DISASTER PREPAREDNESS 101

1. DISASTER PREPAREDNESS 101

2. “IT CAN’THAPPEN HERE”CAN HAPPEN HERE. Made Possible with Homeland Security Grant Funding Dedicated to Educating the Citizens of our 13-County Region.

3. WELCOME and INTRODUCTIONS

4. Why You Are Here … • Emergency preparedness is everyone’s responsibility • Everyone should have a personal response plan for a disaster • Everyone should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least the first 72 hours of an incident • Everyone should be prepared to help their neighbors and community should an emergency occur 1

5. Course Objectives • Introduction to Emergency Management • Understand local hazards and how to take protective measures • Warning and alert systems in your area • Steps to becoming personally prepared • Helping your community: Training and volunteer opportunities Summary and Closing Sources of Data for the Course Material Included the Following: • National Weather Service • Ready.gov • CitizenCorps.gov • Michigan Public Act 390 2

6. Objective #1:Introduction to Emergency Management • Michigan Public Act 390 • The Emergency Management structure for Kent County and the City of Grand Rapids Primary Responsibilities of the Emergency Management Division: • Provides analysis, planning, decision making, and assignment of resources to mitigate, prepare, respond and recover from the effects of natural and man-made hazards • Activates and manages the local Emergency Operations Centers • Coordinates severe weather notifications with the National Weather Service • Oversees SARA Title III hazardous material site plans • Oversees hydroelectric dam emergency response plans • Coordinates efforts with other counties, the state and the federal government 3

7. What is a Hazard? • A dangerous event or circumstance that has the potential to lead to an emergency or disaster • A hazard can be natural or man-made; accidental or intentional 4

8. Disasters vs. Emergencies • Emergencies: • Immediate occurrence or threat causing injuries, deaths and/or property damage • Can be handled with local resources • Disasters: • Immediate occurrence or threat of widespread or severe injury or damage, with large loss of life or property • Causes significant human or economic loss • Exhausts local resources “When a hazard meets people it is an emergency, and when people are not prepared it becomes a disaster.” www.doIthing.us 5

9. Any Questions? 6

10. Objective #2:Understanding Local Hazards and How to Take Protective MeasuresFacts, Key Terms, Preventive Options, and Steps for Before, During and After will be Provided on the Following Hazards: • Thunderstorms and Lightning • Tornadoes • Extreme Heat • Floods • Fires • Winter Weather & Extreme Cold • Power Outages • Household Chemical Emergencies • Hazardous Materials Incidents 7

11. Thunderstorms and Lightning 8

12. Facts about Thunderstorms • Storms may occur singly, in clusters, or in lines • Warm, humid conditions are favorable for storm development • Storms can be most severe when affecting one location for an extended time • Storms typically produce heavy rain for a brief period • Ten percent of storms are severe – having high winds and hail 9

13. Facts about Lightning • Lightning is unpredictable, which increases the risk to individuals and property • Lightning often strikes outside of rainfall • Most deaths and injuries occur outside in summer months • Your chance of being struck by lightning is 1 in 600,000 • A victim of a lightning strike carries no electrical charge and should be attended to immediately 10

14. Know the Terms • Severe thunderstorm WATCH means thunderstorms are likely; listen to the radio or TV for further information • Severe thunderstorm WARNING means severe weather has been reported; imminent danger to life and property; and wind speed is expected to be 58 mph or higher, and hail is 1” or larger. • Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio which will provide alert notifications for severe weather 11

15. Preventing the Effects of Thunderstorms and Lightning • Remove dead or rotting trees • Remember the 30/30 Lightning Safety Rule • First 30: The flash to bang ratio • Second 30: How long you should stay sheltered • Postpone outdoor activities • If outside, get inside a home, building or hard-top automobile • However, remember rubber-soled shoes or rubber tires DO NOT provide guaranteed protection • Secure outdoor objects, doors and windows 12

16. During Thunderstorms and Lightning • Note changes in weather conditions near you • Listen to a battery-operated radio for information on “watches” and “warnings” or event cancellations • If you are outside: • Avoid natural lightning rods such as hilltops, open fields, golf courses, beaches, or a boat on open water • Avoid isolated sheds or small structures in open areas • Avoid metal sheds or buildings • Seek shelter in a low area 13

