Source: American Red Cross – Greater New York Region: http://www.nyredcross.org/?nd=home

The Red Cross is a valuable source of information for both patient and staff education. A few are included here, but there are many additional handouts and resources, including a family resource “Safe and Well” which is a searchable database for registering and locating friends and family members (https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php). Blackout Safety & Preparedness Guide Top Safety Tips for a Blackout  Use only flashlights for emergency lighting. Never use candles due to extreme risk of fire!  Turn off electrical equipment you were using when the power went out.  Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer.  Never run a generator inside a home or garage.  Never connect a generator to a home's electrical system. Connect any equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator.  Listen to local radio and television for updated information. How to Prepare for a Blackout  Assemble essential supplies before a blackout, including: o Flashlight o Batteries o Portable radio o At least one gallon of water o A small supply of food  Follow energy conservation measures to keep the use of electricity as low as possible, which can help power companies avoid imposing rolling blackouts.  Fill plastic containers with water and place them in the refrigerator and freezer if there's room. Leave about an inch of space inside each one, because water expands as it freezes. This chilled or frozen water will help keep food cold during a temporary power outage, by displacing air that can warm up quickly with water or ice that keeps cold for several hours without additional refrigeration  Be aware that most medication that requires refrigeration can be kept in a closed refrigerator for several hours without a problem. If unsure, check with your physician or pharmacist.  Keep your car tank at least half full because gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps.  Know where the manual release lever of your electric garage door opener is located and how to operate it. Garage doors can be heavy, so know that you may need help to lift it.  Keep a key to your house with you if you regularly use the garage as the primary means of entering your home, in case the garage door will not open. What to Do During a Blackout  Use only flashlights for emergency lighting. NEVER use candles during a blackout or power outage due to extreme risk of fire.

1 Source: American Red Cross – Greater New York Region: http://www.nyredcross.org/?nd=home

 Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to keep your food as fresh as possible. If you must eat food that was refrigerated or frozen, check it carefully for signs of spoilage.  Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment (like air conditioners) or electronics in use when the power went out. Power may return with momentary "surges” or “spikes” that can damage computers as well as motors in appliances like the air conditioner, refrigerator, washer or furnace.  Do not run a generator inside a home or garage.  Do not connect a generator to a home's electrical system. If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to run directly to the outlets on the generator.  Listen to local radio and to a battery- or generator-powered television for updated information.  Leave on one light so that you'll know when your power returns.  Use a standard telephone handset, cellular phone, radio or pager if your phone requires electricity to work, as do cordless phones and answering machines. Use the phone for emergencies only. Listen to a portable radio for the latest information.  Do not call 9-1-1 for information—call only to report a life-threatening emergency. Use the phone for life-threatening emergencies only.  Take steps to remain cool if it is hot outside (see Summer Safety Tips for Everyone). In intense heat when the power may be off for a long time, consider going to a movie theater, shopping mall or “cooling shelter” that may be open in your community. If you remain at home, move to the lowest level of your home, since cool air falls. Wear lightweight, light- colored clothing. Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty.  Put on layers of warm clothing if it is cold outside. Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors. Never use your oven as a source of heat. If the power may be out for a prolonged period, plan to go to another location (the home of a relative or friend, or a public facility) that has heat to keep warm.  Provide plenty of fresh, cool water for your pets.  Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic signals will stop working during an outage, creating traffic congestion.  Remember that equipment such as automated teller machines (ATMs) and elevators may not work during a power outage. Information for People With Disabilities  Call your power company before rolling blackouts occur if you use a battery-operated wheelchair, life-support system or other power-dependent equipment. Many utility companies keep a list and map of the locations of power-dependent customers in case of an emergency. Ask them what alternatives are available in your area. Contact the customer service department of your local utility company(ies) to learn if this service is available in your community.  Have an extra battery if you use a motorized wheelchair or scooter. A car battery also can be used with a wheelchair but will not last as long as a wheelchair's deep-cycle battery. If available, have a lightweight manual wheelchair for backup.  Have a talking or Braille clock or large-print timepiece with extra batteries if you are blind or have a visual disability.

