A Family Emergency Guide Contents This publication and Ready.wv.gov are tools provided by West Virginia Citizen Introduction 1 Corps with funding from the West Virginia Before an Emergency 2 Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to help you and Four Steps to Ready 3 your families get ready for any kind of Building Your Plan 3 disaster. Your Home 5 Evacuation 8 Thank you to all of the agencies that Financial Readiness 9 support citizen preparedness and response in West Virginia. Special thanks Just for Kids 10 to the West Virginia Division of Homeland The Mountain State 12 Security and Emergency Management, Volunteer West Virginia, and the West Natural Disasters 12 Virginia Department of Military Affairs and Manmade Disasters 13 Public Safety. Hazardous Materials This is the second edition of Getting Terrorism Ready. Special thanks to Curt Bury from Public Health Emergencies 14 the Jefferson County Red Cross for his Pandemic Flu 14 work on the original version, Mitzi Miller West Nile Virus 15 for her help with the content updates, Anthrax 16 Bryan Boyd Creative Group for the design, Botulism 16 and to volunteers across the state who devote hours of their time to helping During an Emergency 17 families prepare for and respond to The Emergency Alert System 17 emergencies. Emergency Shelters 18 ...... Shelter in Place 18 At Home Emergency 19 Who can use this book? Basic First Aid 20 Families, individuals, community groups, Talking to Your Kids 21 teachers, housing developments, Taking Care of Pets 22 church groups, social clubs, employees, volunteers. After an Emergency 23

How to use this book? Returning Home 23 • As a guide for you and your family Cleaning Up 24 • As a resource before, during and after Coping 25 an emergency Your Finances 25 • As a way to teach others and get your Family Emergency Plan 26 community involved in taking steps to be prepared Family Supply Emergency Checklist 27 Additional Resources 28 West Virginia Citizen Corps 28 Emergency Phone Numbers 29 Online Resources 29 www.volunteerwv.org Introduction

Anything can happen at any time. You can’t always expect that fire This booklet provides families, fighters or paramedics will be available. neighborhoods and local communities Sometimes you need to rely on yourself. in West Virginia easy access to basic Look carefully at the information information on how to prepare for included in this book and adopt just emergencies. Being ready ahead of one suggested technique. Even small a disaster is the most critical action changes make a big difference. you can take to protect the things that matter most: your family, your home, your pets, yourselves. Get Ready, West Virginia. Just in case…

ReadyWV!

The likelihood of surviving a house fire depends just as much on whether there are working batteries in your smoke detector as on the fire fighters who arrive to help. The same is true for other emergencies. Preparing in advance is critical to keeping your family safe.

ready.wv.gov Before an Emergency The Essentials

People never expect emergencies. That is why they can be so harmful. Getting ready in advance is the best way to minimize damage. Whether the emergency is big or small, there are some things your family should always have on hand.

Three things you can’t do without… Four things you will wish you had… • Water • Food • Flashlights • Medicines • Radio • Bank Records • Warm Clothes and Blankets

2 Four Steps to Ready

The following sections provide tips, tools and resources for taking steps to protect your family. Build an emergency plan, prepare your home, prepare to evacuate, and improve financial preparedness.

It is easy to take just one step toward getting your family prepared for an emergency. For instance, you can go check your smoke alarm right now, or talk with your family at dinner tonight about where your meeting place should be. Instead of taking one step, we hope you will make progress in four areas.

Building Your Plan

One of the most effective ways to • Your family should know that if prepare your family for a disaster is landline or cellular telephones are not to create a family emergency plan. working, they need to be patient and Meet with your family to discuss why try again later or try e-mail. Many you need to prepare and explain the people flood the telephone system dangers of fire, severe weather and when emergencies happen but floods to children. Use the tips and e-mail can sometimes get tools provided in this book or talk to a through when calls don’t. Citizen Corps representative to learn more about making a family emergency B. Have two pre-identified plan. meeting places. Use the information that follows to • Choose a specific outside location create a family emergency plan. on or very near your property in case of a sudden emergency, like a house A. Create a communications plan. fire. • You should choose an out of town • Pick a place outside your emergency contact for your family. neighborhood in case you can’t This person should live in a place return home. Everyone should know that is unlikely to be directly affected the address and phone number and by the same event. Let this person how to get there. know that you have chosen them. • Having a set meeting place away • Make sure every household member from your home will save time and has all telephone numbers and minimize confusion should your e-mail addresses for that contact as home be affected or the area well as each other. evacuated. You may even want to • Leave these contact numbers at your make arrangements to stay with a children’s schools and at your family member or friend in case of an workplace. emergency.

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3 ReadyWV! If there are people who assist you on a daily basis, list who they are and how you will contact them in an emergency. Make arrangements to check in immediately following a disaster. Create a personal network of neighbors and connect with them early.

