Burlington County Board of Commissioners
Felicia Hopson, Director Preparing Daniel J. O’Connell, Deputy Director For Disaster Linda Hynes, Commissioner In Burlington County Tom Pullion, Commissioner
Balvir Singh, Commissioner
Presented By:
The Burlington County Freeholders and Sheriff’s Burlington County Department Sheriff’s Department In conjunction with Anthony Basantis, Sheriff Burlington County Office James Kostoplis, Undersheriff of Emergency Management and the Burlington County
Health Department Burlington County Call 9-1-1 Office of Emergency For Emergencies ONLY Management
Burlington County Health Department
Updated February32 2021
For More Information Table of Contents The following are NON-EMERGENCY local police phone numbers Topic Page you should call if you need information you cannot get elsewhere regarding disasters, evacuations or other emergencies. What To Do First ...... 3 FOR EMERGENCIES, CALL 9-1-1 Introduction ...... 4 Shelter in Place All numbers are (609) unless indicated
When/Choosing A Location ...... 5 What To Do ...... 6 Municipality Business Hours Non-Business Hours In Your Vehicle ...... 7 (Mon-Fri, 8am-4 pm) (Nights, weekends, holidays) Bass River 296-3131 296-0503 Isolation and Quarantine ...... 8 Beverly City 387-1478 267-8300 Pandemic Flu ...... 9 Bordentown City 298-0103 267-8300 General Disaster Principles Bordentown Twp. 298-4300 267-8300 Preparing ...... 10-12 Burlington City 386-0262 267-8300 Burlington Twp. 386-2019 267-8300 Consider Volunteering ...... 11 Chesterfield 291-0912 267-8300 Disaster Kits ...... 13-14 Cinnaminson 856-829-6667 267-8300 Supplies ...... 15 Delanco 856-461-0357 267-8300 Water Treatment ...... 16 Delran 856-461-4496 267-8300 Eastampton 261-1717 267-8300 Natural Disasters Edgewater Park 877-4404 267-8300 Floods/Flash Floods ...... 17 Evesham 856-983-1116 267-8300 Tornadoes/Severe Thunderstorms ...... 18-19 Fieldsboro 298-9054 267-8300 Hurricanes ...... 20-21 Florence 499-3131 267-8300 Earthquakes ...... 22 Hainesport 298-1170 298-1170 Lumberton 267-1111 267-8300 Winter Storms ...... 23 Mansfield 298-4411 267-8300 Forest Fires ...... 24 Maple Shade 856-779-7111 267-8300 Man-made Disasters Medford 654-7511 267-8300 Nuclear Accident/Attack ...... 25 Medford Lakes 654-2156 267-8300 Moorestown 856-235-1405 267-8300 Terrorist Attack/Biological or Chemical Disaster .. . 26 Mount Holly 267-0170 267-8300 Disaster Checklist ...... 27 Mount Laurel 856-234-1414 267-8300 Reporting/8 Signs of Terrorism ...... 28 New Hanover 758-7149 267-8300 Evacuation ...... 29 North Hanover 758-3351 267-8300 How To Find Out More ...... 29 Palmyra 856-829-0198 267-8300 Pemberton Borough 894-2632 267-8300 Personal Plan ...... 30 Pemberton Twp. 894-8201 267-8300 Police Non-Emergency Numbers ...... 31 Riverside 856-461-8820 267-8300 Riverton 856-829-1212 267-8300 For additional copies of this booklet, call Freeholders Shamong 859-2281 859-2281 Southampton 859-2281 859-2281 609-265-5020, Sheriff 609-265-5127 or Health Depart- Springfield 723-5100 859-2281 ment 609-265-5548, or online www.co.burlington.nj.us Tabernacle 859-2281 859-2281 Washington Twp. 296-3131 859-2281 A special thank you to former Sheriff’s Officer Adam Donofrio of Westampton 261-7551 267-8300 the Burlington County Sheriff’s Department for his work on this Willingboro 877-3003 267-8300 Woodland 296-3131 859-2281 publication. Revised 2021. Wrightstown 296-1170 859-2281 2 31
Personal Plan Contacts and Meeting Places This publication is designed to best help you protect yourself and your family until emergency responders can Out-of-State Contact assist you in a disaster.
Name: ______If there is an emergency or disaster that affects a large area or large number of people, residents will be noti- Address: ______fied using the Emergency Alerting System.
