Preparing for Disasters Preparing for Disasters – an Environmental – an Environmental PerspectivePerspective

Nicole KosinskiNicole Kosinski

Walden UniversityWalden University

MPH StudentMPH Student

ObjectivesObjectives

Gain a clear understanding of the Gain a clear understanding of the different types of disastersdifferent types of disasters

Learn the importance of having an Learn the importance of having an emergency preparedness planemergency preparedness plan

Learn what supplies you may need in Learn what supplies you may need in the event of a disasterthe event of a disaster

Learn ways to make your environment Learn ways to make your environment safesafe

Provide you with toolsProvide you with tools

Why Do Emergencies Why Do Emergencies Happen?Happen?

Natural disastersNatural disasters AccidentsAccidents Deliberate acts of vandalism or Deliberate acts of vandalism or

terrorismterrorism

O’Sullivan, F., et. al. (2006). Environmental Health Disaster Preparedness Model Planning Guide. Retrieved October 2, 2009 from http://74.125.113.132/search?q=cache:A_IEGTQJnM0J:www.ccdeh.com/products/EHDisasterPlanningGuide06.pdf+disaster+preparedness+and+environmental+health&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us.

Examples of DisastersExamples of Disasters

Terrorist attacksTerrorist attacks FiresFires ArsonArson ExplosionsExplosions BombingsBombings Plane/Train CrashesPlane/Train Crashes Aviation/Rail TerrorismAviation/Rail Terrorism FloodsFloods Sabotage Sabotage Chemical Spills/ReleasesChemical Spills/Releases Chemical WarfareChemical Warfare

Radiological AccidentsRadiological Accidents ““Dirty Bombs”Dirty Bombs” Nuclear AccidentsNuclear Accidents Nuclear TerrorismNuclear Terrorism EpidemicsEpidemics Biological AccidentsBiological Accidents Biological TerrorismBiological Terrorism TornadoTornado Volcano eruptionVolcano eruption Earthquake Earthquake Landslide Landslide

O’Sullivan, F., et. al. (2006). Environmental Health Disaster Preparedness Model Planning Guide. Retrieved October 2, 2009 from http://74.125.113.132/search?q=cache:A_IEGTQJnM0J:www.ccdeh.com/products/EHDisasterPlanningGuide06.pdf+disaster+preparedness+and+environmental+health&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us.

Prepared?Prepared?

Do you have enough water for you Do you have enough water for you and you family for the possibility of and you family for the possibility of not having access to any for more not having access to any for more than 3 days?than 3 days?

How about enough food and How about enough food and supplies?supplies?

Do you know how to protect your Do you know how to protect your environment during disaster?environment during disaster?

3 Day Supply3 Day Supply

WaterWater FoodFood Battery-powered radioBattery-powered radio Flashlight-extra batteriesFlashlight-extra batteries First aid kitFirst aid kit BlanketsBlankets Trash bagsTrash bags MapMap Can openerCan opener Special items for infants, elderly, sick, or Special items for infants, elderly, sick, or

people with disabilitiespeople with disabilitiesThe Department of Homeland Security. (2009). 30 Tips for Emergency Preparedness. Retrieved October 5 from http://www.dhs.gov/xcitizens/editorial_0711.shtm.

Your EnvironmentYour Environment

WaterWater FoodFood SewageSewage

Water SafetyWater Safety

Strain it Boil it Chlorinate it Distill it

CDC. (2009) Preparedness for all hazards. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from CDC. (2009) Preparedness for all hazards. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from http://www.bt.cdc.gov/.

Safe Uses of Water Safe Uses of Water ContainersContainers WashWash containers with dishwashing containers with dishwashing

soap and rinse with water.soap and rinse with water. SanitizeSanitize by swishing a solution of by swishing a solution of

1 teaspoon of liquid household 1 teaspoon of liquid household chlorine bleach to a quart of water chlorine bleach to a quart of water on all interior surfaces of the on all interior surfaces of the container.container.