• Be sure to include pets in your Discuss how you can work together plans, since pets are not permitted in to handle natural disasters or terrorist shelters and some hotels will not problems. Talk about how you can accept them. See page 22 for share resources. Know your neighbors’ suggestions about pets. special skills (medical, technical and • Don’t be afraid to talk to your others). Consider how you can help children about preparing for different neighbors with special needs, such as types of disasters. Kids are better disabled and elderly persons. Develop able to handle the stress of a crisis a way to stay in touch with them as when they know what to expect. well. C. Inform yourself. Make plans for childcare, in case parents can’t get home, and exchange Find out about the emergency plans at contact information. your workplace, your church and other places where your family spends time, E. Emergency supplies such as sports facilities, scout troop Keep enough supplies in your home centers, etc. to meet your needs for 7 to 14 days Have plans in place to communicate or more if possible. Assemble a with and pick up family members in family emergency kit with items you case of an emergency. may need both for your home and D. Work with your neighbors. in an evacuation (see page 28 for a suggested list). Create a separate Neighbors helping neighbors can evacuation kit stored in sturdy easy-to- save lives and property. Talk to your carry containers like backpacks, duffel neighbors to plan how you can work bags or covered trash containers and together after a disaster until help keep it in an easily accessible location. arrives. If you’re a member of a Replace these supplies periodically. neighborhood organization, such as a home association or crime watch group, Keep important family documents in a introduce emergency preparedness as a waterproof and fireproof container or new activity. bank safety deposit box. You also can help your family and neighbors by participating in Citizen Corps programs such as Community Emergency Response Team, Volunteers in Police Service, Medical Reserve Corps or Neighborhood Watch.

4 Your Home

Your home is your refuge. It is important to store the things you need in advance of any emergency or crisis situation. You may need to survive on your own during a winter storm, shelter in place during a chemical emergency, or provide your own care if first responders are needed elsewhere. Keeping enough water and food on hand for your family is part of the equation. Adding light, heat, and comfort items can reduce stress and anxiety during an incident. Review the guidelines that follow and adopt as many tactics as possible to get your home ready.

A. Water bottles work well for water storage. You can also buy food-grade plastic buckets Having a supply of clean water is very or drums. Close water containers important. A normally active person tightly, date them and keep in a cool, needs to drink at least 8 glasses of dark place. Change this water with water each day. During hot weather, fresh water every six months. you will need to increase that amount. Children, nursing mothers and sick B. Food people will need more. You will also You don’t need to go out and buy need water to fix meals and to wash. special foods to prepare your Store at least one gallon of water per emergency food supply. You can use person/per day for each member of the canned foods and other staples on your family. Don’t forget water for pets. your cupboard shelves. In fact, familiar Keep your water in very clean plastic, foods are important. They can lift spirits glass, fiberglass or enamel-lined metal and give a feeling of security in times containers. Never use a container that has held poison. Plastic soft drink

5 E. Pharmacies, medication and general health Your drugstore keeps its records on computers and they may be subject to power or even computer problems. If you take medication regularly, ask your doctor to write an additional prescription so you have an extra supply on hand. Keep a family medical inventory. List all medications used by family members as well as any necessary supplies such as needles or alcohol swabs. For each family member list medical conditions, allergies and medical devices needed to maintain health care. List the last dates of immunizations for adults and of stress. Also, many canned foods children. don’t need cooking, water or special Discuss these lists with your doctor to preparation. Just be sure to have an be sure they are complete. Ask how adequate supply. to handle chronic medical conditions C. Special considerations in an emergency and what you can do if needed mechanical or electric People with special diets and allergies equipment fails. Keep medical will need more attention, as will babies, and dental checkups up-to-date. toddlers and elderly people. Nursing Maintaining good health is the first line mothers may need to give their baby of defense against any unexpected liquid formula in case they can’t nurse. emergency. Canned dietetic foods, juices and soups may be helpful for ill or elderly people. F. Fire Safety Make sure you have a hand-operated Practice home fire drills. Make sure (not electric) can opener. And don’t all family members know the outside forget foods for your pets. meeting place and how to get out D. Heat and light quickly. Have lots of flashlights, extra batteries Store any gas cans or other flammable and bulbs on hand. Keep a flashlight liquids away from the house. Always next to your bed. Check batteries often. keep an ABC fire extinguisher close at Be careful using open flame candles or hand. lanterns for emergency lighting. Examine your smoke and carbon If you plan to use alternate equipment monoxide alarms now. If you have for heat, cooking and light during a alarms that are hard-wired into your power failure, be sure to check your home’s electrical system (most equipment periodically. Have an newer ones are), check to see if they adequate supply of fuel stored (not in have battery back-ups. If not, buy the house). Have fireplace chimneys battery-operated smoke and carbon and stove flues cleaned regularly. monoxide detectors. If you already have detectors, clean and test them.

6 If you have your own septic system for sewage, make sure your treatment schedule is up-to-date. I. Preventing flood damage If your property has flooded in the past, consider strategies to mitigate damage in the future. Flood mitigation means making changes on your property to prevent future flood losses. Flood mitigation saves lives and money. Some mitigation options are: • Elevate the buildings on your property above the base flood height • Relocate buildings out of the floodway • Allow your county or city government to purchase your Working smoke detectors can double property. your chances of survival. Replace all batteries in all alarms each year as a Contact your city council, county general safety precaution. emergency services director or county commission to express interest in flood G. Possible home hazards mitigation programs. The city or county During an emergency, ordinary objects then applies for grant money on your in your home can cause injury or behalf to fund mitigation projects. damage. Anything that can move, J. Transportation fall, or break can cause an accident. For example, an unsteady bookshelf Keep your automobile gas tank more is a home hazard. People can trip than half full and oil at the proper level. over loose electric cords or toys on Gas stations could experience a variety stairways. Make sure that freestanding of electrical problems or delays in fuel heaters or lamps cannot be knocked delivery. Storing gasoline at home can over by active children or pets. Enlist be extremely expensive and hazardous all family members to keep your home and is not recommended. hazard free. H. Utilities Locate the main electric fuse box, water service meter or main intake pipe, and For more information natural gas meter. Learn how and on Home Safety, visit when to turn these utilities off. Teach all www.homesafetycouncil.org responsible family members how to do these things as well. Remember, turn off the utilities only if you suspect the lines are damaged or if you are instructed to do so. If you turn the gas off, you will need a professional to turn it back on for use. ready.wv.gov