THE FIRST THING TO REMEMBER is that it is es- Day Phone: ______Evening Phone: ______sential that you understand what kind of disaster or emer-
gency is occurring. If you suspect there is a disaster or Local Contact emergency, use the procedures of the Emergency Alerting Name: ______System below to determine what kind of event is occurring and use this booklet as a guide for appropriate action. Address: ______Remember, do not panic. You will be directed by your local Office of Emergency Management if there is a Day Phone:______Evening Phone: ______need to evacuate or shelter in place. Do not rely on what others tell you. It may only be rumor. Meeting Places ALL SCHOOLS IN NEW JERSEY ARE REQUIRED TO Right outside your home: ______HAVE PLANS FOR EVACUATION AND SHELTERING IN PLACE. DO NOT GO TO YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL UN- Out-of-Area: ______LESS DIRECTED.
Draw or Attach Map to Out-of-Area Meeting Place Emergency Alerting System Remember that routes may be cut off during disaster 1. Tune your radio to any of the following stations WKDN—106.9FM WBZC—88.9FM WFPG—96.9FM WWJZ—640AM 2. Tune in to your local or cable TV station 3. Call 2-1-1 4. Call your local police department or station (list on back inside cover) 5. Make sure all phones are charged and turned on 6. Keep this booklet with you
The Burlington County Office of Emergency Man- agement has the ability to implement a reverse 9-1-1 system to notify YOU if necessary
Police Department non-emergency numbers are listed on Page 31
30 3
Introduction Evacuation The information in the front of this booklet to Shelter Disaster can strike at any time. Both natural and In Place is to help you survive until emergency responders man-made disasters can take lives and damage property. can assist you or you are instructed to evacuate. Sometimes we forget that disasters can happen any- If and when you are instructed to relocate, or if your where and at anytime. life or property are in imminent danger, you should have a While you may not be able to prevent disasters, plan to evacuate. you can certainly prepare for them. This guide is de- Here are some recommendations for designing a signed to help survive a disaster until emergency re- plan and evacuating: sponders can assist you. Be familiar with local roads/escape routes Nearly every region of the country is vulnerable to Designate locations where to meet if the family does not some type of natural disaster. Burlington County is evacuate together susceptible to hurricanes, severe thunderstorms, torna- Predetermine a site for family to meet does, floods/flash floods, winter storms, earthquakes, Have instructions for children written down landslides and forest fires. Make provisions for pets According to the National Weather Service in Special needs residents and those with disabilities Mount Holly, from January 1, 2000 to December 31, should consider evacuating even before being notified 2010: Keep your radio and/or TV tuned to a local station for There were 102 thunderstorms that resulted in updated reports and evacuation instructions 1 death and 16 injuries from lightning If you have a cell phone, make sure it is charged and There were three tornadoes, resulting in one take it with you death and 2 injuries Have an out-of-state phone contact There were 28 hail, 13 significant flood, 12 If you have an automatic garage door opener, discon- significant flash flood and 14 tidal flood events nect it in case of a power failure There were 14 wild and forest fires If time allows before you leave, disconnect appliances, According to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service: turn off all fuel supplies and lock doors and windows Burlington County alone averages 300 forest fires each year. How To Find Out More These numbers are dramatically increased Read Are You Ready? Your Guide to Disaster Preparedness from during a drought. the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This book is available According to the New Jersey Geological Survey: at the Burlington County Libraries The highest intensity earthquake in New Jer- Ready Together NJ and NJFluPandemic.gov available at www.state.nj.us/health sey history occurred on June 1, 1927 in As- Disaster preparedness—www.fema.gov or www.redcross.org bury Park. Maximum intensities reached VII or www.weprevent.org or www.state.nj.us/njoem on the Mercalli Intensity Scale. Weather related disasters—www.nws.noaa.gov/er/phi A recent earthquake in New Jersey was Forest fire—Forest Fire Service Division B (609) 726-9010 March 17, 2002 in Hamburg, NJ. It registered Earthquakes—www.usgs.gov or www.state.nj.us/DEP/NJGS/ as less than a I on the Mercalli Intensity Scale. Burlington County Public Health Alerts - While you may not be able to prevent disaster, http://co.burlington.nj.us/dept/health/public_health/index.htm you can certainly prepare for it. This booklet can help. General Information— Sheriff’s Department (609) 265-5127 or County Emergency Management Office (609) 518-7200
4 29
