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Preparing for Disasters – an Environmental Perspective. Nicole Kosinski Walden University MPH Student. Objectives. Gain a clear understanding of the different types of disasters Learn the importance of having an emergency preparedness plan
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Preparing for Disasters – an Environmental Perspective Nicole Kosinski Walden University MPH Student
Objectives • Gain a clear understanding of the different types of disasters • Learn the importance of having an emergency preparedness plan • Learn what supplies you may need in the event of a disaster • Learn ways to make your environment safe • Provide you with tools
Why Do Emergencies Happen? • Natural disasters • Accidents • Deliberate acts of vandalism or terrorism 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.
Terrorist attacks Fires Arson Explosions Bombings Plane/Train Crashes Aviation/Rail Terrorism Floods Sabotage Chemical Spills/Releases Chemical Warfare Radiological Accidents “Dirty Bombs” Nuclear Accidents Nuclear Terrorism Epidemics Biological Accidents Biological Terrorism Tornado Volcano eruption Earthquake Landslide Examples of Disasters 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? • Do you have enough water for you and you family for the possibility of not having access to any for more than 3 days? • How about enough food and supplies? • Do you know how to protect your environment during disaster?
3 Day Supply • Water • Food • Battery-powered radio • Flashlight-extra batteries • First aid kit • Blankets • Trash bags • Map • Can opener • Special items for infants, elderly, sick, or people with disabilities The Department of Homeland Security. (2009). 30 Tips for Emergency Preparedness. Retrieved October 5 from http://www.dhs.gov/xcitizens/editorial_0711.shtm.
Your Environment • Water • Food • Sewage
Water Safety • Strain it • Boil it • Chlorinate it • Distill it CDC. (2009) Preparedness for all hazards. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from http://www.bt.cdc.gov/.
Safe Uses of Water Containers • Wash containers with dishwashing soap and rinse with water. • Sanitize by swishing a solution of 1 teaspoon of liquid household chlorine bleach to a quart of water on all interior surfaces of the container. • Rinse thoroughly with clean water before use. CDC. (2009) Preparedness for all hazards. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from http://www.bt.cdc.gov/.
Food Safety • Refrigerated perishable foods will spoil quickly. • If they become warm, do not use! Bacteria grow without refrigeration. • Do not use damaged canned 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 Store Food • Keep food in a dry, cool spot—out of the sun, if possible. • Wrap perishable foods, such as cookiesand crackers, in plastic bags and keep them in sealed containers. • Empty opened packages of sugar, dried fruits and nuts into screw-top jars or airtight cans to keep them fresh and unspoiled. CDC. (2009) Preparedness for all hazards. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from http://www.bt.cdc.gov/.
Helpful Hints for Food Safety • Observe proper temperature controls- hot food above 140 degrees and cold 45 degrees and below • Keep hand contact to a minimum when preparing food • If possible use single serving utensils • Be sure to wash with safe water and sanitize after 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.
Sewage Disposal What if I can’t flush my toilet, what should I use? • Large double-bagged trash bags can be used as liners in toilets, household disinfectant can help with the odor • A trench can be dug 2 to 3 feet deep to dispose of human waste. Spread a thin line of powdered bleach and dirt after each disposal. • Portable 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 and Isolation • Isolation applies to persons who are known to be ill with a contagious disease. • Quarantine applies to those who have been exposed to a contagious disease but who may or may not become ill. CDC. (2009) Preparedness for all hazards. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from http://www.bt.cdc.gov/.
Categories of Diseases • Infectious disease: a disease caused by a microorganism and therefore potentially infinitely transferable to new individuals. • Communicable disease: an infectious disease that is contagious and which can be transmitted from one source to another by infectious bacteria or viral organisms. • Contagious disease: a very communicable disease capable of spreading rapidly from one person to another by contact or close proximity. CDC. (2009) Preparedness for all hazards. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from http://www.bt.cdc.gov/.
Complete this Checklist • Post emergency telephone numbers • Teach children how and when to call 911 Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room. • Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster. • Show each family member how and when to turn off the water, gas, and electricity at the main switches. CDC. (2009) Preparedness for all hazards. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from http://www.bt.cdc.gov/.
Summary • Make a plan for you and your family • Put together a supplies list • Stay updated on current information • BE RESILIENT!!!!! CDC. (2009) Preparedness for all hazards. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from http://www.bt.cdc.gov/.
For More Information Call or Visit the Following Websites for: • Your local American Red Cross chapter • Your state and local health departments • Your local emergency management agency • CDC Public Response HotlineEnglish 1-888-246-2675Spanish 1-888-246-2857TTY 1-866-874-2646)
References CDC. (2009) Preparedness for all hazards. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from http://www.bt.cdc.gov/. O’Sullivan, F. (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 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. The Department of Homeland Security. (2009). 30 Tips for Emergency Preparedness. Retrieved October 5 from http://www.dhs.gov/xcitizens/editorial_0711.shtm.