A terrorist
attack with conventional weapons such as firearms, explosives or incendiary
devices in the United States remains possible, though unlikely.
BEFORE
Learn about the
nature of terrorism. Terrorists often choose targets that offer little danger
to themselves and areas with relatively easy public access. Foreign terrorists
look for visible targets where they can avoid detection before or after an
attack such as international airports, large cities, major international
events, resorts, and high-profile landmarks. Learn about the different types of
terrorist weapons including explosives, kidnappings, hijackings, arson, and
shootings.
Prepare to deal
with a terrorist incident by adapting many of the same techniques used to
prepare for other crises. Be alert and aware of the surrounding area. The very nature of terrorism suggests that
there may be little or no warning. Take precautions when traveling. Be aware of conspicuous or unusual behavior.
Do not accept packages from strangers.
Do not leave luggage unattended. Learn where emergency exists are
located. Think ahead about how to evacuate a building, subway or congested
public area in a hurry. Learn where staircases are located. Notice your
immediate surroundings. Be aware of heavy
or breakable objects that could move, fall or break in an explosion.
Preparing for a
Building Explosion
The use of
explosives by terrorists can result in collapsed buildings and fires. People who live or work in a multi-level
building can do the following:
Review emergency evacuation procedures. Know where fire exits are located. Keep fire
extinguishers in working order. Know
where they are located, and how to use them. Learn first aid. Contact the local chapter of the American Red
Cross for additional information. Keep the following items in a designated
place on each floor of the building. Portable, battery-operated radio and extra
batteries, Several flashlights and extra batteries, First aid kit and manual,
Several hard
hats, Fluorescent tape to rope off dangerous areas.
Bomb Threats
If you receive a bomb threat, get as much
information from the caller as possible.
Keep the caller on the line and record everything that is said. Notify the police and the building
management. After you've been notified of a bomb threat, do not touch any
suspicious packages. Clear the area
around the suspicious package and notify the police immediately. In evacuating a building, avoid standing in
front of windows or other potentially hazardous areas. Do not restrict sidewalk or streets to be
used by emergency officials.
DURING
In a building
explosion, get out of the building as quickly and calmly as possible. If items
are falling off of bookshelves or from the ceiling, get under a sturdy table or
desk. If there is a fire. Stay low to the floor and exit the building as
quickly as possible. Cover nose and mouth with a wet cloth. When approaching a
closed door, use the palm of your hand and forearm to feel the lower, middle
and upper parts of the door. If it is
not hot, brace yourself against the door and open it slowly. If it is hot to
the touch, do not open the door--seek an alternate escape route. Heavy smoke
and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling. Stay below the smoke at
all times.
AFTER
If you are
trapped in debris:Use a flashlight. Stay in your area so that you don't kick up
dust. Cover your mouth with a
handkerchief or clothing. Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where
you are. Use a whistle if one is
available. Shout only as a last resort--shouting can cause a person to inhale
dangerous amounts of dust.
Assisting Victims
Untrained persons should not attempt to rescue
people who are inside a collapsed building.
Wait for emergency personnel to arrive.
Chemical Agents
Chemical agents
are poisonous gases, liquids or solids that have toxic effects on people,
animals or plants. Most chemical agents
cause serious injuries or death. Severity of injuries depends on the type and
amount of the chemical agent used, and the duration of exposure. Were a chemical
agent attack to occur, authorities would instruct citizens to either seek
shelter where they are and seal the premises or evacuate immediately. Exposure
to chemical agents can be fatal. Leaving
the shelter to rescue or assist victims can be a deadly decision. There is no assistance that the untrained can offer that would likely be
of any value to the victims of chemical agents.
Biological Agents
Biological agents
are organisms or toxins that have illness-producing effects on people, livestock
and crops. Because biological agents cannot necessarily be detected and may
take time to grow and cause a disease, it is almost impossible to know that a
biological attack has occurred. If
government officials become aware of a biological attack through an informant
or warning by terrorists, they would most likely instruct citizens to either
seek shelter where they are and seal the premises or evacuate immediately. A
person affected by a biological agent requires the immediate attention of
professional medical personnel. Some
agents are contagious, and victims may need to be quarantined. Also, some medical facilities may not receive
victims for fear of contaminating the hospital population.
