Emergency Preparedness at Home New Mexico State University Cooporative Extension

DISASTERS HAPPEN Are you prepared?

Hatch Flood, August 2006 Hatch Flood Floodwaters breached an arroyo Hatch and other Dona Ana County floods Costs: $20 billion Including county’s dams and stormwater facilities repair costs

USDA Designates Seven Counties in New Mexico as Primary Natural Disaster Areas Counties with primary natural disaster areas due to losses caused by drought and high winds that occurred after October 1, 2008: –Chaves, Eddy, Lincoln, Roosevelt, DeBaca, Lea, and Otero Farm operators in the these counties in New Mexico also qualify for natural disaster benefits due to their neighboring status: –Curry, Guadalupe, Sierra, Torrence, Dona Ana, Quay, and Socorro August 14, 2009

Gila National Forest, July 3, 2006 The Bear Fire Two-week fire Burned 51,307 acres of mixed conifer

Emergency Preparedness at Home 1.Find Out What Disasters Could Happen to You 2.Create a Disaster Plan 3.Put Your Plan into Action 4.Keeping Your Plan Current

1. Possible Disasters Research what types of disasters are most likely to happen in your area. Find out about your community’s warning signals –what they sound like –what you should do when you hear them. Learn which radio stations will provide emergency information for your area.

Possible Disasters Earthquake Extreme Heat Fire Flood Hazardous Materials Household Hazardous Waste Emergency Terrorism –Explosions, Biological Threats, Nuclear Blast, Chemical Threats, Radioactive Fallout, Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP), Radiological Dispersion Device. Thunderstorms and Lightning Tornado Wildfire Winter Storms and Extreme Cold Pandemic Influenza Other: Landslide and Volcanoes Types of disasters and preparations:

Explain basic plan to all?

2. Create a Disaster Plan Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster. Discuss –The types of disasters that could happen –Explain what to do in each case Make two evacuation plans 1.Specific to your home 2.If your entire neighborhood is affected Have an action plan for your pets Contact an out of area relative or friend to be your “family contact.” –Explain to them their responsibility

3. Put Your Plan into Action Post emergency telephone numbers by all telephones Teach children how and when to call 911 for help Create your home emergency supply kit Find safe spots in your home for each type of disaster. Determine the best escape routes from your home – find two ways out of each room Ensure smoke detectors on each level of your home Keep NFPA approved general purpose dry chemical type household fire extinguisher Check for adequate insurance coverage Take photos or videotape your home and belongings Take a first aid and CPR class

Emergency Supply Kit Water: Drinking and sanitation. –1 gallon/person/day Food –Lasts for a long time –Manual can opener –Eating & drinking utensils. Medication – 1 year Warmth – a sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Special Items –Pack infant formula, bottles, diapers, baby food, pet food, feminine hygiene supplies, comfort items, books, paper, pens, and other forms of entertainment. Battery-powered radio Flashlight Batteries: for radio and flashlight First Aid kit Whistle Dust mask Moist towelettes. E.g. baby wipes Basic tools: Wrench or pliers Plastic sheeting and duct tape Good walking shoes Garbage bags Plastic sheeting and duct tape

Important Family Documents Will, Insurance Policies, Contracts, Deeds, Stocks and Bonds Bank Account Numbers Inventory of Valuable Goods Important Telephone Numbers Passports, Social Security Cards, Immunization Records Credit Card Account Numbers and Companies Family Records (birth, marriage, and death certificates) Keep these records in a fireproof & waterproof container:

4. Keeping Your Plan Current Practice, practice, practice – review your plan once a month. Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills. Test and recharge your fire extinguishers according to manufacturer’s instructions. Test your smoke detectors monthly – change the batteries every six months, when the time changes. Replace emergency supply kit stored water and food every six months.