7 Evacuation

One of the most important ways you can prepare your home and family is to create an emergency kit. If you need to evacuate your home, having some essential supplies on hand will make you and your family more comfortable. Once a disaster hits, you won’t have time to shop or to search for supplies. Discuss what to do and what to take with you if you have to leave your home. Practice what you have discussed.

Assemble an emergency supply kit that can go with you. Use the family ...... emergency supplies kit checklist provided on page 28. Store your Stay or go? evacuation kit with, but separate from, the supplies that you may need if your Evacuating your home depends family is confined at home. Place the on a variety of factors. supplies you chose for the evacuation Here are some things to consider: kit in an easy-to-carry container, such Monitor your local news and as a large, covered trash container, Emergency Alert Stations for the most knapsacks or a duffel bag. Don’t forget up-to-date information. keys for your house, cars and safety • deposit box. Have you been specifically told Put together a first aid kit for your to evacuate by an home and one for your evacuation kit, Emergency Service Agency? with one for each car in case you use • a car to evacuate. Include at least one complete change of clothing and Do you require additional travel time or footwear per person. Remember family need transportation assistance? members with special needs, such as Consider making arrangements infants and elderly or disabled persons. to leave even if an evacuation You will need to plan ahead for any has not been ordered. pets you have, because they cannot be taken to community shelters. See page ...... 22 for suggestions on pets. Monitor local news channels and emergency alert stations and follow any recommendations from your county and state emergency planning teams. See page 17 for a list of Emergency Alert Stations in West Virginia.

8 Financial Readiness

The ability to maintain financial stability You may want to retain copies of the in the event of an emergency will help following in a water and fire-proof your family get back on its feet faster. container: Operation Hope, Inc. (OHI) is America’s • Bank statements and first non-profit social investment bank account numbers and a national leader in providing • Mortgage or car loan financial literacy and economic • IRAs empowerment programs. In partnership • Tax records with Citizen Corps, Operation HOPE • Important phone numbers developed the Emergency Financial First • Wills, insurance policies, contacts, Aid Kit (EFFAK). This is a simple tool deeds, stocks and bonds designed to assist you and your family • Passports, social security cards, in assembling all necessary financial immunization records information in advance of an emergency. • Family records (birth, marriage, You can complete the EFFAK as an death certificates), as well as legal individual or as a household, but papers such as divorce, immigration you should include information on all or citizenship records. accounts for which you have a legal responsibility or obligation.

To complete this planning guide, visit http://www.operationhope.org/effak. If you need assistance completing your EFFAK, please call 1-888-388-HOPE (4673).

9 JUST FOR KIDS! JOIN THE CREW!

Helping your family is fun!

You can get involved and help your family and friends be prepared. Place check marks beside the tasks you have completed. Once you have four checkmarks from the list on the right... make it official! Have a parent help you PREPAREDNESS TASKS tear out the certificate, sign it, and hang it in your room! Remind your parents to change the batteries in your smoke detectors. Map it out! Help plan ways to get out of your house. Have a To learn more about the ReadyWV fire drill with your family to practice your plan! Kids Crew and how to prepare for emergencies of all types, check out Know how and when to call www.ready.wv.gov. 911. Be sure to remember your parents’ full names, your address, and phone number. Go on a scavenger hunt! Help your parents build a family emergency kit with items found around your home. You can build one for your family car as well! If you know a thunderstorm is coming, stay indoors. Play an inside game until the storm passes. It’s better to turn around! Never walk into floodwater. Remind your family not to drive through flooded streets. Play with toys, not fire. Don’t touch matches, lighters or candles.

10 JUST FOR KIDS! JOIN THE CREW! H H H

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H H HAS COMPLETED THE TASKS OF PREPARING OUR FAMILY FOR ANY EMERGENCY OUR FAMILY OF PREPARING HAS COMPLETED THE TASKS The Mountain State Natural Disasters Natural events and other incidents can disrupt services and create emergency conditions, but family preparedness can reduce any impact. Listen to your local news and weather reports daily. If severe weather is predicted, stay home, if possible, until roads are clear and services are restored. Be particularly alert for fallen electrical wires and report them to the power company.

