important to contact
household members know how to shut off your local gas company for guidance on
natural gas. preparation and response regarding gas
appliances and gas service to your home.
WAT
ER VALVE

14 15
Are You Ready? 1.2 Emergency Planning and Checklists

Electricity Important Documents


Electrical sparks have the potential of igniting natural gas if it is leaking. It is wise to teach Store important documents such as insurance policies, deeds, property records, and other
all responsible household members where and how to shut off the electricity. important papers in a safe place, such as a safety deposit box away from your home. Make
copies of important documents for your disaster supplies kit.
Preparing to Shut Off Electricity
1. Locate your electricity circuit box.
Money
2. Teach all responsible household members how to shut off the electricity to the Consider saving money in an emergency savings account that could be used in any crisis.
entire house. It is advisable to keep a small amount of cash or travelers checks at home in a safe place
where you can quickly access them in case of evacuation.

For Your Safety

SPECIAL
Always shut off all the individual circuits before shutting off the main circuit breaker.

NEEDS

INSURANCE
AND VITAL RECORDS
If you or someone close to you has a disability or a special need, you may have to take
additional steps to protect yourself and your family in an emergency.

Disability/Special Additional Steps


Obtain property, health, and life insurance if you do not have them. Review existing poli- Need
cies for the amount and extent of coverage to ensure that what you have in place is what is
required for you and your family for all possible hazards. Hearing Impaired May need to make special arrangements to receive warnings.

Mobility Impaired May need special assistance to get to a shelter.


Flood Insurance
If you live in a flood-prone area, consider purchasing flood insurance to reduce your risk of flood
loss. Buying flood insurance to cover the value of a building and its contents will not only provide Single working parent May need help to plan for disasters and emergencies.
greater peace of mind, but will speed the recovery if a flood occurs. You can call 1(888)FLOOD29 to
learn more about flood insurance. May need assistance planning for and responding to emer-
Non-English gencies. Community and cultural groups may be able to help
speaking persons keep people informed.

People without
Inventory Home Possessions vehicles
May need to make arrangements for transportation.

Make a record of your personal property, for insurance purposes. Take photos or a video of
the interior and exterior of your home. Include personal belongings in your inventory. People with special Should take special precautions to have an adequate emer-
dietary needs gency food supply.
You may also want to download the free Household and Personal Property Inventory Book
from the University of Illinois at www.ag.uiuc.edu/~vista/abstracts/ahouseinv.html to help
you record your possessions.

16 17
Are You Ready? 1.2 Emergency Planning and Checklists

Planning for Special Needs Take the following steps to prepare to shelter your pet
If you have special needs 1. Call your local emergency management office, animal shelter, or animal control
office to get advice and information.
1. Find out about special assistance that 5. If you live in an apartment build-
may be available in your community. ing, ask the management to mark 2. Keep veterinary records to prove vaccinations are current.
Register with the office of emergency accessible exits clearly and to make
services or the local fire department arrangements to help you leave 3. Find out which local hotels and motels allow pets and where pet boarding facilities
for assistance so needed help can the building. are located. Be sure to research some outside your local area in case local facilities
be provided. close.
6. Keep specialized items ready, includ-
2. Create a network of neighbors, rela- ing extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen, 4. Know that, with the exception of service animals, pets are not typically permitted in
tives, friends, and coworkers to aid you catheters, medication, food for service emergency shelters as they may affect the health and safety of other occupants.
in an emergency. Discuss your needs animals, and any other items you
and make sure everyone knows how to might need. Guidlines for Large Animals
operate necessary equipment.
7. Be sure to make provisions for medi- If you have large animals such as horses, cattle, sheep, goats, or pigs on your property, be
3. Discuss your needs with cations that require refrigeration. sure to prepare before a disaster.
your employer.
8. Keep a list of the type and model Use the following guidelines
4. If you are mobility impaired and live numbers of the medical devices
or work in a high-rise building, have you require. 1. Ensure all animals have some form of identification.
an escape chair.
2. Evacuate animals whenever possible. Map out primary and secondary routes
in advance.

3. Make available vehicles and trailers needed for transporting and supporting each

CARING
type of animal. Also make available experienced handlers and drivers.

FOR ANIMALS Note


It is best to allow animals a chance to become accustomed to vehicular travel so they are less
Animals also are affected by disasters. Use the guidelines below to prepare a plan for caring frightened and easier to move.
for pets and large animals.
rivers.
Guidlines for Pets 4. Ensure destinations have food, water, veterinary care, and handling equipment.
Plan for pet disaster needs by 5. If evacuation is not possible, animal owners must decide whether to move large
animals to shelter or turn them outside.
1. Identifying shelter.