FACT SHEET:
THUNDERSTORMS AND LIGHTNING
Some
thunderstorms can be seen approaching, while others hit without warning. It is
important to learn and recognize the danger signs and to plan ahead.
BEFORE
Learn the
thunderstorm danger signs. Dark, towering, or threatening clouds. Distant
lightning and thunder. Have disaster supplies on hand
Flashlight with
extra batteries
Portable,
battery-operated radio and extra batteries
First aid kit and
manual
Emergency food
and water
Nonelectric can
opener
Essential
medicines
Cash and credit
cards
Sturdy shoes
Check for hazards
in the yard. Dead or rotting trees and branches can fall during a severe
thunderstorm and cause injury and damage. Make sure that all family members
know how to respond after a thunderstorm. Teach family members how and when to
turn off gas, electricity and water.
Teach children
how and when to call 9-1-1, police, fire department, and which radio station to
tune for emergency information.
Severe
Thunderstorm Watches and Warnings
A severe
thunderstorm watch is issued by the National Weather Service when the weather
conditions are such that a severe thunderstorm (damaging winds 58 miles per
hour or more, or hail three-fourths of an inch in diameter or greater) is
likely to develop. This is the time to
locate a safe place in the home and tell family members to watch the sky and
listen to the radio or television for more information.
A severe
thunderstorm warning is issued when a severe thunderstorm has been sighted or
indicated by weather radar. At this
point, the danger is very serious and everyone should go to a safe place, turn
on a battery-operated radio or television, and wait for the "all
clear" by the authorities. Learn how to respond to a tornado and flash
flood. Tornadoes are spawned by thunderstorms and flash flooding can occur with
thunderstorms. When a "severe
thunderstorm warning" is issued, review what actions to take under a
"tornado warning" or a "flash flood warning."
Develop an
emergency communication plan. In case family members are separated from one
another during a thunderstorm (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 knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
Contact you local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for
more information on thunderstorms and lightning.
DURING
If indoors:
Secure outdoor
objects such as lawn furniture that could blow away or cause damage or
injury. Take light objects inside.
Shutter windows securely and brace outside doors. Listen to a battery operated
radio or television for the latest storm information. Do not handle any
electrical equipment or telephones because lightning could follow the
wire. Television sets are particularly
dangerous at this time. Avoid bathtubs, water faucets, and sinks because metal
pipes can transmit electricity.
If outdoors:
Attempt to get
into a building or car. If no structure is available, get to an open space an
squat low to the ground as quickly as possible.
(If in the woods, find an area protected by low clump of trees--never
stand underneath a single large tree in the open.) Be aware of the potential
for flooding in low-lying areas. kneel or crouch with hands on knees. Avoid
tall structures such as towers, tall trees, fences, telephone lines, or power
lines. Stay away from natural lightning rods such as golf clubs, tractors,
fishing rods, bicycles, or camping equipment. Stay from rivers, lakes, or other
bodies of water. If you are isolated in a level field or prairie and you feel
your hair stand on end (which indicates that lightning is about to strike),
drop to your knees and bend forward, putting your hands on your knees. Do not lie flat on the ground.
If in a car:
Pull safely onto
the shoulder of the road away from any trees that could fall on the vehicle.
Stay in the car and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rains
subside. Avoid flooded roadways.
Estimating the
Distance from a Thunderstorm
Because light
travels much faster than sound, lightning flashes can be seen long before the
resulting thunder is heard. Estimate the
number of miles you are from a thunderstorm by counting the number of seconds
between a flash of lightning and the next clap of thunder. Divide this number by five.
Important: You
are in danger from lightning if you can hear thunder. Knowing how far away a
storm is does not mean that you're in danger only when the storm is overhead.
Hail
Hail is produced
by many strong thunderstorms. Hail can
be smaller than a pea or as large as a softball and can be very destructive to
plants and crops. In a hailstorm, take cover immediately. Pets and livestock are particularly
vulnerable to hail, so bring animals into a shelter.