2 Source: American Red Cross – Greater New York Region: http://www.nyredcross.org/?nd=home

 Consider getting a small portable battery-operated television set if you are deaf or have a hearing loss. Emergency broadcasts may give information in American Sign Language (ASL) or open captioning.

Using a Generator  Get advice from a licensed professional, such as an electrician if you are considering obtaining a generator. Make sure the generator is listed with Underwriter's Laboratories or a similar organization. Some municipalities, Air Quality Districts, or states have "air quality permit" requirements. A licensed electrician will be able to give you more information on these matters.  Plan to always keep the generator outdoors—never operate it inside, including in the basement or garage. Do not hook up a generator directly to your home's wiring. The safest thing to do is to connect the equipment you want to run directly to the outlets on the generator. For more information about using generators safely, see the Indoor Heating, Fireplace and Generator Safety.Using a Computer

 Keep computer files and operating systems backed up regularly. Consider buying extra batteries and a power converter if you use a laptop computer. A power converter allows most laptops (12 volts or less) to be operated from the cigarette lighter of a vehicle.  Turn off all computers, monitors, printers, copiers, scanners and other devices when they're not in use. That way, if the power goes out, this equipment will have already been safely shut down.  Remember that some voice mail systems and remote dial-up servers for computer networks may not operate when the power is out where these systems are located. So even if you have power, your access to remote technology may be interrupted if the power that serves those areas is disrupted. Check with remote service providers to see if they have backup power systems, and how long those systems will operate. Using a Generator

 Get advice from a licensed professional, such as an electrician if you are considering obtaining a generator. Make sure the generator is listed with Underwriter's Laboratories or a similar organization. Some municipalities, Air Quality Districts, or states have "air quality permit" requirements. A licensed electrician will be able to give you more information on these matters.  Plan to always keep the generator outdoors—never operate it inside, including in the basement or garage. Do not hook up a generator directly to your home's wiring. The safest thing to do is to connect the equipment you want to run directly to the outlets on the generator. For more information about using generators safely, see the Indoor Heating, Fireplace and Generator Safety. Using a Computer  Keep computer files and operating systems backed up regularly. Consider buying extra batteries and a power converter if you use a laptop computer. A power converter allows most laptops (12 volts or less) to be operated from the cigarette lighter of a vehicle.

3 Source: American Red Cross – Greater New York Region: http://www.nyredcross.org/?nd=home

 Turn off all computers, monitors, printers, copiers, scanners and other devices when they're not in use. That way, if the power goes out, this equipment will have already been safely shut down.  Remember that some voice mail systems and remote dial-up servers for computer networks may not operate when the power is out where these systems are located. So even if you have power, your access to remote technology may be interrupted if the power that serves those areas is disrupted. Check with remote service providers to see if they have backup power systems, and how long those systems will operate. Energy Conservation Recommendations To conserve power and help to avoid a blackout, follow these power industry recommendations:  Set your thermostat at 68 degrees or lower in winter and at 78 degrees or higher in summer. (A 75-degree setting uses 18 percent more electricity and a 72-degree setting uses 39 percent more electricity. A 78 degree setting allows for sufficient cooling while still conserving electric power.) Consider installing a programmable thermostat so that you can have your furnace or air conditioning run only when you are at home. Most power is consumed by heating and cooling, so adjusting the temperature on your thermostat is the biggest energy conservation measure you can take.  Use an air conditioner only when you are home. If you want to cool down a room before you arrive home, set a timer to have it switch on no more than one-half hour before you arrive home.  Only use appliances with heavy electrical loads (dishwashers, washers, dryers) early in the morning or late at night.  Do not set the thermostat at a colder-than-normal setting when you turn on your air conditioner. It won't cool your home any faster and could result in unnecessary energy expenditure and expense.  Open draperies and shades on south-facing windows during the day in the winter to allow warm sunlight to enter your home. Close them at night to reduce the chill. Keep window coverings closed during the day in summer.  Clean or replace furnace and air-conditioner filters regularly. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy use.  Clean warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators as needed; make sure they're not blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes.  Turn off lights, appliances and computers when not in use. Avoid using a "screen saver" on your computer monitor. Simply turn off the monitor when you won't be using the computer for a while. Set computers, monitors, printers, and copiers to their energy saving feature and turn them off in the evening. It's no longer true that computer equipment is damaged by turning it off and on.  Close windows when the heating or cooling system is on.  Caulk windows and doors to keep air from leaking, and replace old windows with new, energy-efficient windows.  Purchase energy-efficient appliances and lights. Look for the ENERGY STAR® labels. ENERGY STAR® is a program of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the

