READY WEST JORDAN NOW

Transcription

1 READY WEST JORDAN The goal of the West Jordan Fire Department is to create a disaster-resistant community that is aware and prepared to take care of themselves, their neighbors, and their city. The purpose of this booklet is to help our West Jordan citizens accomplish that goal. It is not all-inclusive, but if followed, will assist you as you take personal responsibility for yourself and your family. Ask yourself these questions if an earthquake (or any other disaster) happened right at this moment, what would be my first action? How would I get in touch with my family when it stopped? Do my children know what to do? If the main utilities, i.e., electricity, gas, water, are out for several days, how will we prepare meals, bathe, clean-up, maintain sanitary conditions? Having the answers before the disaster happens makes the event less threatening. Preparing for emergencies or disasters is a family responsibility. Families that are organized, even in basic ways, are far more likely to weather the storm successfully than those who are reacting to what has just happened. By planning ahead, you reduce the risks of personal injury, minimize damage, and lessen the impact on your property. Prevention means good action used to keep bad things from happening. In West Jordan, we face a number of potential disasters earthquakes, flooding, extreme weather, terrorism, hazardous materials, etc. There are basic concepts that work regardless the threat. These are the ideas we encourage families to start discussing and preparing. Once you have prepared yourselves and your families, we encourage you to share your plans with neighbors and friends. Assist them in starting or share ideas; in doing so, you strengthen each other. No matter how you begin or continue your preparations, the important thing is to do it! Not all disasters give a warning, so the time to prepare is NOW. Contact the West Jordan Fire Department s Prevention Division, the American Red Cross, or other emergency preparedness groups for additional ideas and assistance in creating your preparedness plans.

2 FAMILY EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Everyone in the family, including small children, can and should learn what to do in an emergency. This involves identifying what types of disasters are possible, how to prepare each member of the family for those disasters, and how to act if they occur. This is a process that will take some thought, time, and effort to accomplish, but when faced with an emergency, it will be well worth the effort. It is the objective of this booklet to help facilitate your family s preparation. Involve the entire family in planning Preparedness works best when everyone participates so make specific assignments or tasks so they remember what to do in an emergency. Plan escape routes from your home. Make a map of the home and show two ways out of each room. Walk through and discuss how to get out of each space with different scenarios. Be sure to identify a nearby family meeting place outside of the home that each person will go to regroup. Stress that it is imperative that everyone meet there. Then practice your escape plans. Post emergency numbers. Make a list of emergency numbers and post them by the telephone. Include your out-ofstate contact person as a way of getting and giving information if the local lines are down or jammed. Teach young children how and when to call 911 or other emergency numbers as appropriate. Learn first aid and CPR Everyone in the home should take some sort of basic medical training when old enough to understand the concepts. Contact the West Jordan Fire Department or the American Red Cross for available classes.

3 EARTHQUAKES Before Store an adequate water and food supply for your family. Organize a 72-hour portable emergency kit for each family member. Bolt down or provide support for water heaters, furniture, and other appliances. Have a battery-powered radio on hand with extra batteries. Consider earthquake insurance. During Most importantly- STAY CALM. If you re indoors: stay inside, and find protection in a doorway or crouch under a desk or table. Keep away from windows or glass dividers; avoid masonry walls or chimneys. Outside: stay away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines. While driving, keep away from underpasses/overpasses; stop in a safe area and stay in the vehicle. After Check for injuries. First yourself and your family, then your neighbors. Provide first aid as needed. Check the home s utilities - gas, water, sewer; look for downed electrical lines; turn off interrupted utilities as necessary. Check for building damage and potential safety problems, such as cracks around the chimney or foundation. Check for fires. ALWAYS remember there could be aftershocks. Wear sturdy shoes at all times Don t turn light switches off and on. Sparks created by the switch contacts can ignite gas fumes. Do not use matches or open flames in the home unless you are sure there are no gas leaks. Use telephones only for emergencies. As soon as possible, notify your family of your condition. Tune to an emergency radio or television station and listen for instructions from local authorities. In public buildings, follow evacuation procedures immediately and return only after the building has been declared safe by the appropriate authorities.

