Harford County Division of Emergency Operations 2220 Ady Rd. Forest Hill, Maryland 21050 Emergency Preparedness in Harford County is a continuous process which involves all of us. There are a variety of hazards that we face every day and there is an extremely dedicated group of people who plan for, and respond to, these hazards.
Our County is vulnerable to the effects of a number of natural emergencies such as hurricanes and severe winter storms. In addition, we are also susceptible to a variety of man-made hazards such as hazardous materials incidents on our roads, at fixed sites, nuclear power plant incidents and fires.
Families who are prepared can reduce the fear, inconvenience and losses that surround a disaster. They can be ready to evacuate or shelter in their homes, make their stays in public shelters more comfortable and know how to take care of their basic medical needs. They can even save each other’s lives.
If disaster threatens, we will try to help you. But you need to be prepared as well, local resources may be overwhelmed after a major disaster, and emergency responders may not be able to reach you right away. What you do to prepare can make a difference. After most disasters, you and your family should be ready to be self-sufficient for at least seven days; this may mean providing for your own shelter, first aid, food, water and sanitation.
This pamphlet can help. It was developed by the Harford County Division of Emergency Operations and designed to help you learn basic steps to take in various emergencies or disasters. It gives you information on possible emergencies and what you should do before, during and after it happens. Share this information with your family; it could save your life.
The Harford County Division of Emergency Operations also provides Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) to residents and businesses of Harford County. CERT is an 18 hour class that teaches residents how to be prepared during an emergency, basic medical skills, fire safety and light search and rescue. For more information or to schedule a training contact the Harford County Division of Emergency Operations at 410-638-4900. PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS 4
EMERGENCY SUPPLIES 5
TAKING CARE OF EMOTIONAL NEEDS 6
HELPING CHILDREN WITH A DISASTER 7
TAKING SHELTER AND EVACUATING 8
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS 9
CARING FOR YOUR PETS DURING AN EMERGENCY 9
DISASTER TIPS FOR PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS 10
CALLING 911 11
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU CALL 911 11
CALLING FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL, FIRE AND POLICE SERVICES 11
HARFORD COUNTY HAZARDS 12
SEVERE WEATHER 12
FLOODING 13
WINTER WEATHER 14
TORNADOS 15
HURRICANES 16
TERRORISM 17
NUCLEAR INCIDENT/PEACH BOTTOM 18
PANDEMIC INFLUENZA 19
ADDITIONAL TIPS/INFORMATION 20
LOCATING FUSE BOXES, SHUT OFF VALVES 20
LISTEN TO PUBLIC ALERTS, WARNINGS 20 PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS
After a disaster, you and your family should be prepared to be on your own for at least seven days. In some emergencies, such as pandemic influenza, you may need to prepare for a week or more. First Responders will be busy and may not be able to provide immediate care to all who need it.
Before disaster strikes Keep all exits clear. • Choose a place for your family to meet • Make sure all family members agree on an after a disaster. emergency plan. Give emergency • Choose a person outside the immediate information to babysitters or other area for family members to contact in case caregivers. you get separated. This person should live far enough away so he or she won’t be During an emergency or disaster involved in the same emergency. • Keep calm and take time to think. Give • Know how to contact your children at assistance where needed. school or daycare, and how to pick them • Listen to your radio or television for official up after a disaster. Let the school know if information and instructions. someone else is authorized to pick them • Use the telephone for emergency calls only. up. Keep your child’s emergency release • If you are ordered to evacuate, take your card up to date. disaster supply kit and follow official • Put together an emergency supply kit for directions to a safe place or temporary your home and workplace. shelter. • Know where the nearest fire and police stations are located. After the emergency or disaster is over • Learn your community’s warning signals, • Use caution in entering damaged buildings what they sound like and what you should and homes. do when your hear them. • Stay away from damaged electrical wires • Learn first aid and CPR. Have a first aid and wet appliances. kit, a first aid manual and extra medicine • Check food and water supplies for for family members. contamination • Learn how to shut off your water, gas, and • Notify your relatives that you are safe. But electricity. Know where to find shut-off don’t tie up phone lines; they may be needed valves and switches. for emergency calls. • Keep a small amount of cash available. If • If government disaster assistance is the power is out, ATM machines won’t available, the news media will announce work. where to go to apply. • If you have family members who don’t speak English, prepare emergency cards in English with their name, address and information about medications or allergies. Make sure they can find their cards at all times. • Make copies of your vital records and store them in your disaster supply kit. • Make sure family members know all the possible ways to get out of your home. 4 Emergency Supplies
Government agencies will respond to community disasters, but citizens may be on their own for hours, even days, after a disaster strikes. You should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for at least three days. In some emergencies, such as pandemic influenza, you may need to be prepared for a week or more.
Disaster Supply Kit • One gallon of water per person per day • Ready to eat canned meat, fruit and vegetables, canned/boxed juices, milk and soup, food for infants and adults with special diets, and high emergency snacks • Photocopies of licenses, insurance polices, birth certificates, credit cards in a waterproof bag. • Can opener • First aid supplies and manual • Special needs items such as eye glasses and medications • A change of clothing for each person • Sleeping bags or blankets • Battery powered radio or television • Flashlight with extra batteries • Harford County Emergency Public Information Calendar • Waterproof matches • Toys, books, puzzles, and games • Extra house keys and car keys • List of contact names and phone numbers • Food, water and supplies for pets • Small tool kit • Cash • Personal care items • Whistle
Harford County has joined with Baltimore City and County along with Howard, Carroll and Anne Arundel counties in an emergency preparedness awareness campaign entitled Ready? Set? Good. The campaign is designed to help all residents know what’s most important when it comes to home preparedness. For more information: Contact the Harford County Division of Emergency Operations at 410-638-4900.