AFTER
Check for
injuries. A person who has been struck by lightning does not carry an
electrical charge that can shock other people.
If the victim is burned, provide first aid and call emergency medical
assistance immediately. Look for burns where lightning entered and exited the
body. If the strike cause the victim's
heart and breathing to stop, give cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until
medical professionals arrive and take over. Remember to help your neighbors who
may require special assistance--infants, elderly people,and people with
disabilities. Report downed utility wires. Drive only if necessary. Debris and
washed-out roads may make driving dangerous.
Mitigation
Mitigation
includes any activities that prevent an emergency, reduce the chance of an
emergency happening, or lessen the damaging effects of unavoidable
emergencies. Investing in preventive
mitigation steps now, such as installing lightning rods to carry the electrical
charge of lightning bolts safely to the ground or purchasing flood insurance,
will help reduce the impact of severe thunderstorms in the future. For more information on mitigation, contact
your local emergency management office.
FACTSHEET:
TORNADOES
When a tornado is
coming, you have only a short amount of time to make life-or-death
decisions. Advance planning and quick
response are the keys to surviving a tornado.
BEFORE
Conduct tornado
drills each tornado season. Designate an area in the home as a shelter, and
practice having everyone in the family go there in response to a tornado
threat. Discuss with family members the difference between a "tornado
watch" and a "tornado warning. Contact your local emergency
management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on
tornadoes. Have disaster supplies on hand.
Flashlight and
extra batteries
Portable,
battery-operated radio and extra batteries
First aid kit and
manual
Emergency food
and water
Nonelectric can
opener
Essential
medicines
Cash and credit
cards
Sturdy shoes
Develop an
emergency communication plan. In case family members are separated from one
another during a tornado (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.
Tornado Watches
and Warnings
A tornado watch
is issued by the National Weather Service when weather conditions are such that
tornadoes are likely to develop. This is
time to remind family members where the safest places within your home are
located, and listen to the radio or television for further developments.
A tornado warning
is is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar. The danger is very serious and everyone
should go to a safe place, turn on a battery-operated radio and wait for
further instructions.
Mobile Homes
Mobile homes are
particularly vulnerable. A mobile home can overturn very easily even if
precautions have been taken to tie down the unit. When a tornado warning is issued, take
shelter in a building with a strong foundation.If shelter is not available, lie
in ditch or low-lying area a safe distance away from the unit.
Tornado Danger
Signs
Learn these
tornado danger signs:
Large hail:
Tornadoes are spawned from powerful thunderstorms and the most powerful
thunderstorms produce large hail.
Tornadoes frequently emerge from near the hail-producing portion of the
storm. Calm before the storm: Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and
the air may become very still.
Cloud of debris:
An approaching cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a
funnel is not visible.
Funnel cloud: A
visible rotating extension of the cloud base is a sign that a tornado may
develop. A tornado is evident when one
or more of the clouds turns greenish (a phenomenon caused by hail) and a dark
funnel descends.
Roaring noise:
The high winds of a tornado can cause a roar that is often compared with the
sound of a freight train.
Calm behind the
storm: Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies
behind a tornado.
DURING
If at home:
Go at once to the
basement, storm cellar, or the lowest level of the building. If there is no basement,
go to an inner hallway or a smaller inner room without windows, such as a
bathroom or closet. Get away from the windows. Go to the center of the
room. Stay away from corners because
they tend to attract debris. Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a
workbench or heavy table or desk and hold on to it. Use arms to protect head
and neck. If in a mobile home, get out and find shelter elsewhere.
If at work or
school:
Go to the
basement or to an inside hallway at the lowest level. Avoid places with
wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias, large hallways, or shopping
malls. Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or heavy table
or desk and hold on to it. Use arms to protect head and neck.
If outdoors:
If possible, get
inside a building. If shelter is not available or there is no time to get
indoors, lie in a ditch or low-lying area or crouch near a strong
building. Be aware of the potential for
flooding. Use arms to protect head and neck.
If in a car:
Never try to
outdrive a tornado in a car or truck.
Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift up a car or truck
and toss it through the air. Get out of the car immediately and take shelter in
a nearby building. If there is no time to get indoors, get out of the car and
lie in a ditch or low-lying area away from the vehicle. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
AFTER
Help injured or
trapped persons. Give first aid when appropriate. Don't try to move the seriously injured
unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.
Turn on radio or
television to get the latest emergency information. Stay out of damaged
buildings. Return home only when
authorities say it is safe. Use the telephone only for emergency calls. Clean
up spilled medicines, bleaches, or gasoline or other flammable liquids
immediately. Leave the buildings if you
smell gas or chemical fumes. Take pictures of the damage--both to the house and
its contents--for insurance purposes. Remember to help your neighbors who may
require special assistance--infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
INSPECTING
UTILITIES IN A DAMAGED HOME
Check for gas
leaks--If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and
quickly leave the building. Turn off the
gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a
neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas
for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional. Look for
electrical system damage--If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if
you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or
circuit breaker. If you have to step in
water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for
advice. Check for sewage and water lines damage--If you suspect sewage lines
are damaged, avoid using toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water
company and avoid using water from the tap.
You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.
MITIGATION
Mitigation
includes any activities that prevent an emergency, reduce the chance of an
emergency happening, or lessen the damaging effects of unavoidable
emergencies. Investing in preventive
mitigation steps now, such as checking local building codes and ordinances
about wind-resistant designs and strengthening unreinforced masonry, will help
reduce the impact of tornadoes in the future.
For more information on mitigation, contact your local emergency
management office.
FACT SHEET:
TSUNAMIS
A tsunami is a
series of waves that may be dangerous and destructive. When you hear a tsunami warning, move at once
to higher ground and stay there until local authorities say it is safe to
return home.
BEFORE
Find out if your
home is in a danger area. Know the height of your street above sea level and
the distance of your street from the coast.
Evacuation orders may be based on these numbers. Be familiar with the
tsunami warning signs. Because tsunamis can be caused by an underwater
disturbance or an earthquake, people living along the coast should consider an
earthquake or a sizable ground rumbling as a warning signal. A noticeable rapid rise or fall in coastal
waters is also a sign that a tsunami is approaching. Make sure all family
members know how to respond to a tsunami. Make evacuation plans. Pick an inland
location that is elevated. After an
earthquake or other natural disaster, roads in and out of the vicinity may be
blocked, so pick more than one evacuation route. 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 listen for
official information. Have disaster supplies on hand.
Flashlight and
extra batteries
Portable,
battery-operated radio and extra batteries
First aid kit and
manual
Emergency food
and water
Nonelectric can
opener
Essential
medicines
Cash and credit
cards
Sturdy shoes
Develop an
emergency communication plan. In case family members are separated from one
another during a tsunami (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, often it's easier to call
long distance. Make sure everyone knows
the name, address, and phone number of the contact person. Contact your local
emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information
on tsunamis.
DURING
Listen to a radio
or television to get the latest emergency information, and be ready to evacuate
if asked to do so. If you hear an official tsunami warning or detect signs of a
tsunami, evacuate at once. Climb to
higher ground. A tsunami warning is
issued when authorities are certain that a tsunami threat exists. Stay away
from the beach. Never go down to the beach to watch a tsunami come in. If you can see the wave you are too close to
escape it. Return home only after the authorities advise it is safe to do
so. A tsunami is a series of waves. Do not assume that one wave means that the
danger over. The next wave may be larger
than the first one. Stay out of the area.
AFTER
Stay tuned to a
battery-operated radio for the latest emergency information. Help injured or
trapped persons. Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured persons unless
they are in immediate danger of further injury.
Call for help. Remember to help your neighbors who may require special
assistance--infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities. Stay out of
damaged buildings. Return home only when authorities say it is safe. Enter your
home with caution. Use a flashlight when entering damaged buildings. Check for electrical shorts and live
wires. Do not use appliances or lights
until an electrician has checked the electrical system.
Open windows and
doors to help dry the building. Shovel mud while it is still moist to give
walls and floors an opportunity to dry. Check food supplies and test drinking
water. Fresh food that has come in contact with flood waters may be
contaminated and should be thrown out.
Have tap water tested by the local health department.