2. Gathering pet supplies.

3. Ensuring your pet has proper ID and up-to-date veterinarian records.

4. Providing a pet carrier and leash.

18 19
Are You Ready? 1.1 Getting Informed

SAFETY
ASSEMBLE

1.3
SKILLS
It is important that family members know how to administer first aid and CPR and how
to use a fire extinguisher.
A DISASTER
Learn First Aid and CPR
Take a first aid and CPR class. Local American Red Cross chapters can provide information
about this type of training. Official certification by the American Red Cross provides, under
the good Samaritan law, protection for those giving first aid.
SUPPLIES KIT
Learn How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Take a first aid and CPR class. Local American Red Cross chapters can provide informa-
tion about this type of training. Official certification by the American Red Cross provides,
under the good Samaritan law, protection for those giving first aid.

Be sure everyone knows how to use your fire extinguisher(s) and where it is kept. You
should have, at a minimum, an ABC type.

You may need to survive on your own after a disaster. This means having your
own food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least three
days. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but
they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it might
take days.

Basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones
maybe cut off for days, or even a week or longer. Or, you may have to evacuate at
a moments notice and take essentials with you. You probably will not have the
opportunity to shop or search for the supplies you need.

A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items that members of a household


may need in the event of a disaster.

20 21
Are You Ready? 1.3 Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit

KIT
LOCATIONS
How Should I Store Water?
To prepare safest and most reliable emergency supply of water, it is recommended you
purchase commercially bottled water. Keep bottled water in its original container and do
not open it until you need to use it.

Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies Observe the expiration or use by date.
for home, work, and vehicles. If you are preparing your own containers of water

It is recommended you purchase food-grade water storage containers from surplus


or camping supplies stores to use for water storage. Before filling with water,
thoroughly clean the containers with dishwashing soap and water, and rinse com-
Home
pletely so there is no residual soap. Follow directions below on filling the container
Your disaster supplies kit should contain essential food, water, and supplies for at least three with water.
days. Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home
If you choose to use your own storage containers, choose twoliter plastic soft
quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept. Additionally, you may want to
drink bottles not plastic jugs or cardboard containers that have had milk or fruit
consider having supplies for sheltering for up to two weeks.
juice in them. Milk protein and fruit sugars cannot be adequately removed from
these containers and provide an environment for bacterial growth when water
Work is stored in them. Cardboard containers also leak easily and are not designed for
long-term storage of liquids. Also, do not use glass containers, because they can
This kit should be in one container, and ready to grab and go in case you are evacuated from break and are heavy.
your workplace. Make sure you have food and water in the kit. Also, be sure to have comfortable
walking shoes at your workplace in case an evacuation requires walking long distances.
If storing water in plastic soda bottles, follow these steps

Car Thoroughly clean the bottles with dishwashing soap and water, and rinse com-
pletely so there is no residual soap.
In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car. This kit should contain
food, water, first aid supplies, flares, jumper cables, and seasonal supplies. Sanitize the bottles by adding a solution of 1 teaspoon of non-scented liquid house-
hold chlorine bleach to a quart of water. Swish the sanitizing solution in the bottle
so that it touches all surfaces. After sanitizing the bottle, thoroughly rinse out the
sanitizing solution with clean water.

Filling Water Containers

WATER Fill the bottle to the top with regular tap water. If the tap water has been commer-
cially treated from a water utility with chlorine, you do not need to add anything
else to the water to keep it clean. If the water you are using comes from a well or
How Much Water Do I Need? water source that is not treated with chlorine, add two drops of non-scented liquid
household chlorine bleach to the water.
You should store at least one gallon of water per person per day. A normally active person
needs at least one-half gallon of water daily just for drinking. Tightly close the container using the original cap. Be careful not to contaminate the
cap by touching the inside of it with your fi nger. Place a date on the outside of the
Additionally, in determining adequate quantities, take the following into account. container so that you know when you filled it. Store in a cool, dark place.
Individual needs vary, depending on age, physical condition, activity, diet,
Replace the water every six months if not using commercially bottled water.
and climate.
Children, nursing mothers, and ill people need more water.
Very hot temperatures can double the amount of water needed.
A medical emergency might require additional water.

