MODULE SEVEN

1. MODULE SEVEN Emergency Preparedness Info from www.osha.gov

2. Objectives: Participants will: • Understand the importance of community preparedness. • Understand how to work together as part of a team when responding to emergencies. • Understand how to develop an emergency plan for their family and home.

3. What is emergency preparedness? • Emergency preparedness is planning and actions undertaken in advance of a possible or probable natural or man-made disaster. • Plans for reconstruction, food storage, sanitation equipment storage, and conducting drills are usually part of an emergency preparedness plan.

4. What is a disaster? An unforeseen natural or man-made event that often comes on suddenly and that causes great damage, destruction and human suffering.

5. Disasters that occur in the United States: • Earthquake • Home fires and wildfires • Flooding • Hurricane/tropical storm • Severe storm; ice/hail storms; windstorms • Tornado • Winter storm • Extreme heat • Hazardous spills • Nuclear power plant emergencies • Terrorism • Biological and chemical threats

6. Who responds? First responders are usually: • Firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical technicians First receivers are usually: • Healthcare workers, hospital employees • Skilled support personnel can include: • HAZMAT, sampling, crime scene personnel, remediation, construction, and clean-up personnel • Safety officers

7. Aftermath: • Buildings may have been damaged or weakened by the disaster, and may collapse without warning. • There may also be gas leaks or electrical short circuits.

8. Aftermath: • After a disaster, it’s important that people who live in the affected area: • Stay away from fallen or damaged electric wires. • Check food and water supplies before using them. Foods that require refrigeration may be spoiled if electric power has been off for some time. • Stay away from disaster areas. You could interfere with first aid or rescue work, and it may be dangerous, as well. • Don’t drive unless necessary. • Report hazards to local authorities. • Do not spread rumors. • Obtain food, clothing, medical care, or shelter at Red Cross stations or from local government authorities.

9. What can you do? • Be informed about hazards that can affect you and your family. • Have a home emergency plan in place. • Collect and assemble a disaster supply kit. • Know the location of your local shelters. • Learn the warning systems in your community. For example, on TV or the radio.

10. Emergency drills: • Help people practice and prepare for real emergencies. • Should be treated as if they were real.

11. World Trade Center 9/11 • Do you remember? • Where were you when you heard about this? • How did this make you feel?

12. Summary: • Emergency preparedness involves planning and actions undertaken in advance of a possible or probable disaster. • Be informed about hazards that can affect you and your family. • Have a home emergency plan in place.