4 Source: American Red Cross – Greater New York Region: http://www.nyredcross.org/?nd=home Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designed to help consumers identify energy-efficient appliances and products.  Minimize "leaking energy." Many TVs, VCRs, chargers, computer peripherals and other appliances use electricity even when switched "off." These "standby losses" can add up. If possible, unplug electronic devices and chargers that have a block-shaped transformer on the plug when not in use.  Plug and seal the chimney flue if you never use your fireplace.  Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is going. Keeping the damper open is like keeping a 48-inch window open during the winter—it allows warm air to go right up the chimney.  Wrap the water heater with an insulation jacket, available at most building supplies retailers.  Wash only full loads of clothes and clean the dryer's lint trap after each use. Use the cold water setting on your clothes washer when you can. Using cold water reduces your washer's energy use by 75 percent.  Wash full loads of dishes in the dishwasher and use the "lite" cycle. If possible, use the "rinse only" cycle and turn off the "high temperature" rinse option. When the regular wash cycle is done, open the dishwasher door to allow the dishes to air dry.  Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent lights. Use one large light bulb rather than several smaller ones.

5 Source: American Red Cross – Greater New York Region: http://www.nyredcross.org/?nd=home

 Evacuation Planning Guide Local government officials, not the Red Cross, issue evacuation orders when disaster threatens. Listen to local radio and television reports when disaster threatens. Trust the expertise of local officials and follow their instructions closely. If local officials ask you to leave, do so immediately! If you have only moments before leaving, grab your Emergency Go Bag with these items!  Water—small bottles  Food—nonperishable snacks  Battery-powered radio/flashlight (with extra batteries) or crank radio/flashlight*  First Aid Kit—bandages, scissors  Copies of important documents in a waterproof container (ID, proof of residence, insurance info, emergency contact card)  Prescription info—name, dose, doctor’s name and number  A whistle to signal for help  Silver foil blanket—also called a mylar blanket  Keys—a second set of car and house keys  Cash—small bills  Toiletries—hygiene items, toilet paper  Personalize your “Go Bag” for your special needs—baby supplies, contact lenses, pet supplies, etc. If local officials haven't advised an immediate evacuation: If there's a chance the weather may get worse or flooding may happen, take steps now to protect your home and belongings. Do this only if local officials have not asked you to leave. Protect your home. Bring things indoors. Lawn furniture, trash cans, children's toys, garden equipment, clotheslines, hanging plants, and any other objects that may fly around and damage property should be brought indoors. Leave trees and shrubs alone. If you did not cut away dead or diseased branches or limbs from trees and shrubs, leave them alone. Local rubbish collection services will not have time before the storm to pick anything up. Look for potential hazards. Look for unripened fruit and other objects in trees around your property that could blow or break off and fly around in high winds. Cut them off and store them indoors until the storm is over. Turn off electricity and water. Turn off electricity at the main fuse or breaker, and turn off water at the main valve. Leave natural gas on. Unless local officials advise otherwise, leave natural gas on because you will need it for heating and cooking when you return home. If you turn gas off, a licensed professional is required to turn it back on, and it may take weeks for a professional to respond. Turn off propane gas service. Propane tanks often become dislodged in disasters.

