DROUGHT / WATER SHORTAGE

Transcription

1 DROUGHT / WATER SHORTAGE Level I Minor Situation Level II Serious Emergency Level III Major Disaster ACTION PREPARE ACTION CONSERVE ACTION ALWAYS HAVE A PLAN Drought Watch - The least severe of the stages, a drought watch is declared when a drought is developing. Public water suppliers begin to conserve water and urge customers to reduce water use. Drought Warning - Voluntary water conservation is intensified. Public water suppliers and industries update and implement local drought contingency plans. Local agencies make plans in case of emergency declaration. Create a backup of water. Drought Emergency - The Governor may declare emergency. The Disaster Preparedness Commission coordinates response. Mandatory local/county water restrictions may be imposed. Communities may need to tap alternative water sources to avoid depleting water supplies, protect public health and provide for essential uses. Ensure you have a backup of water. Drought Disaster - Disaster plans are implemented. Water use is further restricted. The Governor may declare disaster and request federal disaster assistance. Emergency legislation may be enacted. The state provides equipment and technical assistance to communities. EMERGENCY WATER SHORTAGE An emergency water shortage can be caused by prolonged drought, poor water supply management or contamination of a surface water supply source or aquifer. A drought is a period of abnormally dry weather that persists long enough to produce serious effects (crop damage, water supply shortages, etc.). The severity of the drought depends upon the degree of moisture deficiency, the duration, and the size of the affected area. Drought can affect vast territorial regions and large population numbers. In effect, drought is a silent but very damaging phenomenon that is rarely lethal but enormously destructive. Drought can ruin local and regional economies that are agricultural and tourism based. Drought also creates environmental conditions that increase risk of other hazards such as fire, flash flood, and possible landslides/debris flow. Emergency water shortages can also be caused by contamination of a water supply. A major spill of a petroleum product or hazardous chemical on a major river can force communities to shut down water treatment plants. Although typically more localized, the contamination of ground water or an aquifer can also disrupt the use of well water. EMERGENCY WATER SHORTAGE An emergency water shortage can be caused by prolonged drought, poor water supply management or contamination of a surface water supply source or aquifer. A drought is a period of abnormally dry weather that persists long enough to produce serious effects (crop damage, water supply shortages, etc.). The severity of the drought depends upon the degree of moisture deficiency, the duration, and the size of the affected area. Drought can affect vast territorial regions and large population numbers. In effect, drought is a silent but very damaging phenomenon that is rarely lethal but enormously destructive. Drought can ruin local and regional economies that are agricultural and tourism based. Drought also creates environmental conditions that increase risk of other hazards such as fire, flash flood, and possible landslides/debris flow. Emergency water shortages can also be caused by contamination of a water supply. A major spill of a petroleum product or hazardous chemical on a major river can force communities to shut down water treatment plants. Although typically more localized, the contamination of ground water or an aquifer can also disrupt the use of well water. Extreme Heat or Cold Serial # Reference Only Not for Copy or Resale All Rights Reserved 1 of 5

2 The human body maintains a temperature between 36-37o C. Any excessive variation to this range has a detrimental effect on the functions of the body. As a general observation, it may be said that the human brain does not react well to excessive body heat, and the heart is sensitive to cold. The body has some natural defense mechanisms against excessive heat and cold. It regulates body heat by sweating, releasing heat through the body surface (heat loss), and through lung moisture evaporation. Cold is managed by shivering, which generates heat within the body. Heat related conditions are those conditions brought on by exposure to high temperatures and humidity. The most spectacular example of a serious heat related problem, is the televised distress suffered by athletes during long distance running events, conducted during hot and humid conditions. Heat may induce heat cramps, heat exhaustion and/or heat stroke. DEHYDRATION Dehydration is a condition caused by the individual's loss of fluids from perspiration and prolonged exposure to heat and humidity. When the individual's fluid loss exceeds his or her input through drinking, dehydration occurs and the blood volume lessens. A prolonged period of dehydration will lead to shock and in susceptible casualties, such as the frail elderly and very young, and the condition can be fatal. Pale, cool, clammy skin Rapid breathing Profuse and prolonged sweating Thirst Loss of skin elasticity (`Pinch test' on back of hand) Sunken eyes in children Complete rest in the shade, no further exertion Remove unnecessary clothing Give cool water to drink Ensure individual has assistance when recovered HEAT CRAMPS Heat cramps are caused by the loss of complex salts (electrolytes) through an imbalance in the body's fluid requirements - the body is losing more fluids than it is replacing. This debit causes the hard-working muscles to lose their vital electrolyte balance, causing muscular contraction. Pale, clammy skin Sweating if associated with exertion Cramping pains in the limbs or abdomen Nausea Uncontrolled spasms of affected limb(s) Rest in the shade Gently stretch the affected muscle Apply ice pack When nausea passes, give sips of cool water to drink (with caution) Avoid massaging affected limb Avoid any further exercise Serial # Reference Only Not for Copy or Resale All Rights Reserved 2 of 5