22 23
Are You Ready? 1.3 Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit

FOOD If you live in a cold climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that you will
not have heat. Think about your clothing and bedding supplies. Be sure to include one
complete change of clothing and shoes per person, including:

The following are things to consider when putting together your food supplies: Jacket or coat. Sturdy shoes.
Long pants. Hat, mittens, and scarf.
Avoid foods that will make you thirsty. Choose salt-free crackers, whole graincere-
als, and canned foods with high liquid content. Long sleeve shirt. Sleeping bag or warm blanket (per person).

Stock canned foods, dry mixes, and other staples that do not require refrigeration,
cooking, water, or special preparation. You may already have many of these on Be sure to account for growing children and other family changes. See Appendix B for a
hand. Be sure to include a manual can opener. detailed checklist of disaster supplies. You may want to add some of the items listed to
your basic disaster supplies kit depending on the specific needs of you family.
Include special dietary needs.

BASIC MANAGING
YOUR DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT
DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT
Just as important as putting your supplies together is maintaining them so they aresafe to
The following items are recommended for inclusion in your basic disaster supplies kit use when needed. Here are some tips to keep your supplies ready and in good condition.
Threeday supply of non Kitchen accessories and cooking uten- Keep canned foods in a dry place Change stored food and water supplies
perishable food. sils, including a can opener. where the temperature is cool. every six months. Be sure to write the
Threeday supply of water one Photocopies of credit and date you store it on all containers.
Store boxed food in tightly closed plas-
gallon of water per person, per day. identification cards. tic or metal containers to protect from Rethink your needs every year
Portable, batterypowered radio or Cash and coins. pests and to extend its shelf life. and update your kit as your family
television and extra batteries. needs change.
Special needs items, such as pre- Throw out any canned good that
Flashlight and extra batteries. scription medications, eye glasses, becomes swollen, dented, or corroded. Keep items in airtight plastic bags and
contact lens solutions, and hearing put your entire disaster supplies kit
First aid kit and manual. Use foods before they go bad, and
aid batteries. in one or two easy-to-carry containers,
replace them with fresh supplies.
Sanitation and hygiene items (moist such as an unused trashcan, camping
Items for infants, such as formula, Place new items at the back of the stor- backpack, or duffel bag.
towelettes and toilet paper).
diapers, bottles, and pacifiers. age area and older ones in the front.
Matches and waterproof container.
Other items to meet your unique
Whistle. family needs.
Extra clothing.

24 25
1.4
Are You Ready? 1.4 Shelter

SHELTER MANAGING
WATER

Essentials
Allow people to drink according to their Turn off the main water valves. You will
needs. Many people need even more than need to protect the water sources already
the average of one-half gallon, per day. in your home from contamination if you
Taking shelter is critical in times of Even though mass care shelters often The individual amount needed depends hear reports of broken water or sewage
on age, physical activity, physical condi- lines, or if local offi cials advise you of
disaster. Sheltering is appropriate provide water, food, medicine, and
tion, and time of year. Never ration water a problem. To close the incoming water
when conditions equire that you seek basic sanitary facilities, you should unless ordered to do so by authorities. source, locate the incoming valve and
protection in your home, place of plan to take your disaster supplies kit Drink the amount you need today and turn it to the closed position. Be sure you
employment, or other location where with you so you will have the supplies try to fi nd more for tomorrow. Under no and other family members know how to
circumstances should a person drink less perform this important procedure.
you are when disaster strikes. Shel- you require. Mass care sheltering can
than one quart (four cups) of water each
tering outside the hazard area would involve living with many people in a 1. To use the water in your pipes, let air
day. You can minimize the amount of
include staying with friends and rela- confined space, which can be diffi cult into the plumbing by turning on the
water your body needs by reducing activity
faucet in your home at the highest
tives, seeking commercial lodging, or and unpleasant. To avoid conflicts in and staying cool. level. A small amount of water will
staying in a mass care facility operated this stressful situation, it is important Drink water that you know is not contam- trickle out. Then obtain water from the
by disaster relief groups in conjunc- to cooperate with shelter managers inated first. If necessary, suspiciouswater, lowest faucet in the home.
tion with local authorities. and others assisting them. Keep in such as cloudy water from regular faucets 2. To use the water in your hot-water
mind that alcoholic beverages and or water from streamsor ponds, can be tank, be sure the electricity or gas is
To effectively shelter, you must first used after it has been treated. If water off, and open the drain at the bottom
weapons are forbidden in emergency
consider the hazard and then choose treatment is not possible, put off drinking of the tank. Start the water flowing by
shelters and smoking is restricted. suspicious water as long as possible, but
a place in your home or other building turning off the water intake valve at
do not become dehydrated. the tank and turning on the hotwater
that is safe for that hazard. For exam- The length of time you are required to
faucet. Refi ll the tank before turning
ple, for a tornado, a room should be shelter may be short, such as during Do not drink carbonated beverages instead
the gas or electricity back on. If the
of drinking water. Carbonated beverages
selected that is in a basement or an a tornado warning, or long, such as gas is turned off, a professional will be
do not meet drinking-water requirements.
interior room on the lowest level away during a winter storm. It is import- needed to turn it back on.
Caffeinated drinks and alcohol dehydrate
from corners, windows, doors and ant that you stay in shelter until local the body, which increases the need for
outside walls. Because the safest loca- authorities say it is safe to leave. drinking water.
tions to seek shelter vary by hazard, Additionally, you should take turns
sheltering is discussed in the various listening to radio broadcasts and
hazard sections. These discussions maintain a 24hour safety watch.
include recommendations for sealing
During extended periods of shelter-
the shelter if the hazards warrants this
ing, you will need to manage water
type of protection.
and food supplies to ensure you and
your family have the required supplies
and quantities. Guidance on how to
accomplish this follows.