6 Source: American Red Cross – Greater New York Region: http://www.nyredcross.org/?nd=home If high winds are expected, cover the outside of all windows of your home. Use shutters that are rated to provide significant protection from windblown debris, or fit plywood coverings over all windows. If flooding is expected, consider using sand bags to keep water away from your home. It takes two people about one hour to fill and place 100 sandbags, giving you a wall one foot high and 20 feet long. Make sure you have enough sand, burlap or plastic bags, shovels, strong helpers, and time to place them properly. Remember. Houses do not explode due to air pressure differences. Damage happens when wind gets inside a home through a broken window, door, or damaged roof. Cover the outside of windows with shutters or plywood. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking. All tape does is prevent windows from shattering. Using tape on windows is not recommended. Protect your valuables. Move objects that may get damaged by wind or water to safer areas of your home. Move television sets, computers, stereo and electronic equipment, and easily moveable appliances like a microwave oven to higher levels of your home and away from windows. Wrap them in sheets, blankets, or burlap. Make a visual or written record of all of your household possessions. Record model and serial numbers. This list could help you prove the value of what you owned if those possessions are damaged or destroyed, and can assist you to claim deductions on taxes. Do this for all items in your home, including expensive items such as sofas, chairs, tables, beds, chests, wall units, and any other furniture too heavy to move. Store a copy of the record somewhere away from home, such as in a safe deposit box. If it's possible that your home may be significantly damaged by impending disaster, consider storing your household furnishings temporarily elsewhere.

7 Source: American Red Cross – Greater New York Region: http://www.nyredcross.org/?nd=home Shelter-in-Place Guide What Shelter-in-Place Means In an emergency where hazardous chemical, biological or radiological contaminants are accidentally or intentionally released into the atmosphere, you may be told by local police, fire officials, emergency coordinators or elected officials to shelter-in-place. Information will be provided on TV and the radio, on the emergency broadcast system. Shelter-in-place is a precaution aimed to keep you safe while remaining indoors. (This is not the same as going to a shelter in case of a storm.) It means selecting a small, interior room with no or few windows, and taking refuge there. It does not mean sealing off your entire home or office building.

Why You May Need to Shelter-in-Place A chemical emergency may occur anywhere hazardous materials are manufactured, stored or transported. Chemical plants are obvious sources of potential accidents. Less obvious are highways, railways and storage containers at places such as swimming pools (chlorine). A hazardous material can be a solid, liquid or gas. You may not be able to see or smell anything but your safety could be at risk. How can you tell if there is a hazardous chemical emergency? Most often, you will be notified by the local authorities. You should take action if you notice any of the following:  An unusual smell or sound, such as an explosion,  Visible smoke, fire or a vapor cloud,  Skin or eye irritation,  Breathing difficulty. If you are told to shelter-in-place, take your children and pets indoors immediately and follow the instructions provided below. (If your children are at school, they will be sheltered there.) Stay tuned to TV or radio until the "all clear” message is broadcast. Prepare a Shelter-in-Place Kit Prepare a kit appropriate for the type(s) of emergencies that could occur near you. The kit should contain:  Duct tape for sealing cracks around doors and windows  Plastic (preferably precut to size) to cover windows  Towels  Battery or crank-operated AM/FM radio and flashlight and fresh batteries  Bottled water  Nonperishable food  Toys for young children  First-aid kit and medicine Check the kit every six months to ensure that all the supplies are still there and that they are fresh. The room should have a telephone, although you should use it only for emergency calls. Otherwise, you may be taking up a line needed by emergency response officials.