Floods: In mountainous West Virginia, Winter Storms: Pay attention to floods can result from heavy rain or weather forecasts in your area and stay sudden snow melts. Floods can be at home if possible until roads are clear, very destructive in narrow valleys and downed electric wires are cleared, and river lowlands. If they happen suddenly, services restored. Take care when escape routes may be limited. In these shoveling heavy snow. Pace yourself. areas, be alert and be ready to evacuate Hurricanes or tornadoes: West quickly, if necessary. If a flood puts Virginia is not on a typical hurricane you in danger, move to higher ground. or tornado path. However, very high Don’t drive through high water. Keep winds, sometimes with heavy rain, children away from creeks, streams and can create emergency conditions. If storm drains. possible, stay at home until roads are Fires: Fires can be started by lightning, clear of debris, such as fallen trees and human carelessness or arson, and can branches, and services are restored. In spread very rapidly. Call 911 and get case of a tornado warning, take shelter ready to evacuate before routes are cut in a basement corner or in a small off. If your house catches fire, leave the interior room. Don’t attempt to outrun house immediately and then call 911. a tornado in a car. Get out and take Do NOT try to put it out yourself. shelter in a ditch or on low ground – not under a tree.

12 be vulnerable to an accident when Manmade Disasters hazardous materials are being transported by railroad, highway or Hazardous Materials barges on the nation’s rivers. Nationwide hazardous materials are Preparing for a HAZMAT incident manufactured, used or stored at an includes many of the same steps taken estimated 4.5 million facilities. They to prepare for any other emergency. are in widespread use in West Virginia Learn if your community has an businesses – including agriculture, emergency warning system and how it coal production and the chemical works. See “Four Steps to Ready” on industry. Hazardous materials are most page 3. often released into the environment as the result of accidents while being During a HAZMAT incident, tune into transported or through a chemical the local station in the emergency accident in a plant. system for detailed information and instructions. If possible, stay upwind, Most chemical accidents that injure upstream and uphill from the danger people occur at home. Never mix zone and at least one-half mile away. household chemicals. Incompatible chemicals may react, ignite or explode. If you are in a vehicle, stop and seek Mixing many common household shelter in a building, if possible. If cleaners can produce deadly gases. you must remain in your vehicle, keep Never use hair spray, cleaning solutions, windows and vents closed and turn off paint products or pesticides near an the air conditioner or heater. open flame (pilot light, wood burning After a HAZMAT incident, if you have stove, lighted candle). They may catch been exposed to hazardous materials, fire or explode. Leave the residence if act quickly and follow decontamination there is danger of a fire or explosion. instructions. Continue to listen to Call the fire department from a the emergency broadcast system. neighbor’s home or use your cell phone Depending on the nature of the from outside the house. To avoid toxic contamination, you might be advised to fumes, stay upwind and away from the take a shower or stay away from water. home. Keep contaminated clothing and shoes Act immediately if a chemical gets into away from other materials. Seal them in the eyes. Unless authorities instruct containers and follow instructions from you otherwise, flush the eyes with clear local authorities on proper disposal. water for a minimum of 15 minutes. If you were directed to evacuate, do Hazardous materials accidents can not return to the area until local officials happen anywhere. While communities have declared ‘all clear’. near chemical manufacturing plants are at particular risk, any area may

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13 Terrorism reassure you and your children that you Terrorist attacks have left many can have a measure of control even in concerned about the possibility of the face of such events. future incidents in the United States Find out what could happen to your and their potential impact. Terrorist family and neighborhood. Reading goals are to destabilize government this booklet is a good start. Once and panic citizens. They try to keep you have determined the possible us guessing about what might happen events and their potential to occur in next, increasing our worries. your community, it is important that However, there are things you and you discuss them with your family or your family can do to prepare for the household. Develop an emergency plan unexpected. Being prepared can together.

Public Health Emergencies

The effects of a public health emergency can be less severe if you plan ahead. Get familiar with the language. Learn what infectious diseases are and what to do if you live in an area affected by an outbreak or a pandemic. Some of the possible public health emergencies are reviewed below. Visit websites and know where to get official information if an emergency should occur.

Pandemic Flu An influenza (flu) pandemic is a ReadyWV! worldwide outbreak of disease that Take action! Flu shots are suggested every occurs when a new type of flu virus year for vulnerable populations. appears that people have not been exposed to before (or haven’t been Thorough hand washing is the single most exposed to in a long time.) A pandemic effective way to reduce your chances of flu causes widespread illness because getting both the common flu and a more people do not have immunity to the serious flu virus. new virus. Pandemics are different from the seasonal flu outbreaks that occur each year. Instead, pandemics may last longer and/or occur in waves of activity that last six to eight weeks separated by Here in the Mountain State, Avian flu months. (or the bird flu) is also a concern. Avian flu is a disease found among poultry. Unlike the seasonal flu which does not Chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, usually cause complications in healthy ducks, geese, and guinea fowl as well adults, during a pandemic the entire as a wide variety of other birds including population may be at risk for serious water fowl can be infected. Most cases complications. Symptoms are similar of avian flu in humans have occurred to the common flu but may be more when they had direct contact with severe. infected poultry.

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Keep Healthy! Here’s how:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, stay away from others to protect them. • Stay home when you are sick, don’t spread your illness to school, work, or while on errands. • Use your arm! Cover your mouth and nose with your upper sleeve, not your hand. Wash your hands after every cough or sneeze. • Clean Hands! Wash with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. • Avoid touching! Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth when you are sick. This is an easy way for germs to spread. • Stay strong! Practice good health for prevention. Get lots of sleep, exercise, de-stress, and eat healthy foods.