RinseRinse thoroughly with clean water thoroughly with clean water before use.before use.

CDC. (2009) Preparedness for all hazards. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from CDC. (2009) Preparedness for all hazards. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from http://www.bt.cdc.gov/.

Food SafetyFood Safety

Refrigerated perishable foods will Refrigerated perishable foods will spoil quickly.spoil quickly.

If they become warm, do not use! If they become warm, do not use! Bacteria grow without Bacteria grow without refrigeration.refrigeration.

Do not use damaged canned Do not use damaged canned foods foods

The Clara County Department of Environmental Health. Emergency Food Supply. Retrieved October 7, 2009 from http://www.ehinfo.org/SCC/docs/Environmental%20Health,%20Department%20of%20(DEP)/attachments/224986emerfoodsupp.pdf.

How and Where to How and Where to Store FoodStore Food

Keep food in a dry, cool spot—out of Keep food in a dry, cool spot—out of the sun, if possible.the sun, if possible.

Wrap perishable foods, such as cookiesWrap perishable foods, such as cookiesand crackers, in plastic bags and keep and crackers, in plastic bags and keep them in sealed containers.them in sealed containers.

Empty opened packages of sugar, Empty opened packages of sugar, dried fruits and nuts into screw-top dried fruits and nuts into screw-top jars or airtight cans to keep them fresh jars or airtight cans to keep them fresh and unspoiled.and unspoiled.

CDC. (2009) Preparedness for all hazards. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from http://www.bt.cdc.gov/.CDC. (2009) Preparedness for all hazards. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from http://www.bt.cdc.gov/.

Helpful Hints for Food Helpful Hints for Food SafetySafety Observe proper temperature Observe proper temperature

controls- hot food above 140 controls- hot food above 140 degrees and cold 45 degrees and degrees and cold 45 degrees and belowbelow

Keep hand contact to a minimum Keep hand contact to a minimum when preparing foodwhen preparing food

If possible use single serving utensilsIf possible use single serving utensils Be sure to wash with safe water and Be sure to wash with safe water and

sanitize aftersanitize afterThe Clara County Department of Environmental Health. Emergency Food Supply. Retrieved October 7, 2009 from

http://www.ehinfo.org/SCC/docs/Environmental%20Health,%20Department%20of%20(DEP)/attachments/224986emerfoodsupp.pdf.

Sewage DisposalSewage Disposal

What if I can’t flush my toilet, what What if I can’t flush my toilet, what should I use?should I use?

Large double-bagged trash bags can Large double-bagged trash bags can be used as liners in toilets, household be used as liners in toilets, household disinfectant can help with the odordisinfectant can help with the odor

A trench can be dug 2 to 3 feet deep A trench can be dug 2 to 3 feet deep to dispose of human waste. Spread a to dispose of human waste. Spread a thin line of powdered bleach and dirt thin line of powdered bleach and dirt after each disposal.after each disposal.

Portable toilets can be usedPortable toilets can be used

The Clara County Department of Environmental Health. Sewage Disposal in an Emergency. Retrieved October 7, 2009 from http://www.ehinfo.org/SCC/docs/Environmental%20Health,%20Department%20of%20(DEP)/attachments/224986emerfoodsupp.pdf.

Understand Quarantine Understand Quarantine and Isolationand Isolation

IsolationIsolation applies to persons who applies to persons who are known to be ill with a are known to be ill with a contagious disease. contagious disease.

QuarantineQuarantine applies to those who applies to those who have been exposed to a have been exposed to a contagious disease but who may contagious disease but who may or may not become ill.or may not become ill.

CDC. (2009) Preparedness for all hazards. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from http://www.bt.cdc.gov/.CDC. (2009) Preparedness for all hazards. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from http://www.bt.cdc.gov/.

Categories of DiseasesCategories of Diseases

InfectiousInfectious disease: a disease caused by a disease: a disease caused by a microorganism and therefore potentially microorganism and therefore potentially infinitely transferable to new individuals. infinitely transferable to new individuals.