8 Source: American Red Cross – Greater New York Region: http://www.nyredcross.org/?nd=home Also, make sure all family members know what to do in a chemical emergency, whether they are at home, school, work or outdoors. How to Shelter-in-Place http://www.nyredcross.org/?nd=shelter_in_place_guide At Home:  Go inside as quickly as possible.  Close and lock all windows and exterior doors. Locking makes a better seal.  Close the window shades, blinds or curtains if you are told there is danger of explosion.  Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems.  Close the fireplace damper and any other place that air can come in from outside.  Get your family disaster supplies kit and make sure the radio or TV is working.  Go to an interior room without windows that's above ground level. An above-ground location is preferable because some chemicals are heavier than air, and may seep into basements even if the windows are closed.  Bring your pets with you, along with additional food and water for them.  Have a hard-wired telephone in the room you select if possible. Call your emergency contact and have the phone available if you need to report a life-threatening condition. Cellular telephone equipment may be overwhelmed or damaged during an emergency.  Use duct tape and plastic sheeting (heavier than food wrap) to seal all cracks around the door and any vents into the room.  Keep listening to your radio or TV until you hear the "all-clear” or are told to evacuate. Local officials may call for evacuation in specific areas at greatest risk in your community. At Work:  Close the business.  Provide for the safety of any customers, clients, or visitors in the building by asking them to stay - not leave. When authorities direct residents to shelter-in-place, they want everyone to take those steps now, where they are, and not drive or walk outdoors.  Unless there is an imminent threat, have employees, customers, clients and visitors call their emergency contact to let them know where they are and that they are safe.  Turn on call-forwarding or alternative telephone answering systems or services. If the business has voice mail or an automated attendant, change the recording to indicate that the business is closed, and that staff and visitors are remaining in the building until authorities say that it is safe to leave.  Close and lock all windows, exterior doors and any other openings to the outside. Locking makes a better seal.  Close window shades, blinds or curtains if you are told there is danger of explosion.  Have employees familiar with your building's mechanical systems turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems. Some systems automatically provide for exchange of inside air with outside air—these systems in particular need to be turned off, sealed or disabled.

9 Source: American Red Cross – Greater New York Region: http://www.nyredcross.org/?nd=home

 Gather essential disaster supplies such as nonperishable food, bottled water, battery-powered radios, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, duct tape, plastic sheeting and plastic garbage bags.  Select interior room(s) above the ground floor with the fewest windows or vents. The room(s) should have adequate space for everyone to be able to sit. Avoid overcrowding by selecting several rooms if necessary. Large storage closets, utility rooms, pantries, copy rooms and conference rooms without exterior windows will work well. Avoid selecting rooms with mechanical equipment like ventilation blowers or pipes, because this equipment may not be able to be sealed from the outdoors.  Have a hard-wired telephone in the room(s) you select if possible. Call emergency contacts and have the phone available if you need to report a life-threatening condition. Cellular telephone equipment may be overwhelmed or damaged during an emergency.  Use duct tape and plastic sheeting (heavier than food wrap) to seal all cracks around the door(s) and any vents into the room.  Bring everyone into the room(s). Shut and lock the door(s).  Write down the name of everyone in the room, and call your business" designated emergency contact to report who is in the room with you, and their affiliation with your business (employee, visitor, client, customer).  Keep listening to the radio or TV until you hear the “all clear” or are told to evacuate. Local officials may call for evacuation in specific areas at greatest risk in your community. At School:  Close the school. Activate the school’s emergency plan. Follow reverse evacuation procedures to bring students, faculty and staff indoors.  Provide for the safety of visitors in the building by asking them to stay – not leave. When authorities provide directions to shelter-in-place, they want everyone to take those steps now, where they are, and not drive or walk outdoors.  Provide for answering telephone inquiries from concerned parents by having at least one telephone with the school’s listed phone number available in the room selected to provide shelter. Have the school secretary or other designated person answer these calls. This room should also be sealed.  Have a way to communicate among all rooms where people are sheltering-in-place in the school. Ideally, provide for a way to make announcements over the school-wide public address system from the room where the top school official takes shelter.  Allow children with cell phones (if working) to call parents or guardians to let them know that they have been asked to remain in school until further notice, and that they are safe.  If the school has voice mail or an automated attendant, change the recording to indicate that the school is closed, students and staff are remaining in the building until authorities advise that it is safe to leave.  Close and lock all windows, exterior doors and any other openings to the outside.  Close window shades, blinds or curtains if you are told there is danger of explosion.  Have employees familiar with your building’s mechanical systems turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems. Some systems automatically provide for exchange of inside air with outside air – these systems, in particular, need to be turned off, sealed, or disabled.