During a potential pandemic, monitor West Nile Virus local news, internet, and other communications systems. Public health West Nile virus is a potentially serious officials will release instructions on how illness spread by the bite of an infected to reduce your chances of acquiring the mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected pandemic virus. when they feed on infected birds. West Nile is not spread through casual contact. Approximately 80% of people infected with West Nile will not show any symptoms at all. About 20% will experience fever, headache and body aches, nausea, vomiting and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Only a very few people will experience severe symptoms. These symptoms include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. Symptoms can last several weeks.

15 ReadyWV! Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Empty containers that are not being used.

The best way to avoid getting infected think you might have been exposed with West Nile is to reduce the number to anthrax and what symptoms you of mosquito bites you get. Always wear have. Getting antibiotics or an anthrax insect repellent when you are outside. vaccine is not recommended if you have Avoid being outside between dusk and not been exposed to anthrax. dawn, which are prime mosquito biting You can protect yourself. If you see a hours. Make sure your window and strange package, envelope, or other door screens are in good condition. Do container that you suspect may contain an inspection of your yard and the area anthrax, do not open it. Leave the area around your home. Mosquitoes breed and stop others from entering the area. in standing water. Empty any containers Dial 911 or the local police for more that are not being used, dump water out instructions. of flower pots, and change water in bird feeders regularly. Botulism Anthrax Botulism is caused by a toxin made by bacteria that occur naturally in Anthrax is a disease caused by bacteria soil. The toxin restricts a person’s that create spores. When a person movement and breathing by affecting comes into contact with the spores, the nervous system. About 110 cases they may become ill. The spores can occur each year in the U.S. Most cases infect the skin, lungs, or digestive are the result of consuming improperly system. Antibiotics can be used to treat preserved home canned foods. In some all three types of anthrax infections. cases botulism can be deliberately Some forms of anthrax bacteria exist spread through the air. in nature and can cause disease. It can also be spread on purpose as a powder Symptoms include trouble seeing, or through the air. drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, slurred speech, and muscle After contact with the anthrax spores, weakness. They usually appear within symptoms of anthrax may appear 12-36 hours after exposure. If you think within seven days. First symptoms of you have symptoms of botulism get inhaled anthrax are like the flu, which medical attention as soon as possible can develop into severe breathing to increase your chances of recovery. problems. When anthrax infects a cut Recovery can take weeks or months. in the skin, symptoms include sores or blisters. Nausea, loss of appetite and To avoid getting sick, make sure food diarrhea are symptoms of anthrax that is prepared according to safe food is ingested with food or beverages. If handling guidelines. Stay away from you have been near an affected area any area where officials believe the and you think you might have been toxin has been released. Stay informed exposed, begin treatment as soon by turning to the radio, television or as possible. Call your doctor or local internet for updated health and safety public health department. Describe announcements. your symptoms and explain that you

16 During An Emergency The Emergency Alert System (EAS)

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a method to notify the public. Selected radio and television stations throughout your county or area serve as EAS stations. Emergency officials can activate the system to relay warnings and vital information to the public about what emergency actions to take. Emergency information will be repeated over these stations until the “all clear” message has been given. The EAS will explain the emergency response level and will tell you what you should do (shelter in place, evacuate, etc.) The Emergency Alert System can address the entire nation on short notice in case of a serious threat or national emergency. Emergency Alert Stations in West Virginia include:

Station Phone Counties

WVAF-FM 99.9 304-342-8131 Boone, Calhoun, Clay, Jackson, Kanawha, Putnam, Roane

WRVC-AM 930 304-523-8401 Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, Wayne

WJLS-AM 560 304-253-7311 Fayette, Raleigh, Summers, Wyoming

WCWV-FM 92.9 304-872-5202 Braxton, Nicholas, Webster

WHAJ-FM 104.5 304-327-7114 McDowell, Mercer

WRON-FM 97.7 304-645-1400 Greenbrier, Monroe, Pocahontas

WVOW-AM 1290 304-752-5080 Logan, Mingo

WXIL-FM 95 304-485-4565 Pleasants, Ritchie, Wirt, Wood

WWLW-FM 106.5 304-623-6546 Barbour, Doddridge, Gilmer, Harrison, Lewis, Taylor, Upshur

WVAQ-101.9 304-296-0029 Marion, Monongalia, Preston

WDNE-FM 98.9 304-636-1300 Randolph, Pendleton, Tucker

WWVA-AM 1170 304-233-1170 Brooke, Hancock, Ohio, Marshall, Tyler, Wetzel

WQZK-FM 94.1 304-759-1005 Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Mineral

WEPM-AM 1340 304-263-8868 Berkeley, Jefferson, Morgan

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17 Emergency Shelters

If local authorities ask you to leave your home, they have a good reason to make this request, and you should follow their instructions. Your life and those of your family are more important than property. Keep these simple tips in mind:

• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants heating and cooking later, and only a and sturdy shoes so you can be professional can restore gas service in protected as much as possible. your home once it has been turned off. Dress warmly in winter. In an emergency situation it could take • Lock your home. Take your Family weeks for a professional to respond. Emergency Supplies Kit. Post a note telling others when you • Use travel routes that local left, who is with you and where you are authorities tell you to use. Don’t take going. Call your family contact to tell shortcuts, because certain areas them where you are going, when you may be impassable or dangerous. expect to arrive and who is with you. • Continue to listen to the Emergency Alert System radio station. Remember to evacuate your pets too. If you’re sure you have time, shut off Check on your neighbors according water and electricity before leaving if to prearranged plans, especially those instructed to do so. Leave natural gas living alone, the elderly or disabled services ON unless local officials advise persons. you otherwise. You may need gas for