4 FIRES Before Make sure your home is free of excess combustible materials. Know avenues of escape from your home. HAVE A FAMILY ESCAPE PLAN and practice your plan. HAVE A PLACE TO MEET make sure everyone understands the importance of getting there as soon as possible. Keep fire extinguishers in the house and the car. Check them periodically to make sure they are charged. Have escape ladders for all windows higher than eight feet from the ground (especially for children.) Know how to use them. Don t run wires under carpets or rugs. Plan and practice a family drill at least once a year. During If you are outside, DO NOT ALLOW anyone to re-enter a burning building under any circumstances. Go to the nearest house or building and call your fire department by dialing 911. REPORT THE ADDRESS AND TYPE OF FIRE, THEN LISTEN AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS. If you are inside and have time, make sure everyone is out. If you are in a closed room or office, do not open the door without first feeling it or the door knob for heat. If either is warm or hot, do not open it, but unlock it to assist rescue or fire personnel. If there is smoke coming under the door, use clothes, sheets, etc. to stop the smoke from coming into the room, then find another means of escape. If your clothes should catch on fire, do not run. STOP, DROP & ROLL! If you see someone on fire, use a coat or blanket, etc., not your bare hands, to smother the flames. In a public building, follow established evacuation procedures. After Do not re-enter the building until appropriate authorities have given permission.

5 FLOODING Before Determine if your property is in a flood plain or may flood. Make advance plans of what to do and where to go. Store food, water, and critical medicines that can be taken quickly. Fill your car with gas in case you must evacuate. Move furniture and essential items to higher ground - if time permits. Have a portable radio and flashlights with extra batteries. Open basement windows to equalize water pressure on foundations and walls. Secure your valuables. Consider flood and earthquake insurance. During Listen to local radio or TV for weather information If you are instructed to evacuate, shut off utilities at the mains. Do not attempt to drive on or over any flooded road. While you are on the road, watch for possible flooding at bridges, dips and low areas. Watch out for road damage and debris. If it is necessary to drive through water, drive slowly and use low gear. If the vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately, and seek higher ground. Do not attempt to cross a stream on foot if the water is above you knees. Register at your designated Evacuation Center and remain at the Center until allowed to leave. After Stay away from the evacuated area until public health officials and building inspectors have given approval to return. Check for structural damage before entering your home. Once inside, make sure the electricity is off and watch for electrical wires. Do not use an open flame as a light source because of the possibility of escaping gas. Use flashlights. Beware of dangerous sparks. Do not use food that has been contaminated by floodwater. Test drinking water for possible contamination. If you are to be evacuated, you will be given the location by radio, TV, or through loud speaker announcements in your neighborhood. Evacuate immediately and follow all instructions.

6 HIGH WINDS Before Survey your home and/or property. Take note of how materials or items are stored, placed, or used. In the event of high winds, these things could become deadly projectiles. Devise methods of securing these materials where they will still be accessible for day-to-day needs. Keep a radio and/or television on and monitor for wind advisories. If appropriate, board up, tape or shutter all windows (leave some ventilation). Draw some water for emergency use in the event water service is interrupted. Have a supply of flashlights, spare batteries, candles, first aid equipment, medicines, etc., available for emergency use. Secure outdoor furniture, trash cans, tools, etc. During Take shelter in hallways, closets, and away from windows. Stay out of areas where flying objects may hit you or destroy your place of refuge. After Inspect for structural damage. Check all utilities for damage and proper operation. Monitor radio and television for instructions from local authorities. Report damages to your insurance carrier.