Eight Signs of Terrorism Shelter in Place 1. Surveillance If someone is using a still or video camera, drawing Shelter In Place (SIP) refers to taking refuge where diagrams, annotating maps, looking at blueprints or floor you are at the time you learn of a pending or occurring dis- plans of structures that might be considered a target, report aster. This is NOT the same as going to a shelter during an it immediately. evacuation. 2. Elicitation/Seeking Information Sheltering In Place involves being prepared to sur- Attempts to gain information about a place, person or op- vive an incident, whether it be a natural disaster or an unnat- eration through mail, fax, phone or in person. ural act of terrorism, until emergency response arrives. 3. Tests of Security All schools in New Jersey are required to have plans Evaluation of response by security or law enforcement to for evacuation and sheltering in place. DO NOT go to your an incident, triggered by purposely penetrating security barriers or child’s school unless directed. committing violations, for example, leaving a vehicle in a no- parking zone and timing security response. Your employer should have plans for evacuation and sheltering in place for employees and customers. 4. Acquiring Supplies Purchase or theft of explosives, weapons or ammuni- When to Shelter In Place tion, as well as storing large amounts of fertilizer and harm- If you learn of a pending or occurring disaster and ful chemicals. Falsifying ID documents may preclude this you do not have time to evacuate the effected area, you activity. Anyone wearing a uniform should have proper iden- should employ your Shelter In Place plan. tification. You will hear from your local police, emergency coor- 5. Suspicious People Who Do Not Belong Any person who does not look familiar to a neighbor- dinators or government on the radio, TV or via the internet if hood, workplace or building. Don’t profile people but you you should Shelter In Place. should profile their behavior. If there is a Level Red (highest alert), listen for infor- 6. Dry Run/Trial Run mation and instructions. Instructions to Shelter In Place are A practice session to work out any problems that may oc- usually provided for durations of a few hours, not days or cur during the real event, particularly a kidnapping or a bombing. weeks. Act quickly but do not panic.
7. Deploying Assets/Getting Into Position Choosing A Location at Home Look for someone who is positioning assets or materials, which could be part of a trial run. If you are in or near your home or apartment, or that 8. Funding of someone you know, proceed directly there and go in- Terrorists use a variety of methods to raise funds illegally. doors. Choose a room with as few windows or doors as pos- Possible indicators include, but are not limited to: suspicious credit sible to stay. card applications, spending, or multiple surnames at the same A large room with access to a water supply, like a address; illegal drugs; bulk purchases of cigarettes or other coun- master bedroom with adjoining bathroom, is desirable. terfeit goods. For tornadoes, hurricanes and other severe weather Report any of these signs to the NJ Office of Homeland related disasters, the location should be low (as in base- Security and Preparedness’ 24-hour hotline at 1-866-4SAFE (1- ment) of the home. 866-472-3365) or [email protected] For chemical, biological or radiological incidents, the Always document: location should be high in the home as vapors from some What is Happening When Did I Observe It agents are heavier than air. Who Is Doing It Why Am I Suspicious Where Is It Taking Place Continued on Next Page 28 5
Man-made Disaster
come into contact with something that you believe may What To Do be a biological or chemical agent, immediately call your local law enforcement agency and follow their instruc- Once you have determined an appropriate room/ tions. Typically this will include isolating the area, con- area in which to Shelter in Place, here are some guidelines taining the contaminant, and washing with soap and wa- to follow: ter to remove the possible contaminant from your skin. Close and lock all windows and exterior doors If there is danger of an explosion or expected high Disaster Kit Checklist winds, close all shades, blinds and curtains Turn off fans, heating and air conditioning systems Close the damper on the fireplace or wood stove □ Water □ Sanitary needs □ Battery powered flashlight, Take your disaster supplies kit and radio (make sure it □ Food battery powered radio, and operates on battery mode) to the room you have desig- □ Manual Can Opener □ Plates and Eating Utensils extra batteries. nated □ Fire Extinguisher □ Liquid Bleach Bring all pets with you, and additional food and water for □ Clothing □Clear Plastic and Duct them □ Bedding Tape Seal all passages through which air can flow (doors, win- □ First Aid Kit □Special needs items for dows, cracks, vents, etc.) with plastic sheeting and duct □ Non-prescription drugs infants, elderly, and persons tape. □ Extra prescription drugs with disabilities. Continue to listen to your radio or TV for instructions (contact your doctor or pharmacist). Note: Check expiration For more information on Sheltering In Place: □Extra prescription dates frequently eyeglasses/contacts. Burlington County Health Department 609-265-5548 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Public Re- sponse Hotline 888-246-2675 (English) 888-246-2657 (Español) Documents Checklist 866-874-2646 □ Social Security Card □ Proof of Residence Emergency Preparedness and Response for Public □ Driver’s License □ Mortgages Health Emergencies □ Birth Certificate □ Stocks web site: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/ □ Marriage Certificate □ Bonds Email: [email protected] □ Passport □ Vehicle Titles Postal: Public Inquiry c/o BPRP □ Immunization Records □Tax Information (tax re- Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response □ Medical/medicines infor- turns) Planning mation □ Pictures Centers for Disease Control and Prevention □ Bank Account Numbers □ Your Picture/Video Invento- Mailstop C-18 □ Contracts ry of Your Property 1600 Clifton Road □ Will □ Jewelry □ Insurance Policies □ Health Insurance Cards Atlanta, GA 30333 □ Deeds □ Extra Cash