Shelter in Place

If you are advised by local officials to “shelter in place,” they mean for you to remain inside your home, workplace or school and protect yourself there. This would most likely happen in case of tornado, flood conditions, chemical or radiation accident or attack. Depending on the reason for sheltering:

• Go inside your home or the nearest basements even if the windows building. are closed. Using duct tape, plastic • Close all windows and doors, sheeting or damp towels, seal all and turn off all ventilation systems. cracks around the door, any windows • Get your Emergency Supplies Kit, and any vents into the room. and make sure your radio works. • Don’t use the phone, except for • In case of a tornado, take refuge emergency messages. below ground, if possible. • Turn on your radio or television to an • In the case of a chemical or radiation emergency alert station. Keep threat, if possible, take shelter in an listening until you are told all is safe interior room without windows that or you are told to evacuate. Local is above ground level. An above officials may call for evacuation in ground location is preferable specific areas that are at greatest because some chemicals are heavier risk in your community. than air, and may seep into • Bring pets inside.

18 At Home Emergency

During an emergency, you might be cut off from food, water and electricity for several days or more. If power is out, food stores may be closed and your water supply may not work. Here are some suggestions:

Water: If a disaster catches you without If the electricity goes off: First, check a supply of clean water, you can use to see if your neighbors have power. ice cubes and the water in your hot- The problem may be in your home. water tank or pipes. You can also use If they also have lost power, check clean water from the reservoir (back) with the power company to see when tank of your toilet (not the bowl). If it is power might come back on. Turn off safe to go outside, you can also purify or unplug all major appliances. When water from streams or rivers, rainwater, appliances, such as refrigerators are left ponds and lakes, natural springs on, they could overload electric lines and snow by boiling (for 5 minutes), when power is turned back on, causing distilling or disinfection. To purify water a second outage. Use the phone only with bleach, use 10 drops of bleach when absolutely necessary. If the only per gallon of water. Use only regular problem is downed lines, your cell household liquid bleach containing only phone or car phone will work. 5.25% sodium hypochlorite. Frozen plumbing: Plumbing can freeze Food: During and right after an when power is lost during cold weather emergency, it will be important to keep periods. You can turn off the water up your strength by eating at least supply at the main intake pipe, drain one well-balanced meal each day. your system and leave a faucet open Take vitamin, mineral and/or protein to avoid air lock. Be ready to go to a supplements. shelter if warmth and protection are needed during a long power outage.

19 Basic First Aid

It is important in preparing for any emergency to know how to give first aid. If medical help is not immediately available, use the first aid booklet in your first aid kit (available from the Red Cross or at stores). If you do not have a first aid booklet, the information below may be helpful.

If you encounter someone who is injured, apply these emergency Check- Call-Care action steps: • Check the scene to make sure it is Burns safe for you to approach. Be alert for fallen power lines. Then check Reduce pain by gently cooling the burn. the victim for unconsciousness and Pour large amounts of water over the life-threatening conditions. burned area. Cover the burn with dry, Someone who has a life threatening clean dressings or cloth. condition, such as not breathing or severe bleeding, requires immediate Muscle, Bone and Joint Injuries care by trained responders and may Rest the injured part. Apply ice or require treatment by medical a cold pack to control swelling and professionals. reduce pain. Avoid any movement or • Call for help. activity that causes pain. If you must • Care for someone who is hurt. move the victim because the scene is becoming unsafe, try to immobilize the Control Bleeding injured part to keep it from shifting. Cover the wound with a dressing, and press firmly against the wound Poisoning (direct pressure). Elevate the injured Call the Poison Control Center toll-free area above the level of the heart if you at 1-800-222-1222 and communicate do not suspect that the victim has a what was swallowed and how much. broken bone. Cover the dressing with Follow the directions given exactly. a bandage. If the bleeding does not stop, apply additional dressings and Reduce Any Care Risks bandages, and use a pressure point to squeeze the artery against the bone. The risk of getting a disease while giving Provide care for shock. first aid is extremely rare. However, to reduce the risk even further: Care for Shock • Avoid direct contact with blood and Keep the victim from getting chilled other body fluids. or overheated. Elevate the legs about • Use protective equipment, such as 12 inches (if broken bones are not disposable gloves and breathing suspected). Do not give food or drink barriers like cloth handkerchiefs. to the victim. • Whenever possible, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water immediately after giving care.

20 Talking to Your Kids

Traumatic events can have a powerful impact on children. Graphic images of natural disasters and terrorist activities can result in children feeling that their safety is threatened. When there is an interruption in the natural flow of life, a child can experience anxiety and fear. These are normal reactions.