17. During Thunderstorms and Lightning • If you are on open water: • Get to land as soon as possible and find shelter • If you feel your hair stand on end: • Squat low to the ground and place your hands over your ears and your head between your knees • Make yourself the smallest target possible 14

18. After Thunderstorms and Lighting • To assist a victim of a lightning strike: • Call 9-1-1 as soon as possible • Check the person’s • Breathing (chest rising and falling) • Start CPR compressions immediately • Allow trained medical responders to take over when they arrive • NOTE: A person hit by lightning is safe to touch 15

19. Any Questions? 16

20. Tornadoes 17

21. Facts about Tornadoes • Tornadoes are one of nature’s most violent storms • Tornadoes may strike quickly with little or no warning • They generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm 18

22. Know the Terms • Tornado WATCH means tornadoes are possible; remain on alert for approaching storms; turn on the radio or TV • Tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted or has been indicated by the National Weather Service’s computer models; TAKE SHELTER IMMEDIATELY • Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio which will provide alert notifications for severe weather 19

23. Before a Tornado • Consider building a safe room or designate a part of your home or building as the safest room for shelter • If you live in a mobile home, make plans to determine where the closest shelter options are • Be alert to changing weather conditions • Listen to the radio, TV, or NOAA weather radio for updates • Watch the sky for danger signs: • Dark, greenish sky • Large hail • Large, dark low-lying clouds • Loud roar 20

24. During a Tornado • Take shelter in the lowest place in your home or building, with no windows, if possible • Seek shelter immediately such as the following options: • Using a designated safe room in your home • Locating a public building that may have a basement or safe room • Lying flat in a ditch or depression and covering your head • Do not get under an overpass or bridge • Never try to outrun a tornado • Watch for flying debris 21

25. Any Questions? 22

26. Extreme Heat 23

27. Facts about Extreme Heat • Most heat disorders occur because the victim has been overexposed or has over-exerted themselves • Individuals particularly susceptible are older adults, young children, the sick, and the overweight 24

28. Know the Terms • Heat Wave: Prolonged period of excessive heat • Heat Index: A number of degrees (F) added to the level of humidity in the air • Heat Cramps: Muscular pains and spasms, which are the first signal of trouble with the heat • Heat Exhaustion: The result of losing excessive body fluids • Heat Stroke: A person’s temperature control system stops working; can lead to Hyperthermia which is a life-threatening condition. • Sun Stroke: Another term for Heat Stroke 25

29. Preparing for Extreme Heat • Install window or whole-house air conditioning • Keep air conditioning ducts clean • Weather-strip doors and windows • Cover windows that receive strong morning or afternoon sun • Keep storm windows up all year • If your home does not have air conditioning develop a plan to visit a local cooling shelter if available, or stay with family or friends that have air conditioning in their home 26

30. During a Heat Emergency • Stay indoors on the lowest floor, and out of the sun • Eat light meals and drink plenty of WATER • Dress in loose-fitting, light colored clothing • Wear a hat to protect your head and face • NEVER leave children or pets alone in a car • Avoid strenuous work mid-day • Check on family, friends and neighbors • Remember your pets: • Provide plenty of water • Shelter from the sun or heat • Limit their activity 27

31. Any Questions? 28

32. Floods 29

33. Facts about Floods • Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States • Risks are greater in low-lying areas, near water, or downstream from a dam 30

34. Know the Terms • Flood or Flash Flood WATCH means flooding is possible • Flood WARNING means flooding is occurring or will occur soon • Flash Flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground immediately • Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio which will provide alert notifications for severe weather 31

35. Before a Flood • Avoid building in a flood plain • Buy flood insurance if you live in a flood plain • Elevate your furnace, water heater and electric panel • Install check valves in sewer traps or sump pumps • Construct flood barriers on your home’s exterior • Seal basement walls • Prepare a plan for evacuation such as going to a family or friend’s home, or a local hotel 32