6 27
Man-made Disasters
In Your Vehicle Terrorist Attack As soon as you hear advice to shelter in place, de- termine if you can get to your home, your place of work or a These attacks are designed to be unexpected. public building in a short period of time. Follow the shelter in This leaves little room for preparation. Use your place guidelines listed previously. general disaster principles as preparation. Be sure to If you are not able to get home or to a building quick- have a disaster kit prepared, listen for evacuation ly and safely, follow these guidelines: routes, and regularly conduct drills. When you are in Pull off the road to a safe place as not to interfere or en- a public place, always know where the emergency danger emergency vehicles exits are located. If the weather is sun- You can help to prevent terrorism. ny and warm, select a Immediately call 911 if you see someone with a cool, shady area to weapon or suspicious package; or if you hear avoid overheating; if someone threaten to immediately use a weapon, the weather is cold bomb, or biological/chemical agent. and windy, select an
If you hear someone discuss a future plan to area that is in the sun illegally use a weapon, mail a dangerous package/ and away from trees letter, set off a bomb, or release a harmful substance or utility lines immediately call your local law enforcement Get anything in the trunk that you may need (i.e. blanket, agency (look for your local law enforcement first aid kit, etc.) agency’s phone number in the back of this booklet). Close windows and vents Turn off the engine The Burlington County Sheriff’s Department Display Shelter in Place sign and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office offer If possible, seal heating/air conditioning vents with duct Anti-Terrorism Awareness Training designed by the tape Office of Homeland Security Protection to groups Listen to the radio frequently for updated advice and in- upon request. Just call the Burlington County structions Sheriff’s Department at 609-265-5127 to schedule. Contact family or friends to let them know where you are
Do not attempt to get back on the road unless instructed
to do so Biological or Chemical Disaster Remember that many roads and/or bridges may be If you are in danger from a biological or closed chemical attack or accident, you will be advised to either evacuate immediately, or take shelter in your Some items that are recommended to keep in your car: home (known as “shelter in place”). If told to take shelter in your home; turn off your ventilation and seal Blanket First-aid kit all doors, windows, chimneys, vents, and any other Bottle of water Maps openings with clear plastic and duct tape. If you Roll of duct tape Shelter in Place sign Pen/pencil and paper Flashlight/extra batteries
26 7
Isolation and Quarantine Man-made Disasters
To contain the spread of a highly contagious illness, Nuclear Accident public health authorities sometimes rely on isolation and/or If a nuclear power plant were to release quarantine. Isolation is for people who are ill, and quarantine radiation, you promptly will be given warning and is for people who have been exposed but are not sick and instructions on the Emergency Alerting System on may or may not become ill. local television and radio stations. · Be alert for the following terms: ISOLATION: FOR PEOPLE WHO Notification of Unusual Event – A small problem ARE ILL has occurred at a nuclear power plant. No radiation When someone is known to leak is expected. There should be no necessary be ill with a contagious disease, action on your part. they are placed in isolation and Alert – A small problem has occurred. Radiation may receive special care, to protect un- leak inside the plant. This will not affect the public, infected people from exposure to and no action should be required on your part. the disease. Site Area Emergency – A significant problem has Isolation is a standard pro- occurred, and small amounts of radiation could leak cedure used in hospitals today for from the plant. Monitor your television or radio and patients with tuberculosis (TB) and evacuate immediately if told to do so. certain other infectious diseases. General Emergency – This is the most serious In most cases, isolation is problem. Radiation could leak from the plant and voluntary; however, federal, state plant site. Monitor your television or radio for reports. and local governments have the Be prepared to evacuate. Make sure you listen authority to require isolation of sick carefully to the evacuation routes as they will be people to protect the public. leading you away from dangerous areas.
