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Preparing for Emergencies
Next week marks the 100th anniversary of the San Francisco earthquake and fire; a sober reminder that life can change drastically in a matter of moments. While we can't necessarily predict the next earthquake, there are steps you can take to help prepare yourself and your family now before the next disaster - whether it be an earthquake, fire, flood or terrorist attack.
General Disaster Preparation
First, devise emergency plans for different scenarios. Emergency supplies you need to stock are similar for each type of emergency. Consider the needs of family members in each scenario and decide how to meet them. Draw up an emergency communications plan. Designate a person outside your area or state to leave phone messages with, as local lines may be tied up. Give family members the phone number, e-mail address and cell phone number for updates. Agree upon a meeting place if you must leave home, or are away from home when the incident occurs.
Next, determine individual plans of action when government guidance is unlikely to be available.Then, assemble all supplies and protective equipment you will need for various types of emergencies and store them in appropriate places. Your designated "saferoom" at home, your car and your office are good locations. Develop alternative routes to and from work or school and practice them. In addition, find out what plans your children's schools have in the event of disaster scenarios. Copy important documents and place them in a safe deposit box or send them to someone away from your area.
Preparing for an Earthquake
In California, an earthquake may still be the most likely catastrophe. Make survival kits for the home, workplace and car, including the following items:- Nonperishable food and water for at least three days; pet food for pets
- First-aid kit and manual, including instant cold packs for sprains
- Battery-operated radio, flashlights and extra batteries, candles
- Fire extinguisher - multipurpose, dry chemical type
- Prescriptions and other medications
- Extra prescription glasses or contacts
- Plastic bags, handi-wipes and toilet tissue, bar of soap
- Knife, can opener, scissors, sewing kit, safety pins, duck tape
- Paper cups, plastic utensils to conserve water
- Toilet tissue and portable campstyle toilet
- Change of clothing, underwear, socks, sturdy shoes, work gloves
- Jacket or sweatshirt
- Sleeping bags, blankets, backpacks, tent or canopy
- Jumper cables, rope for towing and rescue; signaling devices
- Pliers, wrench and screwdriver
- Cash
During an Earthquake
Take cover under a desk or table, inner door frame or interior room. Stay away from windows, fireplaces, light fixtures, high furniture and cabinet doors. Use a flashlight to investigate. In a high-rise, do not use the elevators. If outdoors, avoid buildings and utility wires. Stay in the open until shaking stops. If in a car, pull to shoulder or curb away from utility wires and overpasses. Use your radio.
After an Earthquake
Remain calm and listen to a radio for news and instructions. Check for damage to your home. Do not light candles or operate light switches. Sniff for gas leaks. If you smell gas, turn off the main gas valve and open windows. Shut off other damaged utilities. Check others for injuries and give basic first aid. Secure your pets. Call your family contact, and don't telephone again except in a lifethreatening emergency. Do not use your fireplace until inspected.
Be prepared for aftershocks and alert for hazards such as fires and dam breaks. Do not move seriously injured or unconscious people unless in immediate danger. Call for first-aid assistance for true emergencies. Promptly clean up spilled materials and broken glass. If you must leave home, confine pets to the safest area. Pets are generally not permitted at shelters.
Dealing with Chemical Attack
If outdoors, take shelter quickly in the closest building. Cars are not airtight enough to safely shelter-inplace. Close all windows and doors. Shut off air flow from heating or air conditioning. Close fireplace dampers. Lock and seal windows, doors, air vents and outlets with duct tape and plastic sheeting. Use a dust mask. Remain in your sealed room until safe to leave (usually a few hours). Then ventilate and vacate the building.
If the attack is indoors, open windows and breathe fresh air. Soon after the initial attack, remove clothing and shower. Place clothing in a sealed plastic bag. If you experience difficulty in breathing, eye irritation, blurred vision, nausea or convulsions, seek medical treatment when it is safe to leave.
Reacting to a Radiological or Nuclear Attack
In a radiological attack (dirty bomb), avoid breathing potentially radioactive dust. A dust mask or a shirt can be helpful. In a nuclear attack, avoid fallout. Go underground, or high up in a multi-story building. Seal openings with duct tape and plastic sheeting. Evacuate as soon as possible.
Countering Bioterror Attacks
Bioweapons require an incubation period of days or weeks before becoming deadly. Anthrax, for example, has a two- to four-day window of opportunity for treatment. If given appropriate medication during that window, an estimated 95 percent of exposed persons can be saved. Go to a medical provider if exposed or symptomatic.
Timely Actions Are Critical
Being prepared can make a great difference in living through a crisis or disaster of any type. Planning and actions by informed individuals are necessary to provide security and safety. For more information on emergency preparedness, visit the Department of Homeland Security website at www.ready.gov or the Contra Costa Health Services website at www.cchealth.org.
[back to top](Posted April 7, 2006)