10 Source: American Red Cross – Greater New York Region: http://www.nyredcross.org/?nd=home

 Gather essential disaster supplies, such as nonperishable food, bottled water, battery-powered radios, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, duct tape, plastic sheeting and plastic garbage bags.  Select interior room(s) above the ground floor, with the fewest windows or vents. The room(s) should have adequate space for everyone to be able to sit. Avoid overcrowding by selecting several rooms if necessary. Classrooms may be used if there are no windows or the windows are sealed and cannot be opened. Large storage closets, utility rooms, meeting rooms and even a gymnasium without exterior windows will also work well.  Have a hard-wired telephone in the room(s) you select if possible. Call emergency contacts and have the phone available if you need to report a life-threatening condition. Cellular telephone equipment may be overwhelmed or damaged during an emergency.  Bring everyone into the room. Shut and lock the door.  Use duct tape and plastic sheeting (heavier than food wrap) to seal all cracks around the door(s) and any vents into the room.  Write down the name of everyone in the room, and call your schools’ designated emergency contact to report who is in the room with you.  Listen for an official announcement from school officials via the public address system, and stay where you are until you are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate. Local officials may call for evacuation in specific areas at greatest risk in your community. In Your Vehicle: If you are driving and hear advice to “shelter-in-place” on the radio, take these steps:  If you are very close to home, your office, or a public building, go there immediately and go inside. Follow the shelter-in-place recommendations described above for the place you pick.  If you are unable to get to a home or building quickly and safely, pull over to the side of the road. Do not attempt to drive through smoke or fumes. Stop your vehicle in the safest place possible. If it is sunny, it is preferable to stop under a bridge or in a shady spot, to avoid being overheated.  Turn off the engine.  Close all doors, windows and vents.  Seal the heating/air conditioning vents with duct tape if possible.  Listen to the radio for updated advice and instructions.  Stay where you are until you are told it is safe to get back on the road. Be aware that some roads may be closed or traffic detoured. Follow the directions of law enforcement officials. Local officials on the scene are the best source of information for your particular situation. Following their instructions during and after emergencies regarding sheltering, food, water and clean up methods is your safest choice. Remember that instructions to shelter-in-place are usually provided for durations of a few hours, not days or weeks. There is little danger that the room in which you are taking shelter will run out of oxygen.

11 Source: American Red Cross – Greater New York Region: http://www.nyredcross.org/?nd=home How to Cope During a Shelter-in-Place Emergency http://www.nyredcross.org/?nd=how_to_cope_during_a_shelter_in_place_emergency What Sheltering in Place Means In an emergency where hazardous chemical, biological or radiological contaminants are accidentally or intentionally released into the atmosphere, you may be told by local police, fire officials, emergency coordinators or elected officials to shelter-in-place. Sheltering in place is taking immediate shelter indoors wherever you are—at home, work, school or in between—in an interior room with no or few windows. (This is not the same as going to a shelter in case of a storm.) Sheltering in place can disrupt routines and challenge one’s ability to tend to responsibilities, such as work or caring for loved ones. Understandably, people may become nervous or uncomfortable when sheltering in place. The following information can help you cope emotionally with this type of emergency. People are resilient, and most often bounce back after difficult times. Understanding Sheltering in Place During certain emergencies local authorities may ask or require you to shelter in place.  Emergency personnel advise or require sheltering in place during rare instances when the safest action for you and others is to remain at your current location.  These instances include emergency events such as a gas leak, chemical spill or nuclear accident.  Local officials or authorities on the scene are the best source of information for a particular situation. Following their instructions during a shelter-in-place emergency will help keep you and your loved ones safe.  During a shelter-in-place emergency, authorities provide information on TV and radio and by other forms of electronic communication in order to explain how to remain safe.  In spite of challenging circumstances, most individuals who have sheltered in place have successfully coped with the emergency. You can, too. Typical Reactions Understanding typical reactions to the experience of sheltering in place can help one to cope better.  Personal emotional reactions during difficult times are unique. Reactions of those who have experienced shelter-in-place emergencies have varied widely, ranging from feelings of stress to uncertainty or even fear.  During a shelter-in-place emergency, emotional reactions that may occur include the following:

o Anxiety, particularly when separated from loved ones o Uncertainty regarding how long one will need to shelter in place o Concerns for the physical safety of ourselves and others o Confusion or frustration regarding questions left unanswered by public officials or the media