QUARANTINE: FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN EXPOSED BUT ARE NOT ILL Nuclear Attack
When someone has been exposed to a contagious disease and it is not yet known if they have contracted it, If there is a threat of nuclear attack persons they may be quarantined or separated from others who have near potential targets will be told to evacuate. not been exposed to the disease. Protection from fallout would require an under- For example, they may be asked to remain at home ground shelter, a cave, or even the middle of a to prevent the further potential spread of the illness. They large building. also receive special care and observation for any early signs of the illness. Quarantine can be highly effective in protect- ing the public from the spread of disease. In most cases, isolation is voluntary; however, feder- al, state and local governments have the authority to require isolation of sick people to protect the public.
8 25
Natural Disasters Pandemic Flu
Forest Fires General Information Forest fires are A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. An influen- a frequent threat to za (flu) pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus: Burlington County. Emerges that people have never experienced before According to the New Begins to cause serious illness in humans Jersey Forest Fire Spreads easily person-to-person worldwide Service 40 percent of all forest fires in New Reducing Your Risk Jersey are caused by Protect yourself from flu arson. The second by taking the same steps you most common cause is would to guard yourself against children. colds and other viruses. You can help to prevent forest fires by: Cover your nose and mouth Never Leaving a Campfire Unattended with a tissue when you sneeze or Never Starting a Campfire without a Permit - cough If there is a fire ban due to excessive fire danger, Wash your hands with soap you will not be issued a permit. Also, this will and water frequently throughout alert the Forest Fire Service to the presence of the day, especially after cough- your campfire, so they won’t mistake it for a ing or sneezing. Do not rub eyes, forest fire. mouth or nose and wash hands Always Making Sure Your Campfire is Out - before touching them Drown the fire in water. Make sure all embers Stay home from work or are out. Make sure all rocks and sticks are wet school when you are ill and cool. Stir the remains, add more water, and If there is flu in your area, stir again. Keep adding water and stirring until avoid crowded and poorly venti- all materials are cool enough to be touched with lated public areas your bare hand. If you experience flu symptoms, consult a doctor and Safely Disposing of Matches and Cigarettes/ stay at home Cigars What can you do to be prepared? Your can protect your home by: If pandemic flu occurs, be prepared to shelter in Cleaning leaves and pine needles from your place for at least two weeks. In addition to the Disaster Pre- gutters and roof. paredness Checklist that is included in this book, you will Keeping firewood at least 30 feet away from want to include basic medical supplies such as a thermome- your house. ter, pain and fever reducing medication, tissues and surgical Keeping a green, well watered lawn. masks. Keeping flammables in safety cans. During a pandemic flu event, information will be Removing dead limbs from trees near your available through the media and county web site (http:// house. www.co.burlington.nj.us) to keep you updated.
24 9
General Disaster Principles Natural Disasters
Know your evacuation routes – Make sure your Winter storms family is aware of routes out of the home in case of fire. Evacuation routes will be decided by the Be alert for these terms: nature and location of the disaster. In a time of Winter Weather Advisory – Cold, ice, and snow disaster, monitor television or radio for more expected. evacuation routes and information on public Winter Storm Watch – Heavy snow and/or ice is shelters. possible within the next 24-48 hours.
Designate meeting places – Prearrange a Winter Storm Warning – Severe winter storm meeting place outside of your home. All family conditions are beginning. members should meet there in the event of a fire Blizzard Warning – Heavy snow and high winds or other home emergency. Also designate an out- are expected. This will cause blinding snow, of-area meeting place in case you are away from almost zero visibility, deep snow drifts, and dangerous wind chill. home and unable to return. Frost/Freeze Warning – Temperatures are Arrange an out-of-state contact – Each family expected to drop below freezing. member should keep the phone number of an out- of-state contact with them. During a disaster, Keep heating fuel at sufficient level. each family member should call this contact if Be prepared for isolation. Be sure you have anyone is lost or separated. Local phone service sufficient food and water supplies. is frequently disrupted during disasters, but calls Prepare an emergency kit for your vehicle. Include the following items; to an out-of-state contact will usually get through. Cellular phone. Pets will not be allowed in public shelters – Blankets or a sleeping bag. For health reasons, pets are not allowed in public A flashlight with extra batteries. shelters. Try to arrange to leave your pets with a A first aid kit. friend out of the area, or bring them to a “pet Water in an insulated container. friendly” hotel. More information on pet care Non-perishable food that does not require during a disaster will follow. cooking, refrigeration, or re-hydration. Prepare a disaster kit – Before disaster strikes Sand or cat litter to add traction to your tires if have emergency supplies prepared. A detailed you become stuck.
list of items can be found on Page 13. A shovel.