INSPECTING
UTILITIES IN A DAMAGED HOME
Check for gas
leaks--If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and
quickly leave the building. Turn off the
gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a
neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas
for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional. Look for
electrical system damage--If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if
you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or
circuit breaker. If you have to step in
water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for
advice. Check for sewage and water lines damage--If you suspect sewage lines
are damaged, avoid using toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water
company and avoid the water from the tap.
You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.
MITIGATION
Mitigation
includes any activities that prevent an emergency, reduce the chance of an
emergency happening, or lessen the damaging effects of unavoidable
emergencies. Investing in preventive
mitigation steps now, such as checking local building codes and ordinances
about wind-resistant designs and strengthening unreinforced masonry, will help
reduce the impact of tornadoes in the future.
For more information on mitigation, contact your local emergency
management office.
FACT SHEET:
VOLCANOES
Volcanic
eruptions can hurl hot rocks for at least 20 miles. Floods, airborne ash, or noxious fumes can
spread 100 miles or more. If you live
near a known volcano, active or dormant, be ready to evacuate at a moment's
notice.
BEFORE
Learn about your
community warning systems. Be prepared for these disasters that can be spawned
by volcanoes.
Earthquakes
Flash floods
Landslides and
mudflows
Thunderstorms
Tsunamis
Make evacuation
plans. You want to get to high ground away from the eruption. Plan a route out and have a backup route in
mind. Develop an emergency communication plan. In case family members are
separated from one another during a volcanic eruption (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 knows the name, address,
and phone number of the contact person. Have disaster supplies on hand.
Flashlight and
extra batteries
Portable,
battery-operated radio and extra batteries
First aid kit and
manual
Emergency food
and water
Nonelectric can
opener
Essential
medicinesCash and credit cards
Sturdy shoes
Get a pair of
goggles and a throw-away breathing mask for each member of the household.
Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter
for more information on volcanoes.
Evacuation
Although it may
seem safe to stay at home and wait out an eruption, doing so could be very
dangerous. The rock debris from a
volcano can break windows and set buildings on fire. Stay safe.
Follow authorities' instructions and leave the area before the disaster
begins.
DURING
Follow the
evacuation order issued by authorities. Avoid areas downwind of the volcano.
If caught
indoors:
Close all
windows, doors, and dampers. Put all machinery inside a garage or barn.
Bring animals and
livestock into closed shelters.
If trapped
outdoors:
Seek shelter
indoors. If caught in a rockfall, roll into a ball to protect head. Avoid
low-lying area where poisonous gases can collect and flash floods can be most
dangerous. If caught near a stream, beware of mudflows.
Protect yourself:
Wear long sleeved
shirts and pants. Use goggles to protect eyes. Use a dust-mask or hold a damp
cloth over face to help breathing. Keep car or truck engines off. Stay out of
the area. A lateral blast of a volcano can travel many miles from the mountain.
Trying to watch an erupting volcano is a deadly idea.
Mudflows
Mudflows are
powerful "rivers" of mud that can move faster than people can walk or
run. Mudflows occur when rain falls
through ash-carrying clouds or when rivers are damed during an eruption. They are most dangerous close to stream
channels. When you approach a bridge,
first look upstream. If a mudflow is approaching
or moving beneath the bridge, do not cross the bridge. The power of the mudflow can destroy a bridge
very quickly.
AFTER
Listen to a
battery-powered radio or television for the latest emergency information. Stay
away from volcanic ashfall.
When outside:
Cover your mouth
and nose. A number of victims of the
Mount St. Helens volcano died from inhaling ash. Wear goggles to protect your
eyes. Keep skin covered to avoid irritation or burns.
If you have a
respiratory ailment, avoid contact with any amount of ash. Stay indoors until local health officials
advise it is safe to go outside. Avoid driving in heavy ashfall. Driving will
stir up more ash that can clog engines and stall vehicles. Clear roofs of
ashfall. Ashfall is very heavy and can cause buildings to collapse. Remember to
help your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants, elderly people,
and people with disabilities.
FACT SHEET: WILDLAND FIRES
The threat of
wildland fires for people living near wildland areas or using recreational
facilities in wilderness areas is real.