12 Source: American Red Cross – Greater New York Region: http://www.nyredcross.org/?nd=home

o Guilt about not being able to fulfill responsibilities, such as work, parenting or caring for dependents o Feelings of boredom or isolation o Thoughts of blame, worry or fear  People who have sheltered in place for more than a few hours have also reported the following: o Concerns about meeting obligations and about lost income o Problems making decisions or staying focused on topics o Changes in appetite or sleep patterns What You Can Do Actions that will help protect emotional well-being during a shelter-in-place emergency include the following:  Remain informed, if possible, by checking in with local news sources. Take care, however, not to become overexposed to such sources. Excessive or repeated exposure to media can increase feelings of stress, uncertainty and fear, especially in children.  Pay attention to your emotional health while sheltering in place, remembering that many different feelings are common. Know that others are also experiencing emotional reactions and may need time and patience to put their feelings and thoughts in order. Try to recognize when you or those around you may need extra support.  Monitor your physical health needs. When sheltering in place for more than a few hours, remember to eat, rest and take regularly prescribed medications. Avoid alcohol or substance use.  Focus on positive actions you can take right away, such as taking an inventory of emergency supplies, obtaining accurate information and providing support to others.  Try to maintain contact with family, friends and those around you. The telephone and the Internet can be helpful when physical separations become necessary.  Hold a picture in your mind of the best possible outcome. Make a list of your personal strengths and use these to help both yourself and others stay emotionally strong.  Maintain religious and/or spiritual practices that you have found to provide comfort and emotional strength. Special Situations  Children: Be creative, and think of fun activities that will occupy your child’s time. Keep a schedule, set appropriate limits and maintain usual rules of behavior.  If you are alone: The same tips for staying emotionally strong also apply if you are alone. If possible, try to connect with others and stay informed.  Pets: Plan to shelter in place with them. If something is not safe for you, it is not safe for them. Like people, pets’ behaviors may change. Keep track of their well-being and, as best you can, take care of their needs.

An Emergency Supplies Kit http://www.nyredcross.org/?nd=get_a_kit

13 Source: American Red Cross – Greater New York Region: http://www.nyredcross.org/?nd=home Being prepared with the right emergency supplies can reduce the risk of harm when disaster strikes. Pack a “Go Bag” When disasters (fire, flood, hurricane) require a quick evacuation, a “Go Bag”—backpack with emergency supplies/important documents for each household member—is essential. What’s in a “Go Bag?”  Water—small bottles  Food—nonperishable snacks  Battery-powered radio/flashlight (with extra batteries) or crank radio/flashlight*  First Aid Kit—bandages, scissors  Copies of important documents in a waterproof container (ID, proof of residence, insurance info, emergency contact card)  Prescription info—name, dose, doctor’s name and number  A whistle to signal for help  Silver foil blanket—also called a mylar blanket  Keys—a second set of car and house keys  Cash—small bills  Toiletries—hygiene items, toilet paper  Personalize your “Go Bag” for your special needs—baby supplies, contact lenses, pet supplies, etc. Prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit If you’re homebound because of a disaster (utility disruption, HAZMAT emergency, flu pandemic), a Disaster Supplies Kit—sturdy container such as a duffle bag or plastic bin containing enough provisions to last your entire household for at least three days—is essential. What’s in a Disaster Supplies Kit?  Water—at least one gallon per person per day  Food—foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water (e.g., canned foods, energy bars). Be sure to include a manual can opener.  Battery-powered radio/flashlight (with extra batteries) or crank radio/flashlight*  Special needs items—for children and older loved ones, as well as pets or service animals Personal items—eye glasses/contact lenses and solution, hygiene items, charged cell phone batteries  Copies of important documents in a waterproof container (ID, proof of residence, insurance info, emergency contact card)  Prescription info—name, dose, doctor’s name and number  First Aid Kit and Manual

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