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Wednesday, September 15, 2010

SPECIAL NEEDS

If you or someone close to you has a disability or a special need, you may have to take additional steps to protect yourself and your family in an emergency.

Hearing Impaired - May need to make special arrangements to receive warnings.

Mobility Impaired - May need special assistance to get to a shelter.

Single working parent - May need help to plan for disasters and emergencies.

Non-English speaking persons - May need assistance planning for and responding to emergencies. Community and cultural groups may be able to help keep people informed.

People without vehicles - May need to make arrangements for transportation.

People with special dietary needs - Should take special precautions to have an adequate emergency food supply.

If you have special needs:

  • Find out about special assistance that may be available in your community. Register with the office of emergency services or the local fire department for assistance so needed help can be provided.
  • Create a network of neighbors, relatives, friends, and coworkers to aid you in an emergency. Discuss your needs and make sure everyone knows how to operate necessary equipment.
  • Discuss your needs with your employer.
  • If you are mobility impaired and live or work in a high-rise building, have an escape chair.
  • Keep specialized items ready, including extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen, catheters, medication, food for service animals, and any other items you might need.
  • Be sure to make provisions for medications that require refrigeration.
  • Keep a list of the type and model numbers of the medical devices you require.


Above information found in FEMA'S Are You Ready? guidebook.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Utility Shut-off and Safety Continued.

WATER.

Water quickly becomes a precious resource following many disasters. It is vital that all household members learn how to shut off the water at the main house valve.
  • Cracked lines may pollute the water supply to your house. It is wise to shut off your water until you hear from authorities that it is safe for drinking.
  • The effects of gravity may drain the water in your hot water heater and toilet tanks unless you trap it in your house by shutting off the main house valve (not the street valve in the cement box at the curb -- this valve is extremely difficult to turn and requires a special tool.)
Preparing to Shut Off Water,

  • Locate the shut-off valve for the water line that enters your house.
  • Make sure this valve can be completely shut off. Your valve may be rusted open, or it may only partially close. Replace it if necessary.
  • Label this valve with a tag for easy identification, and make sure all household members know where it is located.
ELECTRICITY.

Electrical sparks have the potential of igniting natural gas if it is leaking. It is wise to teach all responsible household members where and how to shut off the electricity.

Preparing to Shut Off Electricity,

  • Locate your electricity circuit box.
  • Teach all responsible household members how to shut off the electricity to the entire house.

FOR YOUR SAFETY: Always shut off all the individual circuits before shutting off the main circuit breaker.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Utility Shut-off and Safety

In the event of a disaster, you may be instructed to shut off the utility service at your home. Below is some general guidance for shutting off utility service:

NATURAL GAS.

Natural gas leaks and explosions are responsible for a significant number of fires following disasters. It is vital that all household members know how to shut off natural gas.

Because there are different gas shut-off procedures for different gas meter configurations, it is important to contact your local gas company for guidance on preparation and response regarding gas appliances and gas service to your home.

When you learn the proper shut-off procedure for your meter, share the information with everyone in your household. Be sure not to actually turn off the gas when practicing the proper gas shut-off procedure.

If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and get everyone out quickly. Turn off the gas, using the outside main valve if you can, and call the gas company from a neighbor's home.

CAUTION: If you turn off the gas for any reason, a qualified professional must turn it back on. NEVER attempt to turn the gas back on yourself.



The above information is found in FEMA'S Are You Ready? guidebook.

Monday, September 06, 2010

Family Communications

Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan how you will contact one another. Think about how you will communicate in different situations.

Complete a contact card for each family member. Have family members keep these cards handy in a wallet, purse, backpack, etc. You may want to send one to school with each child to keep on file. Pick a friend or relative who lives out-of-state for household members to notify they are safe.

On your contact card include the following information:

Contact Name:
Telephone:

Out-of-State Contact Name:
Telephone:

Neighborhood Meeting Place:
Meeting Place Telephone:



Above information found in FEMA'S Are You Ready? guide book.

Wednesday, September 01, 2010

Importance of Escape Routes

Draw a floor plan of your home with your family. Use a blank sheet of paper for each floor level in your home. Mark two escape routes from each room and make sure that your children understand the drawing.

You may want to post a copy of the drawing at eye level in each child's room as well as on the fridge and possibly in the mud room.



The above information is found in FEMA's Are You Ready? guide book.