Advance planning and knowing how to protect buildings in these areas can
lessen the devastation of a wildland fire.
BEFORE
Learn and teach
safe fire practices. Build fires away from nearby trees or bushes. Always have
a way to extinguish the fire quickly and completely. Never leave a fire--even a
cigarette--burning unattented. Obtain local building codes and weed abatement
ordinances for structures built near wooded areas. Use fire-resistant materials
when building, renovating, or retrofitting structures.
Create a safety
zone to separate the home from combustible plants and vegetation. Stone walls
can act as heat shields and deflect flames. Swimming pools and patios can be a
safety zone. Check for fire hazards around home.
Install
electrical lines underground, if possible.
Keep all tree and shrub limbs trimmed so they don't come in contact with
the wires. Prune all branches around the residence to a height of 8 to 10
feet. Keep trees adjacent to buildings
free of dead or dying wood and moss. Remove all dead limbs, needles, and debris
from rain gutters. Store combustible or flammable materials in approved safety
containers and keep them away from the house. Keep chimney clean. Avoid open
burning completely, and especially during dry season. Install smoke detectors
on every level of your home and near sleeping areas. Make evacuation plans.
Plan several routes in case the fire blocks escape route. Have disaster
supplies on hand
Flashlight with
extra batteries
Portable,
battery-operated radio and extra batteries
First aid kit and
manual
Emergency food
and water
Nonelectric can
opener
Essential
medicines
Cash and credit
cards
Sturdy shoes
Develop an
emergency communication plan. In case family members are separated from one
another during a wildland fire (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 knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
Fire-Resistant
Building Materials
Avoid using
wooden shakes and shingles for a roof.
Use tile, stucco, metal siding, brick, concrete block, rock, or other
fire-resistant materials. Use only thick, tempered safety glass in large
windows and sliding glass doors. Contact your local emergency management office
or American Red Cross chapter for more information on wildland fires.
DURING
Turn on a
battery-operated radio to get the latest emergency information. Remove
combustible items from around the house. Lawn and poolside furniture,
Umbrellas, Tarp coverings, Firewood, Take down flammable drapes and curtains
and close all venetian blinds or noncombustible window coverings. Take action
to protect your home. Close all doors and windows inside your home to prevent
draft. Close gas valves and turn off all pilot lights. Turn on a light in each
room for visibility in heavy smoke. Place valuables that will not be damaged by
water in a pool or pond. If hoses and adequate water are available, leave
sprinklers on roofs and anything that might be damaged by fire. Be ready to
evacuate all family members and pets when fire nears or when instructed to do
so by local officials.
AFTER
Take care when
re-entering a burned wildland area. Hot
spots can flare up without warning.
Check the roof
immediately and extinguish any sparks or embers. Check the attic for hidden
burning sparks. For several hours afterward, re-check for smoke and sparks
throughout the home.
If Trapped in a
Wildland Fire
You cannot outrun
a fire. Crouch in a pond or river. Cover head and upper body with wet
clothing. If water is not around, look
for shelter in a cleared area or among a bed of rocks. Lie flat and cover body with wet clothing or
soil. Breathe the air close to the ground through a wet cloth to avoid
scorching lungs or inhaling smoke.
MITIGATION
Mitigation
includes any activities that prevent an emergency, reduce the chance of an
emergency happening, or lessen the damaging effects of unavoidable
emergencies. Investing in preventive
mitigation steps now such as installing a spark arrestor on your chimney,
cleaning roof surfaces and gutters regularly, and using only fire resistant
materials on the exterior of your home, will help reduce the impact of wildland
fires in the future. For more
information on mitigation, contact your local emergency management office.
FEMA - FACT
SHEET: WINTER DRIVING
The leading cause
of death during winter storms is transportation accidents. Preparing your
vehicle for the winter season and knowing how to react if stranded or lost on
the road are the keys to safe winter driving.