Keep your vehicle fueled up – During a disaster, A tow line. Waterproof matches. fuel stations most likely will be closed. Windshield scraper. Take pictures and/or a video of your home and Avoid driving in snow and ice. valuables immediately – You will want proof of Keep vehicle’s gas tank near full. Fuel stations what your possessions are, and what their may be closed. Also keeping your gas tank near condition is. Also, after any damage is done, take full will help you to avoid ice in the tank and the pictures and/or a video again, to show contrast. fuel lines.
10 23
Natural Disasters General Disaster Principles Keep your important documents and pictures Earthquakes: together – If you are forced to evacuate quickly, you According to the United States Geological Survey, will want access to the following without having to there is a worldwide average of 10,000 earthquake- search for them: related deaths each year. Social Security Card Consider Volunteering
Driver’s License County Animal Response Prepare your home Birth Certificate Team (CART) Marriage Certificate [email protected] Repair defective wiring, leaking gas lines, and Passport Community Emergency inflexible connections. Immunization Records Response Team (CERT) When putting items on open shelves, always Bank Account Numbers [email protected] or put heavier and breakable items on lower 609-265-5103 Contracts shelves. Will Fire or Emergency Medical Make sure overhead lighting is well secured. Responder (EMR) 609-702- Insurance Policies Repair any cracks in ceilings or in the 7157x3902 or staylor@ foundation. Deeds co.burlington.nj.us
Proof of Residence Medical Reserve Corps Earthquakes are sudden and without warning. Mortgages (MRC) 609-265-5548 or
Identify safe places in each room of your home. Stocks [email protected]
Regularly perform earthquake drills, and move to Bonds Red Cross (Burlington Co. these designated areas with every family Vehicle Titles Chapter) 609-267-9595 or
member. Pictures [email protected]
When looking for a safe place, try to find desks or Jewelry Salvation Army 908-851- tables to get under. If none are available move to Your Picture/Video 8238/908-403-5416/973-690- an inside wall. Inventory of Your 0958 or Russell.hendrickson In crowded places do not rush toward a doorway. Property @use.salvationarmy.org Most of the crowd will also be attempting to get to Health Insurance Cards the door. Look for a safe place to hide. Tax Information (tax returns) If you are driving Medical information sheet with written description of when an earthquake regular medications and name and phone number of begins, safely come to your pharmacy a complete stop. Do Extra cash – you will not be able to get money from not get out of the ATMs and banks if power is interrupted vehicle. Avoid stopping in a parking It is best to keep these items in a fire-resistant safe to provide added protection. garage, under power lines, on a bridge, or Know how to shut off your utilities – When you under an overpass. need to evacuate, shut off your electric, water, and gas. Learn how to do this ahead of time.
22 11
General Disaster Principles Natural Disasters Learn First Aid and CPR – Courses are offered Look for these terms: by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) squads, the American Heart Association, the American Hurricane/Tropical Storm Watch – A hurricane/ Red Cross, and the National Safety Council. tropical storm is possible within the next 36 hours Practice your safety routines – Conduct regular in the watch area. drills to practice evacuating your house, getting to Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning – A safe areas in your home (for earthquakes, hurricane/tropical storm is expected within 24 tornadoes, flooding, etc.), and reaching hours in the warning area. predetermined meeting places. Remember that certain family members may Hurricanes have special needs – If you are forced to cause an evacuate, remember that infants and elderly have average of special needs. Be sure to bring items that they 17 deaths will need. each year. Make sure you plan ahead for family members However, with disabilities – Be sure to bring wheel chairs, hurricanes hearing aids, prostheses, walkers, crutches, can medications, etc. produce Tap water can become contaminated during a tornadoes, disaster – Particularly with flooding, tap water floods, and should be avoided during a disaster. If there is lightning; all warning before the disaster strikes, sterilize and of which fill your bath tub. Also you should always keep an have much higher fatality rates. During the threat emergency supply of bottled drinking water. of a hurricane, secure all doors and windows. Pet Care in time of disaster Secure any loose objects in your yard. Be If possible, bring your pets with you if you are prepared to evacuate immediately. evacuated. If it is unsafe for you to remain, it is also unsafe for your pets. As always, your pet should have a tag on it with your name and phone number. In addition, you should also have an out-of-area contact name and number. If you are separated from your pet during an evacuation, your phone number on the pets ID tag will be useless. Keep your pet’s health certificate and photo with you. You may need to prove ownership or that the pet is properly vaccinated. Make sure you have a pet carrier or leash.
