Emergency Preparedness

ARE YOU READY?

Developed especially for the

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Gary W. TalleyOutreach and Community Services Programs Manager

Emergencies and disasters WILL happen. The effects of these can be minimized by preparation and advance planning.

YOU can take steps to protect yourself and your family.

Emergency:

A serious situation or occurrence that happens unexpectedly and demands immediate action; relatively localized and requires the resources (equipment / manpower) of local government.

Disaster: An occurrence causing widespread destruction and distress; a catastrophe.

Generally not localized, and may require the resources of other jurisdictions, the state, or federal government.

The question is not “WILL an emergency or disaster occur.”

The question is: “ WHEN it happens, will you be ready?”

VDEM has identified the possible types of emergencies and disasters that could be experienced by Virginia. These include, but are not limited to:

Hurricanes

Tornadoes

Flooding

Winter Storms

Chemical Spills

Wild Fires

Plane Crashes

Terrorism

These are only SOME of the situations we could find ourselves dealing with. Some have lead times…others may occur without any warning.

To help us focus, let’s use the “next” hurricane as our example today….

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Hurricanes have some unique elements which separate them from other natural disasters.

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1. WARNING times

Hurricanes are not surprises

We have warnings – often days ahead of the impact phase

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2. They can affect huge areas of land and sea.

Not a localized disaster, but can impact hundreds or thousands of square miles and numerous states

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3. Other emergencies and / or disasters can occur at the same time because of the storm

Widespread flooding

Tornadoes

Power Outages

others?

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4. Economic Impact

Hurricanes can destroy the economic base of one – or many – communities, and affect THOUSANDS of citizens.

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5. Infra-structure damage

Roads, bridges, power lines, and water treatment systems may all be severely damaged or destroyed in a hurricane.

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6. Recovery time

Full recovery from a major hurricane may take YEARS.

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Because it can affect such a large area, outside help may not reach a community for several days.

We could be without utilities – including safe drinking water – for an extended period of time.

The old guidelines warned us to be prepared to take care of ourselves for 2-3 days.

The new guidelines (lessons learned from Katrina and Rita) suggest self-sufficiency for up to a week…or longer.

Having a “disaster kit” is strongly recommended.

Lessons learned from Katrina and Rita tell us that help may NOT be immediately available and we need to rely on our own supplies and resources.

What you have in your disaster kit will be determined by YOUR needs; however, no matter what the cause, there are some items that should be in everyone’s disaster preparedness kit.

WATER: At least 1 gallon per person per day (½ for drinking & ½ for sanitation and meal preparation)

“Non-perishable” foods that do not require cooking, such as protein bars, canned and dried fruit, MRE’s (available on the Internet and at many camping stores). Rotate to maintain freshness.

Sealed coffee and tea, and metal pans.

Means to heat water (sterno, camp stove with fuel stored SAFELY)

Waterless handwashing gel

Extra towels and washcloths

Dish soap

Don’t forget disposable plates, bowls, flatware, and cups. Trash bags.

Paper and cloth towels.

Medicines: both prescription and OTC, such as aspirin, Tylenol, Benadryl, etc… Rotate to daily use to maintain freshness, but be certain to replace.

Flashlights: crank type recommended

Batteries: for hearing aids, CI’s, radios and portable TV’s, and flashlights

Clothing – rotate to season appropriate, but always include rain gear and work gloves.

If possible, spare eye glasses and a copy of prescriptions.

Photos for insurance purposes. Keep copies in a safe place, other than home**.

First Aid Kit

Soap, shampoo, and deodorant

Bathroom tissue

Aerosol disinfectant (Lysol)

Pine Sol

Cleaning rags

Toothbrushes and toothpaste

Rubbing alcohol / Hydrogen Peroxide

Plastic trash bags

Wheelchair users should have tire repair kits and heavy gloves.

Determine any of your own special needs, and make certain to include any needed items.

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Other supplies

CASH (ATM’s may not be working)

OTC medicines / Vitamins

Post cards / stamps

Pens / pencils / Note Cards / Notebooks / Books / Games

List of Important phone / contactnumbers & email addresses

Power cords for cell phones / text devices

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Specialized Needs

If you have specialized needs, ensure adequate supply.

If wheelchair dependent, have tire repair kit, heavy gloves, and extra batteries / charger.

Insulin / needles

Oxygen

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NOW is the time to gather important phone – numbers:

Local Utilities

Doctors

Pharmacy

Bank / Credit Union

Write down account numbers and keep them safe.

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If your doctor / pharmacy / others do not have a TTY, ask them about Virginia Relay.

Are they a Relay Partner?

Do you have a current “inventory” of your household items?

One method is to stand in the middle of each room in your house and photograph every wall.

Keep a printed and electronic copy, and send a copy to a trusted person OUTSIDE your immediate area.

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Service animals

Dry Pet Food

Water

Bedding

Leashes / Harnesses / Collar

Pet Medical Records

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What is on YOUR list?

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HAVE A PLAN

Set up with a family member or friend who lives out of your area. Be certain each family member knows how to contact this individual, and checks in with him or her following the disaster, if you get separated.

Keep contact numbers current.

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Be Aware - Prepare

During certain “seasons”, the probability increases, so be prepared.

Your safety is Your responsibility

Discussion Scenario

September 21, 2011

A Category III hurricane slams into the coast of Virginia and moves inland…heading west northwest, moving at 30 miles per hour.

What are the issues to think about?

INFORMATION: Notification and Warning

How will you receive the warning? What SPECIFIC information do you want and need?

Expected time of impact on local area.

Duration of the storm.

Intensity of the storm.

Amount of rainfall expected.

Flooding expected? How high?

Is my city / town hosting evacuees?

How many? Where?

If electrical power is interrupted, will I still be able to receive information? How?

Text Messenger

TTY (analog)

Friends / Family

Posted notices in community areas

Strongly recommended: Register with local PSAP / 9-1-1 Center

Find out NOW how they can help you.

Volunteer for CERT Training and local emergency management team.

Share your knowledge and experience and learn new skills.

Planning ahead NOW can help to assure your safety and that of your family.

Remember, outside help may be days away. Very likely, you could be on your own for up to a week.

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