36. During a Flood • Listen to the radio or TV for information • Move immediately to higher ground • Be aware of streams, creeks, and drainage channels – they may have caused flooded roadways • Do not try to drive through a flooded roadway • Do not walk through moving water • If you have to evacuate: • Secure your home • Turn off the utilities • Place outdoor furniture or other items inside • Take financial paperwork, insurance policies, charge cards, cash and other valuables with you 33

37. After a Flood • Listen to the radio or TV for information • Continue to avoid floodwaters • Stay away from downed power lines • Return home only when local authorities indicate it is safe • Be aware that your furnace and water heater pilot lights may be extinguished 34

38. Any Questions? 35

39. Fires 36

40. Facts about Fires • Fires spread quickly and can double in size every minute • Heat and smoke can be more dangerous than flames • Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire-related deaths • More than 4,000 people die in the U.S. each year, and more than 25,000 are injured • Most fires can be prevented • Property loss due to fires is estimated at $8.6 billion a year across the U.S. 37

41. Before a Fire • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and in every bedroom and hallway • Test and clean smoke alarms MONTHLY • If the alarm is not electrically wired, replace batteries yearly – select an anniversary date • Review escape routes with your family – determine at least 2 ways out and select an outside location where you will meet • Make sure windows open easily • Consider escape ladders for upper level rooms • Teach family members to ‘Get Low and Go!’ 38

42. Before a Fire • Store flammable liquids in approved containers in well-ventilated areas • Never smoke near flammable liquids • Properly discard materials soaked in flammable liquids • Ensure chimneys and wood stoves are properly maintained • Keep a screen in front of the fireplace • Kerosene heaters should not be used inside the home due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning 39

43. Before a Fire • Electric heaters can be used if the following conditions exist: • Heaters are placed three feet away from any flammable material • An adult is always in the room (and awake) when it is running • Keep matches and lighters away from children • Never smoke in bed • Sleep with bedroom doors closed • Properly maintain electrical wiring and don’t overload extension cords • Install A-B-C fire extinguishers in the kitchen, basement and garage and learn how to use them (PASS: Pull – Aim – Spray – Sweep • Check with your local fire department to see if they provide fire safety inspections 40

44. During a Fire • If your clothes catch on fire: STOP – DROP – and ROLL • To escape a fire: • Check closed doors for heat before opening them • Crawl on your belly and keep your face close to the floor • Close doors behind you • Once out – STAY OUT! • If you can’t get out, close the door to the room you are in, place towels or clothing to seal the door’s bottom, and open a window • Wave clothing out the window so firefighters know where you are • Call 9-1-1 and tell the dispatcher where you are in the house 41

45. During and After a Fire • Call 9-1-1 • Do not reenter a building if there is any smoke or heat detected • Contact your landlord if you are a tenant • Contact your insurance provider • Assistance from the American Red Cross or The Salvation Army may be provided 42

46. Any Questions? 43

47. Winter Storms and Extreme Cold 44

48. Facts about Winter Storms • Heavy snowfalls can immobilize an entire region • Winter storms can result in flooding, closed highways, blocked roads, downed power lines, frozen pipes, and hypothermia 45

49. Facts about Extreme Cold • Extended periods of exposure to temps below 32°F reduces blood flow to body parts farthest from the heart • Frostbite: Damage or destruction to skin and tissue due to extended exposure to extreme cold • Frostnip: The initial stages of Frostbite • Hypothermia: The body’s core temperature drops and affects normal metabolism and body functions (95°F or below); this causes shivering and mental confusion, lack of muscle coordination; pale complexion, or even blue lips, ears, fingers and toes; severe cases create incoherent behavior and the inability to walk. Alcohol complicates the condition. 46

50. Know the Terms • Freezing Rain: Rain that freezes when it hits the ground • Sleet: Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground • Winter Storm WATCH: A winter storm is possible in your area • Winter Storm WARNING: A winter storm is occurring or will occur soon • Blizzard WARNING: Sustained winds and considerable amounts of snow for three hours or longer • Frost/Freeze WARNING: Below freezing temperatures expected 47