12 21
Natural Disasters General Disaster Principles Hurricanes Facts Disaster Kit · According to the National Weather Service, the The following is a list of recommended necessities definition of a hurricane, a tropical storm, and a for sustaining yourself in an emergency until relief arrives. tropical depression are: Tropical Depression – An organized Water – Store a 3-5 day supply of water (one gallon system of persistent clouds and per person per day). Replace stored water every 6 thunderstorms with a closed low-level months. circulation and maximum sustained winds Food – Store at least a 3 day supply of non- of 38 mph. perishable food that requires no refrigeration, Tropical Storm – An organized system of cooking, or re-hydration. Avoid strong thunderstorms with a well defined foods high in protein, fat, and salt. circulation and maximum sustained winds Unlike water, food supplies can of 39 to 73 mph. easily be stretched by rationing Hurricane – An intense tropical weather (except with pregnant women and system with a well defined circulation and children). Try to eat at least one sustained winds of 74 mph or higher. complete meal each day. · Hurricanes are rated on the Saffir-Simpson Note: Frequently check expiration Hurricane Scale. This scale rates hurricane dates and replace food before it intensity and is based on sustained wind speed expires. Replace all stored food and estimated property damage. every six months. Manual Can Opener, Plates, and Eating Utensils – You will need these items for eating your food. Try to use plates that will not break easily. Fire Extinguisher – Make sure you know how to use it and check the expiration date regularly. Clothing – Each person should have at least one complete change of clothes and shoes. Be sure to have plenty of warm clothing (coats, hats, gloves, etc.). Include rain gear. Make sure you have sturdy boots and/or boots. Bedding – Bedding will be necessary if you are evacuated. A pillow and sleeping bag for each person is best. If sleeping bags are not available each person should have two blankets.
20 13
General Disaster Principles Natural Disasters First Aid Kit – should include the following items: Tornado Facts Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes There are three main classifications of tornadoes: Adhesive medical tape Weak Tornadoes – This class represents 69 4X4 Gauze pads percent of tornadoes and less than 5 percent of Rolled gauze tornado related deaths. These tornadoes consist Antiseptic of winds slower than 110 mph and typically last Latex gloves less than 20 minutes. Triangular bandages (cravats) Strong Tornadoes – 29 percent of tornadoes are Cotton balls strong tornadoes. These account for 25-30 Hot packs percent of tornado related deaths. These Cold packs tornadoes may last 20 minutes or longer and Tweezers average 110 - 205 mph. Scissors Violent Tornadoes – Although only 2 percent of Thermometer tornadoes are in the violent class, they account Non-Prescription drugs for 70 percent of tornado-related deaths. Their Aspirin wind speed is typically greater than 205 mph and Antacids can last more than 1 hour. Anti-diarrhea Tornadoes cause an average of 69 deaths per year. Laxatives Areas near rivers, lakes, and mountains are not safe Tooth-ache remedy from tornadoes. Antihistamine The majority of damage caused by tornadoes is from Note: Check expiration dates frequently strong winds and debris hitting buildings. Opening windows allows these winds into your home. DO Prescription drugs NOT OPEN YOUR WINDOWS DURING A Keep a list of all prescription drugs taken on a TORNADO. Immediately move to a safe place. regular basis, name of prescribing doctor, and During a tornado, seek shelter underground pharmacy name and number. Always have at least a (basement, storm cellar, etc.). If no underground one-week supply. shelter is available, move to an interior room or Sanitary needs hallway on the first floor. Decide where you will seek Soap shelter before a tornado strikes, and have family drills Shampoo to practice moving to the shelter. Toilet paper If you are in a vehicle of any type or in a mobile Disinfectant home, seek more suitable shelter immediately. If Tooth brush and tooth paste none is available look for an ditch, ravine, or Feminine supplies depression. Lie flat and cover your head with your Deodorant arms. Never attempt to outrun a tornado in your Garbage bags vehicle. Wash cloth and small towel Report sightings of revolving funnel clouds to your Shaving kit local law enforcement agency. 14 19
Natural Disasters General Disaster Principles
Tornadoes and Severe Thunderstorms Extra prescription eyeglasses/contacts
Some terms to be aware of: Liquid Bleach — for use to treat water Severe Thunderstorm Watch – Severe (see water treatment in this publication). Use thunderstorms are possible in watch area. only liquid bleach with 5.25 percent sodium Severe Thunderstorm Warning – Severe hypochlorite. Do not use color safe or scented thunderstorms are occurring. bleach. Tornado Watch – Tornadoes are possible, remain alert. Battery powered Tornado Warning – A tornado has been sighted Flashlight or indicated by weather radar. Immediately
prepare to take shelter. Battery powered radio — There are 2 Lightning Facts: primary types of radios to choose from. Standard AM/FM is like the type in your car. NOAA Weather Lightning causes Radio is a radio that constantly receives weather an average of 80 broadcasts. NOAA radios are available in many deaths each year. electronics stores. Note: Using a standard AM/FM You can be stuck radio can also provide entertainment while you are by lightning even if waiting for power to return. it is not raining. If you can hear thunder, you can Extra Batteries Replace all batteries every year. be struck by lightning. The rubber soles of your shoes and the rubber Special needs items for infants, elderly, and tires on your car WILL NOT protect you from persons with disabilities lightning. However, you are safer inside a vehicle Medications than outdoors as long as you are not touching any Diapers of the vehicle’s metal. Special foods/formulas If you are caught outdoors during a thunderstorm Bottles and cannot find shelter or a vehicle, find a low Car seat spot away from poles and trees. If you feel your Wheelchair, walker, cane, etc. skin tingle or hair stand on end, immediately Dentures crouch low to the ground and stand on the balls of Note: Check expiration dates frequently.