7 WINTER STORMS Before Arrange for an emergency heat source in case of power failure. Gather battery-powered equipment, food, heating fuel and other supplies. Prepare a winter survival kit. You should have the following items in your car: Blankets or sleeping bags, flares, high energy foods, (candy, raisins, nuts, etc.), first aid kit, flashlights, extra clothing, knives, compass, emergency candles and matches, maps, jumper cables, tow chains, shovel, windshield scraper, sack of sand. Keep the car s fuel tank above half full. During and After Dress warmly. Wear multiple layers of protective, loose-fitting clothing, scarves, mittens and hoods. Cover the mouth and nose to protect lungs from extremely cold air. Avoid travel, but if you become stranded, stay in your vehicle and keep it ventilated. Bundle up, light an emergency candle for warmth, and occasionally change sitting positions. Avoid overexertion. Heart attacks are a major cause of deaths during and after winter storms. Shoveling snow or freeing stuck vehicles can be extremely hard work. Don t overdo it! Beware of the wind chill factor if winds are present. Be prepared for isolation at home. If you live in a rural area, make sure you can survive at home in case a storm isolates you. Know the Winter Words of Warning WATCH: a winter storm is approaching. FLURRIES: intermittent snowfall that may reduce visibility. SLEET: small particles of ice, usually mixed with rain. HEAVY SNOW: four or more inches expected within a 24- hour period. FREEZING RAIN OR FREEZING DRIZZLE: when rain freezes as soon as it strikes the ground. If a substantial layer of ice is expected to accumulate from the freezing rain, an ICE STORM is forecast. BLIZZARD: most dangerous of all winter storms. It combines cold air, heavy snow, strong winds and reduced or no visibility. Winds are 35 mph or more and temperature fall to 20 degrees F, or less. SEVERE BLIZZARD WARNING: very heavy snowfall and winds of at least 45 mph, or temperatures of ten degrees or lower.

8 THUNDERSTORMS AND LIGHTING Protect Yourself When a thunderstorm or lightning threatens, get inside a home or large building or inside a vehicle. Stay indoors and don t go outside unless absolutely necessary. Stay away from open doors and windows, fireplaces, radiators, stoves and metal pipes, sinks, or electrical appliances. Don t use household equipment such as computers, hair dryers, electric blankets or electric razors during the storm. Except for emergencies, do not use the telephone during the storm. If outside, with time to reach a safe building or an automobile, follow these rules: o Do not stand underneath a natural lightning rod such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area. o Avoid being above the surrounding landscape, such as standing on a hilltop, in an open field, on the beach, or fishing from a small boat. o o If in the water, GET OUT. If in a small boat, get to shore immediately. Stay away from wire fences, clotheslines, metal pipes, rails, exposed metal sheds or anything that conducts electricity. Some of these items can carry electricity to you from some distance away. o Don t continue to use metal objects like fishing rods and golf clubs during a storm. o Stay in your automobile if you are traveling. Automobiles offer excellent lightning protection. o Get off and away from motorcycles, scooters, golf carts and bicycles. o If no building is available, your best protection is a cave, ditch or canyon, or under head-high clumps of trees or shrubs. o If only isolated trees are nearby, your best protection is to crouch in the open, keeping twice as far away from isolated trees as the trees are high. o If your hair stands on end or your skin tingles, lightning may be about to strike. o Drop to the ground immediately. First Aid Persons struck by lighting receive a severe electrical shock and may be burned, but They carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely. A person killed by lightning can often be revived by prompt mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, CPR, and prolonged artificial respiration. In a group struck by lightning, the apparent dead should be treated first: those who Show vital signs may recover spontaneously, although burns and other injuries will require treatment.

9 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Before Check your home for all hazardous materials. Remember have what you need but need what you have. Read labels on the containers. Follow storage instructions. Follow the LIES principle for hazardous materials storage o Limit the amount of hazardous materials in storage. o Isolate products in approved containers, store inside closed cabinets and protect them from sources of ignition. o Eliminate products that are no longer needed by disposing of them properly. o Separate incompatible materials (e.g., chlorine products and ammonia.) Be aware of what hazardous materials are in your neighborhood or close by. During If you are told to evacuate due to a hazardous material spill or incident, follow all instructions immediately and completely. If told to shelter-in-place, follow any instructions immediately or follow the procedures listed below - o Pick an interior room with no windows or as few as possible. If feasible, pick a room with a toilet, water, and phone. o Find one large enough for family or co-workers. o Lock all doors and windows. o Turn off heating/air conditioning systems. o Close all vents and fireplace dampers. o If possible, seal the doors and windows with items such as plastic and duct tape. o Also cover vent openings, electrical outlets, fixtures, and pipes, where air can enter the room. o Stay in place until told by local officials or over the Emergency Alert System. After Do not re-enter your residence or business until given permission. Make it a habit to frequently check your home for hazardous materials. EMERGENCY CONTROL OF ELECTRICITY Familiarize yourself and your family with the location of the electrical breaker panel. Turn off breakers for the areas of concern. If in doubt, shut off the main breaker. In case of basement flooding: o DO NOT ENTER TO SHUT OFF THE ELECTRICITY. o If the electrical panel is upstairs or outside, shut off all circuits before entering the basement. o Even an inch of water in the basement that has extension cords on the floor causes an electrical hazard.