3 HEAT EXHAUSTION Heat exhaustion is caused by exertion accompanied by heat and high humidity. Pale, cool, clammy skin Rapid breathing Profuse and prolonged sweating Cramps in the limbs and/or abdomen Thirst, nausea and/or vomiting Constant headache Hot, exhaustion and lethargy Complete rest in the shade, no further exertion Remove unnecessary clothing Cool individual by sponging with water When nausea passes, give cool water to drink (cautiously) Ensure individual has assistance when recovered HEAT STROKE This condition is not to be confused with `sun stroke', the common ailment of headache and nausea suffered by children and careless adults who remain in the sun too long without a hat. Also known as 'Core Temperature Emergency', heat stroke is potentially fatal. In this condition, the body's temperature regulation centre in the brain has been rendered inoperable, and the temperature continually rises, causing eventual brain damage. Immediate active intervention is necessary to avoid coma and death. Flushed, hot, dry skin The individual has ceased sweating Rapid pulse, gradually weakening Irrational or aggressive behavior Staggering gait, fatigue Visual disturbances, headache Vomiting Collapse and seizures Coma - death Call 911 for an ambulance Complete rest in shade Remove individual's clothing Cool individual by any means possible - ice packs to neck, groin and armpits Cover individual with wet sheet and fan to increase cooling Be prepared to resuscitate as required Fluids can be given if individual is fully conscious If unconscious or semi-conscious, nothing by mouth - rehydration is required by intravenous fluids administered by a doctor or ambulance crew EXPOSURE TO COLD Exposure to cold has effects which are no less serious than exposure to heat and humidity. Serial # Reference Only Not for Copy or Resale All Rights Reserved 3 of 5

4 Remember that an elderly person in an unheated house during winter, who is incapacitated and unable to summon assistance, is at risk from exposure to cold and hypothermia. This situation is a common occurrence. This is the most common situation relating to persons suffering from low temperatures. It may be due to being caught out in inclement weather during bushwalking, soaked in cold water and unable to change, subject to cold winds (wind chill) without proper protection, or simply by being elderly, or not able to afford proper heating and clothing. Pale, cold skin Increasing lethargy, drowsiness, lack of muscular co-ordination Uncommunicative, poor judgment Shivering Warm slowly by adding additional clothing, heating source, body heat If wet, change the individual's clothing if in stable environment If conscious, give warm, sweet drinks When able to stand, encourage mild exercise HYPOTHERMIA Hypothermia is a potentially fatal condition that especially affects the elderly. The body's core temperature has been lowered to the extent that the brain function is impaired and the heart's activity is about to be compromised. Urgent first aid intervention is required. Pale, cold skin - no capillary return when fingernails are pressed Slow pulse, sometimes irregular Slow, shallow respirations Blurred, or double, vision Individual is silent, appears asleep, difficult to rouse; may be unconscious Individual experiences a sense of `wellbeing' Absence of shivering If very cold, may have non-reacting pupils and appear `death-like' Provide shelter from cold, rain, wet ground, and wind Call 911 for an ambulance Actively warm individual, wrap in `space blanket' or similar If wet, change the individual's clothing Once individual commences shivering, reassess heating Be prepared for sudden collapse and resuscitation If conscious, give warm, sweet drinks DO NOT rub affected area DO NOT expose to excessive heat DO NOT give alcohol Serial # Reference Only Not for Copy or Resale All Rights Reserved 4 of 5

5 Source: National Drought Mitigation Center Close Document to Returnn.com Serial # Reference Only Not for Copy or Resale All Rights Reserved 5 of 5