CommunicableCommunicable disease: an infectious disease: an infectious disease that is contagious and which can disease that is contagious and which can be transmitted from one source to another be transmitted from one source to another by infectious bacteria or viral organisms.by infectious bacteria or viral organisms.

ContagiousContagious disease: a very disease: a very communicable disease capable of communicable disease capable of spreading rapidly from one person to spreading rapidly from one person to another by contact or close proximity.another by contact or close proximity.

CDC. (2009) Preparedness for all hazards. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from http://www.bt.cdc.gov/.CDC. (2009) Preparedness for all hazards. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from http://www.bt.cdc.gov/.

Complete this ChecklistComplete this Checklist

Post emergency telephone numbers Post emergency telephone numbers Teach children how and when to call Teach children how and when to call

911 Determine the best escape routes 911 Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of from your home. Find two ways out of each room.each room.

Find the safe spots in your home for Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster.each type of disaster.

Show each family member how and Show each family member how and when to turn off the water, gas, and when to turn off the water, gas, and electricity at the main switches.electricity at the main switches.

CDC. (2009) Preparedness for all hazards. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from http://www.bt.cdc.gov/.CDC. (2009) Preparedness for all hazards. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from http://www.bt.cdc.gov/.

SummarySummary

Make a plan for you and your Make a plan for you and your familyfamily

Put together a supplies listPut together a supplies list Stay updated on current Stay updated on current

informationinformation BE RESILIENT!!!!!BE RESILIENT!!!!!

CDC. (2009) Preparedness for all hazards. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from http://www.bt.cdc.gov/.CDC. (2009) Preparedness for all hazards. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from http://www.bt.cdc.gov/.

For More Information For More Information

Call or Visit the Following Websites for:Call or Visit the Following Websites for: Your local American Red Cross chapterYour local American Red Cross chapter Your state and local health departmentsYour state and local health departments Your local emergency management agenYour local emergency management agen

cycy

CDC Public Response HotlineCDC Public Response HotlineEnglish 1-888-246-2675English 1-888-246-2675Spanish 1-888-246-2857Spanish 1-888-246-2857TTY 1-866-874-2646)TTY 1-866-874-2646)

ReferencesReferences

CDC. (2009) Preparedness for all hazards. Retrieved October 5, 2009 CDC. (2009) Preparedness for all hazards. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from http://www.bt.cdc.gov/.from http://www.bt.cdc.gov/.

O’Sullivan, F. (2006). Environmental Health Disaster Preparedness O’Sullivan, F. (2006). Environmental Health Disaster Preparedness Model Planning Guide. Retrieved October 2, 2009 from Model Planning Guide. Retrieved October 2, 2009 from http://74.125.113.132/search?http://74.125.113.132/search?q=cache:A_IEGTQJnM0J:www.ccdeh.com/products/q=cache:A_IEGTQJnM0J:www.ccdeh.com/products/EHDisasterPlanningGuide06.pdf+disaster+preparedness+and+envirEHDisasterPlanningGuide06.pdf+disaster+preparedness+and+environmental+health&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us onmental+health&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

The Clara County Department of Environmental Health. Emergency The Clara County Department of Environmental Health. Emergency Food Supply. Retrieved October 7, 2009 from Food Supply. Retrieved October 7, 2009 from http://www.ehinfo.org/SCC/docs/Environmental%20Health,%20Depahttp://www.ehinfo.org/SCC/docs/Environmental%20Health,%20Department%20of%20(DEP)/attachments/224986emerfoodsupp.pdfrtment%20of%20(DEP)/attachments/224986emerfoodsupp.pdf..

The Department of Homeland Security. (2009). 30 Tips for Emergency The Department of Homeland Security. (2009). 30 Tips for Emergency Preparedness. Retrieved October 5 from Preparedness. Retrieved October 5 from http://www.dhs.gov/xcitizens/editorial_0711.shtmhttp://www.dhs.gov/xcitizens/editorial_0711.shtm..