26 27
Are You Ready? 1.4 Shelter

Water Sources
Boiling
Safe Sources Unsafe Sources
Boiling is the safest method of treating water. In a large pot or kettle, bring water to a roll-
Melted ice cubes Radiators ing boil for 1 full minute, keeping in mind that some water will evaporate. Let the water cool
before drinking.
Water drained from the water heater Hot water boilers
(if the water heater has not been damaged) (home heating system) Boiled water will taste better if you put oxygen back into it by pouring the water back and forth
Water beds between two clean containers. This also will improve the taste of stored water.
Liquids from canned goods such as fruit
or vegetable juices (fungicides added to the water or chemicals in the
vinyl may make water unsafe to use)
Chlorinatiton
Water drained from pipes You can use household liquid bleach to kill microorganisms. Use only regular household liquid
Water from the toilet bowl or flush tank bleach that contains 5.25 to 6.0 percent sodium hypochlorite. Do not use scented bleaches, color
safe bleaches, or bleaches with added cleaners. Because the potency of bleach diminishes with
Swimming pools and spas time, use bleach from a newly opened or unopened bottle.
(chemicals used to kill germs are too concentrated
for safe drinking but can be used for personal Add 16 drops (1/8 teaspoon) of bleach per gallon of water, stir, and let stand for 30 minutes. The
hygiene, cleaning, and related uses)
water should have a slight bleach odor. If it doesnt, then repeat the dosage and let stand another
15 minutes. If it still does not smell of chlorine, discard it and find another source of water.
Water Treatment Other chemicals, such as iodine or water treatment products sold in camping or surplus stores
Review Treat all water of uncertain quality before Make sure you have the necessary mate- that do not contain 5.25 to 6.0 percent sodium hypochlorite as the only active ingredient, are not
How Should using it for drinking, food washing or rials in your disaster supplies kit for the recommended and should not be used.
I Store Water,
preparation, washing dishes, brushing chosen water treatment method.
Section 1.3
teeth, or making ice. In addition to having Distillation
There are three water treatment methods.
a bad odor and taste, contaminated water
They are as follows While the two methods described above will kill most microbes in water, distillation will
can contain microorganisms (germs) that
remove microbes (germs) that resist these methods, as well as heavy metals, salts, and most
cause diseases such as dysentery, cholera, 1. Boiling
other chemicals.
typhoid, and hepatitis.
2. Chlorination
Distillation involves boiling water and then collecting only the vapor that condenses. The con-
There are many ways to treat water. None
3. Distillation densed vapor will not include salt or most other impurities. To distill, fill a pot halfway with water.
is perfect. Often the best solution is a
combination of methods. Before treating, Tie a cup to the handle on the pots lid so that the cup will hang right-side-up when the lid is
These instructions are for treating water upsidedown (make sure the cup is not dangling into the water) and boil the water for 20 min-
let any suspended particles settle to the of uncertain quality in an emergency situ-
bottom or strain them through coffee utes. The water that drips from the lid into the cup is distilled.
ation, when no other reliable clean water
filters or layers of clean cloth. source is available, or you have used all of
your stored water.