10 EMERGENCY CONTROL OF NATURAL GAS Check house piping and appliances for damage. Check for fires or fire hazards. Do not use matches, lighters or other open flames. Do not operate electrical switches, appliances or battery-operated devices if natural gas leaks are suspected. This could create sparks that could ignite gas from broken lines. If gas line breakage is suspected, shut off the gas at the meter. This should be done, however, only if there is a strong smell of natural gas or if you hear gas escaping. Turn on a battery-operated radio or car radio to receive disaster instructions, as long as there are no gas leaks. Do not use your telephone except in extreme emergency situations. ASSEMBLING AND STORING SURVIVAL SUPPLIES You can cope best by preparing for disaster before it strikes. One way to prepare is by assembling a Disaster Supplies Kit. Once disaster hits, you won t have time to shop or search for supplies. But if you ve gathered supplies in advance, you and your family can endure an evacuation or home confinement. To prepare your kit: Review the checklist on the next few pages. Gather the supplies that are listed. Place the supplies you re apt to need for an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container. These supplies are listed with an asterisk (*).

11 Water You should store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least 2 quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more. Store 1 gallon of water per person per day (2 quarts for drinking, 2 quarts for food preparation and sanitation.)* Keep at least a 3-day supply of water for each person in your household. If you are concerned about the quality of the water, purify it before drinking. You can heat water to a rolling boil for 10 minutes or use commercial purification tablets to purify the water. You can also use household liquid chlorine bleach if it is pure, unscented 5.25% sodium hypochlorite. To purify water, use the following table as a guide: Water Quantity / Bleach Added 1 Quart 4 Drops 1 Gallon 16 Drops 5 Gallons 1 Teaspoon After adding bleach, shake or stir the water container and let it stand thirty minutes before drinking. Food Store at least a 3-day supply of nonperishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation, or cooking and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of Sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. *Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit: Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables. Canned juices, milk, soap (if powdered, store extra water.) Staples sugar, salt, pepper. High-energy foods peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix. Vitamins. Foods for infants, elderly persons or persons on special diets. Comfort/stress foods cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant coffee, tea bags.

12 First Aid Kit Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. A first aid kit should include: Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes. 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6.) 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6.) Hypoallergenic adhesive tape. Triangular bandages (3.) 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls.) 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls.) Scissors. Tweezers. Needle. Moistened towelettes. Antiseptic. Oral thermometer. Tongue blades (2.) Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant. Assorted sizes of safety pins. Cleaning agent/soap. Latex gloves (2 pair.) Sunscreen. Nonprescription Drugs Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever. Anti-diarrhea medication. Antacid (for stomach upset.) Syrup of Ipecac (used to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center.) Laxative. Activated charcoal (used if advised by the Poison Control Center.)

13 Tools and Supplies Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils.* Emergency preparedness manual.* Battery-operated radio and extra batteries.* Flashlight and extra batteries.* Cash or traveler s checks, change.* Non-electric can opener, utility knife* Fire extinguisher: small canister, ABC type. Tent. Pliers. Tape. Compass. Matches in a waterproof container. Aluminum foil. Plastic storage containers. Signal flare. Paper, pencil. Needles, thread. Medicine dropper. Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water. Whistle. Plastic sheeting. Map of the area (for locating shelters.) Sanitation Toilet paper, towelettes.* Soap, liquid detergent.* Feminine supplies.* Personal hygiene items.* Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses.) Plastic bucket with tight lid. Disinfectant. Household chlorine bleach. Clothing and Bedding Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person. Sturdy shoes or work boots.* Rain gear.* Blankets or sleeping bags.* Hat and gloves. Thermal underwear. Sunglasses.

14 Special Items Remember family members with special needs, such as infants, the elderly, or disabled persons. for baby:* Formula. Diapers. Bottles. Powdered milk. Medications. for adults:* Prescription drugs or other needed medications. Denture needs. Contact lenses and supplies. Extra eye glasses. Entertainment games and books. Important Family Documents Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container. Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds. Passports, social security cards, immunization records. Bank account numbers. Credit card account numbers and companies. Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers. Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates.)