BEFORE
Have a mechanic
check the following items on your car:
Battery
Antifreeze
Wipers and
windshield washer fluid
Ignition system
Thermostat
Lights
Flashing hazard
lights
Exhaust system
Heater
Brakes
Defroster
Oil level (if
necessary, replace existing oil with a winter grade oil or the
SAE 10w/30 weight
variety)
Install good
winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter
conditions. However, some jurisdictions
require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or
snow tires with studs. Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and
snow removal. Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.
Plan long trips carefully. Listen to the radio or call the state highway patrol
for the latest road conditions. Always
travel during daylight and, if possible, take at least one other person. If you
must go out during a winter storm, use public transportation.
Dress warmly.
Wear layers of loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing. Carry food and
water. Store a supply of high energy "munchies" and several bottles
of water. Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross
chapter for more information on winter driving.
Winter Car Kit
Keep these items
in your car:
Flashlights with
extra batteries
First aid kit
with pocket knife
Necessary
medications
Several blankets
Sleeping bags
Extra newspapers
for insulation
Plastic bags (for
sanitation)
Matches
Extra set of
mittens, socks, and a wool cap
Rain gear and
extra clothes
Small sack of
sand for generating traction under wheels
Small shovel
Small tools
(pliers, wrench, screwdriver)
Booster cables
Set of tire
chains or traction mats
Cards, games, and
puzzles
Brightly colored
cloth to use as a flag
Canned fruit and
nuts
Nonelectric can
opener
Bottled water
DURING
IF TRAPPED IN CAR
DURING A BLIZZARD
Stay in the car.
Do not leave the car to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100
yards. You may become disoriented and lost is
blowing and drifting snow. Display a trouble sign.
Hang a brightly
colored cloth on the radio antenna and raise the hood. Occasionally run engine
to keep warm. Turn on the car's engine for about 10 minutes each hour. Run the heater when the car is running. Also, turn on the car's dome light when the
car is running. Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep the exhaust pipe
clear of snow, and open a downwind window slightly for ventilation.
Watch for signs
of frostbite and hypothermia. Do minor exercises to keep up circulation. Clap
hands and move arms and legs occasionally.
Try not to stay in one position for too long.
If more than one
person is in the car, take turns sleeping. For warmth, huddle together.
Use newspapers,
maps, and even the removable car mats for added insulation. Avoid overexertion.
Cold weather puts
an added strain on the heart.
Unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring
on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse. Be aware of symptoms of dehydration.
Wind Chill
"Wind
chill" is a calculation of how cold it feels outside when the effects of
temperature and wind speed are combined.
A strong wind combined with a temperature of just below freezing can
have the same effect as a still air temperature about 35 degrees colder.
Winter Storm Watches
and Warnings
A winter storm
watch indicates that severe winter weather may affect your area.
A winter storm
warning indicates that severe winter weather conditions are definitely on the
way.
A blizzard
warning means that large amounts of falling or blowing snow and sustained winds
of at least 35 miles per hour are expected for several hours.
Frostbite and
Hypothermia
Frostbite is a
severe reaction to cold exposure that can permanently damage its victims. A loss of feeling and a white or pale
appearance in fingers, toes, or nose and ear lobes are symptoms of frostbite.
Hypothermia is a
condition brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 55 degrees
Fahrenheit. Symptoms of hypothermia
include uncontrollable shivering, slow speech, memory lapses, frequent
stumbling, drowsiness, and exhaustion. If frostbite or hypothermia is
suspected, begin warming the person slowly and seek immediate medical
assistance. Warm the person's trunk first. Use your won body heat to help. Arms and legs should be warmed last because
stimulation
of the limbs can
drive cold blood toward the heart and lead to heart failure. Put person in dry
clothing and wrap their entire body in a blanket. Never give a frostbite or
hypothermia victim something with caffeine in it (like coffee or tea) or
alcohol. Caffeine, a stimulant, can
cause the heart to beat faster and hasten the effects the cold has on the
body. Alcohol, a depressant, can slow
the heart and also hasten the ill effects of cold body temperatures. A major winter storm can be lethal. Preparing for cold weather conditions and
responding to them effectively can reduce the dangers caused by winter storms.
BEFORE
Be familiar with
winter storm warning messages. Service snow removal equipment and have rock
salt on hand to melt ice on walkways and kitty litter to generate temporary
traction. Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may
be cut off. Winterize your home.
