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Disaster Preparedness for Individuals and Families

Disaster Preparedness for Individuals and Families. Shelley Bendall Division of Emergency Management January 28, 2014. Why should you care about disaster preparedness?. During a disaster or emergency: professional first responders overwhelmed may be delayed in getting to you

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Disaster Preparedness for Individuals and Families

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  1. Disaster Preparedness for Individuals and Families Shelley Bendall Division of Emergency Management January 28, 2014

  2. Why should you care about disaster preparedness? • During a disaster or emergency: • professional first responders overwhelmed • may be delayed in getting to you • must be prepared to take care of yourselves until the professionals can get to you • must be confident your home and family are taken care of before you can return to work

  3. How do you get prepared? • Take responsibility for yourself and your family • Know the hazards and risks you face • Know your warning methods • Make a family disaster plan • Assemble a family disaster kit • Get trained • Volunteer to help your neighbors and community

  4. How do you take responsibility? • Realize local government is likely to be responding to hundreds, perhaps thousands, of calls for assistance-overwhelms all divisions of government, not just first responders • FEMA recommends every household have the capability to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours

  5. What hazards do you face? • Severe weather: severe thunderstorms, lightning, wind damage, tornadoes, ice storms, flash flooding, heat waves • Hazardous materials releases • Earthquakes • Utility outages

  6. What are your warning methods? • NOAA weather radio • Emergency Alert System • Local TV and radio stations • Cable interrupt system • Outdoor warning sirens • Telephone notification • AM 1620

  7. Winter Weather Preparedness • Listen to your radio, television, or NOAA Weather Radio for weather reports and emergency information • Know how to prevent and unthaw frozen pipes • Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow; drink plenty of fluids and eat regularly • Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia • Be extremely careful with generators

  8. Winter Weather Preparedness • Drive only if absolutely necessary • Travel during the day and don’t travel alone • Let someone know your schedule • Stay on main roads

  9. Winter Weather Preparedness • If you get stuck in your car: • Pull off road, turn on hazard lights, hang a distress flag from antenna • Remain in your vehicle unless you can see a building you know you can make it to • Run the engine/heater 10 minutes each hour to keep warm • Keep a window cracked while running engine

  10. Hazardous Materials Releases • Can happen in chemical facilities, train car derailments, tanker truck accidents, other areas • Listen to radio and TV for information • Will likely be told to shelter-in-place or evacuate

  11. If evacuation is ordered: • Leave immediately if you are able to do so • Use travel routes specified by local officials-these will be based on the chemical, time of day, weather, etc. • Call your family contact to tell them where you are • Don’t return until the “all clear” is given by local officials • If you cannot self evacuate and have time the time to do so, call a friend or family member to evacuate you

  12. If shelter in place is ordered: • Turn off heat/AC units and close all windows • Go to your safe room with no windows • Wet towels and stuff them under the door • Tape plastic over all doors, vents, electrical outlets and other areas where air from the outside might get into your safe room • Listen to local TV or radio for instructions • Don’t come out until the “all clear” given by local officials

  13. Family Disaster Plan • Make a list of every hazard you face and walk through what you would do for each event • Identify safe rooms for tornadoes and sheltering in place • Identify two escape routes from each room • Identify assistance you might need and talk through your needs with family, friends, or care providers • Identify an out-of-state contact • Remember to plan for your pets • Know emergency plans of schools and day cares • Practice, exercise, and update your plan

  14. Disaster Supplies Kit • Include items you will need to be self-sufficient for 72 hours including: • bottled water (1 gallon per person per day-add more for pets and those with special needs) • non-perishable food and snacks • battery operated radio • flashlight • extra batteries • first aid kit • prescription medication and other vital supplies • whistle • cash

  15. Disaster Supplies Kit -place supplies in easy to carry containers such as plastic totes or duffle bags -store kits where they can be reached easily during an emergency -refresh supplies every 6 months or as needed -personalize with what you and your family need -have a “go kit” and car kit if possible

  16. Plan for your Pets • Identify shelter with friends/family/vet • Identify hotels that accept pets • Gather pet supplies including proper ID and up-to-date vet records • Assemble an emergency kit for your pets

  17. For More Information • Division of Emergency Management www.BeReadyLexington.com , 258-3784 • Shelley Bendall sbendall@lexingtonky.gov • FEMA “Are You Ready?” guide 1-800-480-2520 (one free copy per household) • www.ready.gov

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