your feet. Be sure to interlace your hands behind Clear Plastic and Duct Tape — for shelter-in-place. your head and place your head between your See the “biological or chemical disaster” section of knees. Do not lie down; instead try to minimize this publication for more information. your contact with the ground.
18 15
General Disaster Principles Natural Disasters Water Treatment Floods · Storing Water – It is best to store water in thoroughly The term flash flood refers to flooding within 6 hours cleaned plastic bottles that have held water or soft drinks of the rain event. Flooding refers to a long term event already. Never use bottles that have held toxic materials. Seal water containers tightly, and store them in a dark and that may last a week or more. Flash floods are typically cool place. Replace stored water (and food) every 6 caused by slow moving thunderstorms. The two main months. To improve the taste of stored water, pour it back factors that contribute to the creation of flash floods are and forth between two clean containers. This will add the intensity and the duration of the rainfall. Flash floods oxygen to the water. This will also improve the taste of can happen within minutes or hours, and there is usually water treated by the boiling method. little or no warning when they occur. · Finding Water in Your Home – If you do not have stored Floods cause an average of 146 deaths each year. water when disaster strikes, you can find it in your hot The majority of flood related deaths are due to flash water tank, pipes, ice (made before disaster), and the floods. Flash floods are the No.1 cause of all weather- reservoir tank of your toilet (not the bowl). related deaths. · Treating Water – Two methods of treating water are boiling and disinfecting. These two During a storm monitor television, radio, or NOAA methods will kill microbes, but will radio. Listen for these terms: not remove heavy metals, salts, or Flood Watch – Flooding is possible within watch chemicals. Before boiling or area. Be alert and continue to monitor news disinfecting let any suspended channels for more information. particles in the water settle to the Flash Flood Watch – Flash flooding is possible bottom or strain them through layers within watch area. Prepare to move to higher of paper towels or cloth. Boiling ground. water for 3-5 minutes is the safest Flood Warning – Flooding is imminent or method of treating water. To occurring. Prepare to evacuate immediately. disinfect water, mix 16 drops of household bleach with 1 gallon of water, stir it, and let it sit Flash Flood Warning – Flash Flooding is for 3 minutes. If water does not have slight bleach scent, imminent or occurring. Prepare to evacuate repeat the dosage and let stand for another 15 minutes. immediately. Only use liquid bleach that contains 5.25 percent sodium Urban and Small Stream Advisory – Flooding of hypochlorite. Do not use any scented bleaches, color- small streams, streets, and low lying areas. safe bleaches, or bleaches with added cleaners. Do not Flood or Flash Flood Statement – Follow-up use iodine or other water treatment products that do not information regarding the current event. consist of 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite as the only Note: During a flood, always evacuate to higher ground. active ingredient. Another way to treat water is distillation. Contact your local municipality to find if you are in a Distillation will remove microbes that resist the other two methods, and remove heavy metals, salts, and most other flood prone area, and if there are nearby dams that chemicals. To perform distillation, pour water into a pot, pose a flood threat. tie a cup to the handle on the pot’s lid so the cup will hang Flooding can contaminate tap water. open end up when the lid is on the pot. Make sure the Do not walk or drive through moving water. Six cup is not touching the water. Boil the water for 20 inches of water is enough to knock you off your feet; minutes. Water will drip from the lid into the cup, distilled. 2 feet of water is enough to carry off most cars. Drink only the water that accumulates in the cup.
16 17