Be calm and reassure children Tell children the truth. Don’t try to that they are safe. Explain that the pretend the event has not occurred firefighters, police, doctors, and the or that it is not serious. Fantasized military are helping people who are hurt danger can be as real and threatening and are working to ensure that no future as actual danger to them. Be patient tragedies occur. and do not belittle their fears, but listen with understanding, love and factual Let children know it’s normal to feel explanations. upset. Listen to what children tell you about their thoughts and feelings and Keep explanations appropriate for the don’t dismiss their fears. Encourage child’s age. Elementary school-age the children to talk about these feelings children need brief, simple information and help put them into perspective. that should be balanced with reassurances that the daily structures Observe a child’s emotional state. of their lives will not change. Upper Children who at first hold back fear or middle school and high school-age grief may experience delayed stress students will be more committed to symptoms later, such as reverting doing something to help the victims and to outgrown childish behavior, the affected community. Encourage all sleeplessness, anxiety, nightmares, children to speak about their thoughts or even depression. Children respond and feelings. Be a good listener! to praise, and parents should make a deliberate effort not to focus on the child’s immature behavior.

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21 Have the family spend more time i.e., eating, sleeping, chores, school and together. Your physical presence work, provides stability at a time when will be reassuring and provide the events make life seem very confusing. opportunity to look for any reactions. If the family is evacuated, there will Explain that when people know what to be a delay in a return to normal life. do and practice in advance, everyone Participate in activities planned at the can handle emergencies better. That’s shelters or plan family activities at why you created a family emergency home. This will increase the morale plan together. of all. Try to treat shelter-at-home or evacuation as a positive thing or even a It is very important that you make a temporary adventure! deliberate effort to get back to a routine. Engaging in “normal” activities of life,

Taking Care of Pets

Emergency planning should include pets. Be aware that Red Cross disaster shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety regulations and other considerations. Service animals that assist people with disabilities are the only animals allowed in Red Cross shelters. If your family must go to a shelter or other site away from home, do not leave your pets at home. Instead, create a pet emergency plan in advance.

You may not be home when an evacuation order comes. Find out if a trusted neighbor would be willing to take your pets and meet you at a prearranged location. This person should be comfortable with your pets, know where your animals are likely to be and have a key to your home. Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets and restrictions on number and size. Ask if “no pet” policies could be waived in an emergency. Or, ask local animal Keep a pet emergency supplies kit with shelters if they provide emergency your emergency evacuation kit. Include shelter or foster care for pets in a a carrier box, immunization record, disaster. However, animal shelters muzzles or leashes, pet food and may be overburdened caring for the supplies. Have an ID photo available in animals they already have as well as case they stray. Make sure all dogs and those displaced by a disaster. Keep a cats are wearing collars and securely list of “pet friendly” places, including fastened up-to-date identification. phone numbers, with other emergency Attach the phone number and address information and supplies. of your temporary shelter, if you know it, or of a friend or relative.

22 After An Emergency

Returning Home Home Safety Check

Before entering your home, walk Roof, Foundation and Chimney carefully around the outside. Check Look for cracks and other signs of for loose power lines, gas leaks and structural damage. structural damage. If you are concerned Natural Gas about safety, call an inspector or If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound structural engineer to have your open a window and leave immediately. residence tested. Turn off the main gas valve outside, but remember that you will need a When you return home, check for professional to turn it back on. Call the damage. Watch for loose boards, gas company from a neighbor’s house. slippery floors, broken glass and other hazards. Use a flashlight. Do Sparks, Broken or Frayed Wires not light matches or candles or turn Check the electrical system, but don’t on electrical switches if you suspect touch anything electric if you are wet, damage. Check for fires, fire hazards standing in water, or unsure of your and other household dangers. Sniff for safety. Don’t turn on the lights unless you gas leaks, starting at the water heater. are sure they are safe. If possible, turn If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or off the main gas valve, open windows circuit breaker. and get everyone outside quickly. Appliances Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, Don’t use electrical or gas appliances gasoline and other flammable liquids that have been wet. Unplug them and let immediately. them dry out. Have them checked by a professional before using them again. Water and Sewage Systems ReadyWV! Damaged sewer systems can create a serious health hazard. Check with In the first days after a disaster leash local authorities before using any water, your pets when they go outside. including for drinking, cooking, or Always maintain close contact. Familiar personal hygiene. Avoid using the toilets. scents and landmarks may be altered Have septic tanks, and other systems and your pet could become confused. serviced as soon as possible. Smoke Detector Run a test to make sure your smoke It may appear that your home is detector is working properly. Get a fire damaged beyond repair. Don’t lose extinguisher and learn how to use it. hope. You may save many of your belongings. It may be possible to clean out and dry out your home. Many faith-based and volunteer organizations To find out more, visit around the state help families in need www.wvvoad.org after a disaster.

23 Cleaning Up is toxic. Bleach can be used to clean mold off hard surfaces, however, mold During an emergency, household laden cloth and other hard-to-clean chemicals can spill or leak creating items (like carpet) will need to be potentially serious hazards. Take removed. precautions to keep children and pets away. Be careful cleaning up hazardous substances. Don’t combine chemicals or dump them down drains or toilets. Personal Items

If your basement is flooded you will Many of your personal items may be undoubtedly feel a sense of urgency damaged. To save damaged items utilize to get the water out fast. If the ground the resources provided at the following outside is still waterlogged, emptying websites: the basement quickly can lead to structural damage, collapsed walls or a Photographs buckled floor. Instead, gradually pump www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/spixs.shtm the water out over a period of several Books days. www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/fldbks.shtm

Germs and mold become major hazards Heirlooms/Valuables after a flood. Keep lots of bleach handy www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/care.shtm to sterilize water and hard surfaces. Textiles Remember to protect yourself, wear www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/textils.shtm rubber boots and gloves, keep a window open and use unscented Currency bleach. Never mix bleach with ammonia www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/fixdrls.shtm or other cleaners, the chemical reaction

24 ReadyWV! Watching or reading news about the disaster over and over will only increase your stress. Healthy activities can help you get your mind off the disaster and keep the stress in check.