Insulate walls
and attic. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows. Install storm windows or
cover windows with plastic from the inside. Have safe emergency heating
equipment available.
Fireplace with
ample supply of wood Small, well-vented, wood, coal, or camp stove with fuel
Portable space
heaters or kerosene heaters (See Kerosene Heaters.) Install and check smoke
detectors. Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross
chapter for
more information
on winter storms. Keep pipes from freezing. Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of
old newspapers. Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture. Let
faucets drip a little to avoid freezing. Know how to shut off water valves.
Have disaster supplies on hand, in case the power goes out.
Flashlight and
extra batteries
Portable,
battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
First aid kit
One-week supply
of food (include items that do not require refrigeration or
cooking in case
the power is shut off)
Nonelectric can
opener
One-week supply
of essential prescription medications.
Extra blankets
and sleeping bags
Fire extinguisher
(A-B-C type)
Develop an
emergency communication plan.
In case family
members are separated from one another during a winter storm (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 knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
Make sure that all family members know how to respond after a severe winter
storm. Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department,
and
which radio
station to tune to for emergency information.
Kerosene Heaters
Check with your
local fire department on the legality of using kerosene heaters in your
community. Use only the correct fuel for
your unit and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Refuel outdoors only, and only when
cool. Keep your kerosene heater at least
3 feet away from furniture and other flammable objects.
DURING
IF INDOORS
Stay indoors and
dress warmly. Conserve fuel. Lower the thermostat to 65 degrees during the day
and 55 degrees at night. Close off unused rooms. If the pipes freeze, remove
any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags. Completely open
all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most
exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate). Listen to
the radio or television to get the latest information.
IF OUTDOORS
Dress warmly.
Wear loose-fitting, layered, light-weight clothing. Layers can be removed to
prevent
perspiration and chill. Outer garments
should be tightly woven and water repellant.
Mittens are warmer than gloves because fingers generate warmth when they
touch each other.
Stretch before
you go out. If you go out to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to warm
up your body. Also take frequent breaks.
Cover your mouth. Protect your lungs from extremely cold air by covering your
mouth when outdoors. Try not to speak unless absolutely necessary. Avoid
overexertion. Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unaccustomed exercise such as
shoveling snow or
pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions
worse. Be aware of symptoms of
dehydration. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
Keep dry. Change
wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating
value and transmits heat rapidly. Remember to help your neighbors who may
require special assistance--infants, elderly people, and people with
disabilities.
Wind Chill
"Wind
chill" is a calculation of how cold it feels outside when the effects of
temperature and wind speed are combined.
A strong wind combined with a temperature of just below freezing can
have the same effect as a still air temperature about 35 degrees colder.
Winter Storm
Watches and Warnings
A winter storm
watch indicates that severe winter weather may affect your area. A winter storm warning indicates that severe
winter weather conditions are definitely on the way. A blizzard warning means
that large amounts of falling or blowing snow and sustained winds of at least
35 miles per hour are expected for several hours.
Frostbite and
Hypothermia
Frostbite is a
severe reaction to cold exposure that can permanently damage its victims. A loss of feeling and a white or pale
appearance in fingers, toes, or nose and ear lobes are symptoms of frostbite.
Hypothermia is a
condition brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 55 degrees
Fahrenheit. Symptoms of hypothermia
include uncontrollable shivering, slow speech, memory lapses, frequent
stumbling, drowsiness, and exhaustion. If frostbite or hypothermia is
suspected, begin warming the person slowly and seek immediate medical
assistance. Warm the person's trunk
first. Use your own body heat to
help. Arms and legs should be warmed
last because stimulation
of the limbs can
drive cold blood toward the heart and lead to heart failure. Put person in dry
clothing and wrap their entire body in a blanket.
Never give a
frostbite or hypothermia victim something with caffeine in it (like coffee or
tea) or alcohol. Caffeine, a stimulant,
can cause the heart to beat faster and hasten the effects the cold has on the
body. Alcohol, a depressant, can slow
the heart and also hasten the ill effects of cold body temperatures.