28 29
Are You Ready? 1.4 Shelter

Effectiveness of Water Treatment Methods Cooking


Alternative cooking sources in times of emergency include candle warmers, chafing
Kills Microbes Boiling, Chlorination, Distillation dishes, fondue pots, or a fireplace.

Removes other contaiminants


Charcoal grills and camp stoves are for outdoor use only.
(heavy metals, salts, and most other chemicals) Distillation
Commercially canned food may be eaten out of the can without warming.

To heat food in a can

1. Remove the label.

MANAGING
FOOD SUPPLIES
2. Thoroughly wash and disinfect the can.
(Use a diluted solution of one part bleach to ten parts water)

3. Open the can before heating.

Safety and Sanitation Managing Without Power


Here are two options for keeping food safe if you are without power for a long period:
Do Dont
1. Look for alternate storage space for your perishable food.
Keep food in covered containers Eat foods from cans that
are swollen, dented, or 2. Use dry ice. Twentyfive pounds of dry ice will keep a 10cubicfoot freezer
Keep cooking and eating utensilsclean corroded, even though below freezing for 34 days. Use care when handling dry ice, and wear dry, heavy
the product may look safe gloves to avoid injury.
Keep garbage in closed containers and dispose
outside, burying garbage if necessary to eat

Keep your hands clean by washing them frequently Eat any food that looks or
with soap and water that has been boiled smells abnormal, even if
or disinfected the can looks normal

Use only pre-prepared canned baby formula Use powdered formulas


for infants with treated water

Discard any food that has come into contact with Let garbage accumulate
contaminated floodwater inside, both for fire and
sanitation reasons
Discard any food that has been atroom temperature
for two hours or more

Discard any food that has an unusual odor, color,


or texture

Note
Thawed food usually can be eaten if it is still refrigerator cold. It can be re-frozen if it still contains
ice crystals. To be safe, remember, When in doubt, throw it out.

30 31
Are You Ready? Are You Ready? 1.1 Getting Informed

HazardSpecific Practicing and


Preparedness
1.5 Maintaining
Your Plan 1.6
There are actions that should be taken before, during, and after an event that are Once you have developed your plan, you need to practice and maintain it. For
unique to each hazard. For example, seeking a safe shelter during a tornado, or example, ask questions to make sure your family remembers meeting places,
reducing property loss from a hurricane. phone numbers, and safety rules. Conduct drills such as drop, cover, and hold on
Information about the specific hazards and what to do for each is provided in for earthquakes. Test fire alarms. Replace and update disaster supplies.
Parts 2, 3, and 4. Study the material for those hazards that you identified in Section
1.1 as the ones that have happened or could happen. Share the hazardspecific
information with family members and include pertinent material from these parts
in your family disaster plan.

32 33
Are You Ready? 1.1 Getting Informed

MORE
INFORMATION

FEMA Publications
Disaster Preparedness Coloring Book. Food and Water in an Emergency.
FEMA-243. Coloring book for ages 3-10. Also L-210 If an earthquake, hurricane, winter
available in Spanish. storm, or other disaster strikes your com-
munity, you might not have access to food,
water, and electricity for days, or even weeks.
Before Disaster Strikes. By taking some time now to store emergency
FEMA A-291. Contains information about how food and water supplies, you can provide for
to make sure you are financially prepared to deal your entire family. Also available online at
with a natural disaster. Also available in Spanish. www.fema.gov/pdf/library/f&web.pdf.

The Adventures of Julia and Robbie: Helping Children Cope with Disaster.
Disaster Twins. FEMA L-196. Helps families understand
how to help children cope with disaster and
FEMA-344. A collection of disaster related stories.
its aftermath.
Includes information on preparedness and how to
mitigate against disasters.
Assisting People with Disabilities in
FEMA for Kids. a Disaster.
L-229. Provides information about what FEMA Information about helping people with disabil-
(specifically fema.gov) has to offer children. ities in a disaster and resources for individuals
with disabilities. Available online at www.fema.
gov/rrr/assistf.shtm.
Community Shelter.
FEMA 361. Contains guidelines for constructing
mass shelters for public refuge in schools, hospi-
tals, and other places.

Red Cross Publications


Publications Facing Fear: Helping Young People Deal with Terrorism and Tragic Events.
A school curriculum designed to help alleviate worries and clear up confusion about perceived and actual
threats to safety. Available online at www.redcross.org/disaster/masters/facingfear, or contact your local Red
Cross chapter.

34 35

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