Coping Your Finances

After a disaster you and your family Recovering from a disaster can seem will experience physical and emotional financially overwhelming. Take things stress. Look after yourself and your one step at a time. loved ones as you refocus and repair. Call your insurance agent right away Here are some tips for coping with to file a claim. Take pictures or video disaster related stress: of any damage and water in your house. Save damaged items. This will • Get plenty of rest, water and healthy make filing your claim easier. If you are food. required to dispose of a damaged item, • Don’t be afraid to ask for support. document it on a list and keep a swatch • Talk to someone about your feelings. of material or other sample of the We each have different ways of item. This will help show the insurance dealing with stress. adjuster what has been lost. • Establish a family emergency plan. Feeling that there is something Notify your creditors, bank and you can do to prevent damage in the employer. Be sure they have updated future can be comforting. contact information in case you cannot stay in your home. Explain your situation and try to negotiate a payment arrangement that does not create an undue burden. Refer to the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit page 9 to help you gather important materials in advance.

To register for assistance if you are a victim of a federally declared disaster, visit www.fema.gov/assistance

ready.wv.gov Where to Find Help

Create your family emergency communications plan and attach it here or make a list of local emergency contacts.

Emergency Phone Numbers Local Emergency Services Ambulance Nearest Relative Local Contact/Friend Out of State Contact Doctors

Local Red Cross Insurance Agent Utility Companies

Other

Medications List with Dosage

Find a template for a family emergency plan at www.ready.wv.gov

26 Family Emergency Supply Checklist

Consider including the items below in your home emergency kit. Prepare a smaller kit with the essentials for each family vehicle and an additional “To Go” kit for your home in case you have to evacuate.

Essentials Other supplies One gallon of water per day Mess kits, paper cups, for each person plastic utensils Flashlight with extra batteries Batteries Hand crank or battery operated radio Duct tape Liquid bleach to purify drinking water Wooden matches in waterproof container Food Aluminum foil Canned meats, fruits and vegetables Plastic storage containers Sugar, salt, pepper Signal flare High energy foods – peanut butter, Paper, pencil jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix Needles, thread Multi-vitamins Shovel and tools Comfort foods – cookies, hard candy, Plastic sheeting cereal Maps (state, county, city) Clothing and Bedding Fire extinguisher Sturdy shoes or work boots Money Rain gear, warm socks Can opener (hand-operated) Blankets or sleeping bags Utility knife Hats and gloves Paper towels Thermal underwear Personal hygiene items Sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray Plastic bags and tie Plastic bucket with tight lid Spray disinfectant Towelettes or diaper wipes Toilet paper Formula, bottles Canned baby food and juice Medications, vitamins

General needs Prescription medications Insulin and kit Dentures Eye glasses and extra contacts Cell phone Important family documents

27 Additional Resources

West Virginia Citizens Corps

Volunteers throughout West Virginia are helping increase community preparedness by participating in Citizen Corps activities. Find out about your local Citizen Corps program through your county’s Office of Emergency Services or visit www.ready. wv.gov or call (800) WV HELPS for more information.

Local Citizen Corps State Citizen Corps At the local level, Citizen Corps At the state level, the West Virginia Councils encourage cooperation Citizen Corps Council is a network among community leaders and provide of state and local organizations, residents with training opportunities in each committed to increasing citizen first aid and emergency preparedness. involvement in preparedness and Local Councils also develop outreach response activities. The state program programs for communities and organize is run through Volunteer West Virginia, special projects or community events the State’s Commission for National and such as disaster preparedness fairs or Community Service. community outreach meetings.

Local Citizen Corps Programs include: • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) • Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) • Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) • Neighborhood Watch Program (NWP) • Fire Corps

For more information about Citizen Corps, contact your county emergency services director or the state Citizen Corps Program Coordinator. Citizen Corps Program Coordinator 710 Central Avenue Charleston, West Virginia 25302 800-WV-HELPS (800-984-3577) www.ready.wv.gov

28 Emergency Phone Numbers

Poison Control...... 800-222-1222 Safe Schools Helpline...... 866-723-3982 National Weather Service...... 304-746-0180 Emergency Police/Fire/Medical...... 911 Information and Referral...... 211

Online Resources www.ready.wv.gov www.noaa.gov www.ready.gov www.homesafetycouncil.org www.citizencorps.gov www.wvdhsem.gov www.volunteerwv.org www.wvdmaps.gov www.redcross.org www.wvdhhr.gov www.aspca.org www.disasterprepped.com http://emergency.cdc.gov www.wvvoad.org www.fema.gov

Citizen Corps Program Coordinator 710 Central Avenue Charleston, West Virginia 25302

800-WV-HELPS (800-984-3577) www.ready.wv.gov

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