Emergency Preparedness ARE YOU READY?

Developed especially for the (Date) Gary W. Talley Outreach and Community Services Programs Manager

Emergencies and disasters WILL happen. The effects of these can be minimized by preparation and advance planning. YOU can take steps to protect yourself and your family.

Emergency: A serious situation or occurrence that happens unexpectedly and demands immediate action; relatively localized and requires the resources (equipment / manpower) of local government.

Disaster: An occurrence causing widespread destruction and distress; a catastrophe. Generally not localized, and may require the resources of other jurisdictions, the state, or federal government.

The question is not “WILL an emergency or disaster occur.” The question is: “ WHEN it happens, will you be ready?”

VDEM has identified the possible types of emergencies and disasters that could be experienced by Virginia. These include, but are not limited to:

Hurricanes Tornadoes Flooding Winter Storms Chemical Spills Wild Fires Plane Crashes Terrorism

These are only SOME of the situations we could find ourselves dealing with. Some have lead times…others may occur without any warning.

To help us focus, let’s use the “next” hurricane as our example today….

11 Hurricanes have some unique elements which separate them from other natural disasters.

12 1. WARNING times Hurricanes are not surprises We have warnings – often days ahead of the impact phase

13 2. They can affect huge areas of land and sea. Not a localized disaster, but can impact hundreds or thousands of square miles and numerous states

14 3. Other emergencies and / or disasters can occur at the same time because of the storm Widespread flooding Tornadoes Power Outages others?

15 4. Economic Impact Hurricanes can destroy the economic base of one – or many – communities, and affect THOUSANDS of citizens.

16 5. Infra-structure damage Roads, bridges, power lines, and water treatment systems may all be severely damaged or destroyed in a hurricane.

17 6. Recovery time Full recovery from a major hurricane may take YEARS.

18 Because it can affect such a large area, outside help may not reach a community for several days. We could be without utilities – including safe drinking water – for an extended period of time.

The old guidelines warned us to be prepared to take care of ourselves for 2-3 days. The new guidelines (lessons learned from Katrina and Rita) suggest self- sufficiency for up to a week…or longer.

Having a “disaster kit” is strongly recommended. Lessons learned from Katrina and Rita tell us that help may NOT be immediately available and we need to rely on our own supplies and resources.

What you have in your disaster kit will be determined by YOUR needs; however, no matter what the cause, there are some items that should be in everyone’s disaster preparedness kit.

WATER: At least 1 gallon per person per day (½ for drinking & ½ for sanitation and meal preparation) “Non-perishable” foods that do not require cooking, such as protein bars, canned and dried fruit, MRE’s (available on the Internet and at many camping stores). Rotate to maintain freshness.

Sealed coffee and tea, and metal pans. Means to heat water (sterno, camp stove with fuel stored SAFELY) Waterless handwashing gel Extra towels and washcloths Dish soap Don’t forget disposable plates, bowls, flatware, and cups. Trash bags. Paper and cloth towels.

Medicines: both prescription and OTC, such as aspirin, Tylenol, Benadryl, etc… Rotate to daily use to maintain freshness, but be certain to replace. Flashlights: crank type recommended Batteries: for hearing aids, CI’s, radios and portable TV’s, and flashlights

Clothing – rotate to season appropriate, but always include rain gear and work gloves. If possible, spare eye glasses and a copy of prescriptions. Photos for insurance purposes. Keep copies in a safe place, other than home**. First Aid Kit

Soap, shampoo, and deodorant Bathroom tissue Aerosol disinfectant (Lysol) Pine Sol Cleaning rags Toothbrushes and toothpaste Rubbing alcohol / Hydrogen Peroxide Plastic trash bags

Wheelchair users should have tire repair kits and heavy gloves. Determine any of your own special needs, and make certain to include any needed items.

28 Other supplies CASH (ATM’s may not be working) OTC medicines / Vitamins Post cards / stamps Pens / pencils / Note Cards / Notebooks / Books / Games List of Important phone / contact numbers & addresses Power cords for cell phones / text devices

29 Specialized Needs If you have specialized needs, ensure adequate supply. If wheelchair dependent, have tire repair kit, heavy gloves, and extra batteries / charger. Insulin / needles Oxygen

30 NOW is the time to gather important phone – numbers: Local Utilities Doctors Pharmacy Bank / Credit Union Write down account numbers and keep them safe.

31 If your doctor / pharmacy / others do not have a TTY, ask them about Virginia Relay. Are they a Relay Partner?

Do you have a current “inventory” of your household items? One method is to stand in the middle of each room in your house and photograph every wall. Keep a printed and electronic copy, and send a copy to a trusted person OUTSIDE your immediate area.

33 Service animals Dry Pet Food Water Bedding Leashes / Harnesses / Collar Pet Medical Records

34 What is on YOUR list? *

HAVE A PLAN Set up with a family member or friend who lives out of your area. Be certain each family member knows how to contact this individual, and checks in with him or her following the disaster, if you get separated. Keep contact numbers current.

36 Be Aware - Prepare During certain “seasons”, the probability increases, so be prepared. Your safety is Your responsibility

Discussion Scenario September 21, 2011 A Category III hurricane slams into the coast of Virginia and moves inland…heading west northwest, moving at 30 miles per hour.

What are the issues to think about? INFORMATION: Notification and Warning How will you receive the warning? What SPECIFIC information do you want and need?

Expected time of impact on local area. Duration of the storm. Intensity of the storm. Amount of rainfall expected. Flooding expected? How high? Is my city / town hosting evacuees? How many? Where?

If electrical power is interrupted, will I still be able to receive information? How? Text Messenger TTY (analog) Friends / Family Posted notices in community areas

Strongly recommended: Register with local PSAP / Center Find out NOW how they can help you. Volunteer for CERT Training and local emergency management team. Share your knowledge and experience and learn new skills.

Planning ahead NOW can help to assure your safety and that of your family. Remember, outside help may be days away. Very likely, you could be on your own for up to a week.

Questions???????????????????