5 Taking Care of Emotional Needs
It is natural to be upset when you think your health or the health of your loved ones is threatened. Pay attention to your own feelings and take care of your emotional needs, then you can better help friends and family members handle their concerns.
Coping with uncertainty If you notice a big change in a loved one, Anxiety can be related to fear of the friend or co-worker, reach out to them. unknown. It is normal to feel anxious and Make some time to talk. Watching out for worried during an emergency. others shows you care and it can be Everyone reacts differently to an comforting to both of you. emergency People often experience changes in their If you or someone you know is having a physical, emotional or mental state, during hard time managing their emotions, seek and after emergencies. For example, they help from a medical or mental health may have trouble sleeping, experience anger professional. or depression, or have problems at work or school. If these reactions seem extreme or Get reliable information last a long time, you should seek help. When an emergency happens, it is important to keep things in perspective. Get Here are some ways you can cope with information about the event from: stress and anxiety • Limit your exposure to graphic news • Newspaper, radio, and television. stories. • Your health care provider. • Get accurate, timely information from • Your local health department. reliable sources. • Harford County Government. • Maintain your normal routine as much as • Harford County Division of Emergency possible. Operations. • Avoid drugs and excessive drinking. • Exercise, eat well and get enough sleep. • Stay active physically and mentally. If you or a loved one needs help during • Stay in touch with family and friends. a crisis, please contact the Mobile • If you can, help others. Crisis Team. • Keep a sense of humor. • Share your concerns with others.
Stay connected Ask for help if you need it. If your anxiety about a disaster gets in the way of your daily life, talk to someone you trust. This may be your doctor, a family member, teacher, or mental health professional.
6 Source: Emergency Resource Guide 2007 published by Washington State Department of Health. Helping Children after a Disaster
It is important to remember some children may never show distress, while others may not give evidence of being upset for several weeks or even months after an emergency. Other children may not show a change in behavior, but may still need your help.
Children may exhibit the following behaviors after a disaster: • Go back to former routines as soon as • Be upset over the loss of a favorite toy or possible. Maintain a regular schedule for possession that is important to them. the children. • Change from being quiet, obedient, and • Reassure children that the disaster was caring to loud, noisy, and aggressive, or not their fault. change from being outgoing to shy and • Let children have some control, such as afraid. choosing clothing or what meal to have for • Develop night time fears (nightmares, fear dinner. of the dark or sleeping alone). • Re-establish contact with extended family. • Be afraid the event will reoccur. • Help your children learn to trust adults • Become easily upset. again by keeping promises you make. • Lose trust in adults. • Help your children regain faith in the • Revert to younger behavior (bed-wetting, future by making plans. thumb sucking). • Get needed health care as soon as • Want to stay close to parents. Refuse to go possible. to school or day care. • Spend extra time with your children at • Feel they caused the disaster because of bedtime. something they did. • Make sure children eat healthy meals and • Become afraid of wind, rain or sudden loud get enough rest. noises. • Allow special privileges for a short period • Have symptoms of illness, such as of time, such as leaving the light on when headaches, vomiting or fever. they go to bed. • Worry about where they and their family will • Find ways to emphasize to your children live. that you love them. • Allow children time to grieve losses. Things parents can do to help their children: • Develop positive anniversary activities to • Talk with children about how they are commemorate the event. These may bring feeling. Assure them that it’s okay to have tears, but they are also a time to celebrate those feelings. survival and the ability to get back to a • Help children learn to use words that normal life. express their feelings, such as “happy” or “sad”. • Children should not be expected to be brave or tough. Tell them its okay to cry. • Don’t give children more information than they can handle about the disaster. • Assure fearful children you will be there to care for them: consistently reassure them. 7 Source: Emergency Resource Guide 2007 published by Washington State Department of Health. TAKING SHELTER AND EVACUATING
If the safety and well-being of county residents is ever jeopardized, either by a man-made or natural incident, government officials will use Emergency Alert Stations (EAS) to notify the public.
When you evacuate: Carry along your emergency supply kit including a copy of the Harford County Emergency Public Information Calendar. Follow the instructions found on the evacuation map for your area printed in the calendar or report to the reception center identified in emergency instructions. Notify a family member or close friend of your temporary relocation. Schools will evacuate to pre-designated host schools. Parents of children enrolled in daycare centers should check with the individual center for its plan when enrolling their child. Leave plenty of food and water for livestock. Turn off lights, fans, air conditioners and appliances except for refrigerators and freezers. Lock windows and doors. Tie a white cloth to the front door to indicate you have evacuated. Do not return home until you are told the area is safe.
Taking Shelter:
Go inside a secure building and close all doors and windows. Tape cracks for extra protection. Shut off all outside air intakes such as fans, air conditioners. Keep pets inside with you. Shelter farm animals in barns and sheds. Move to a central area of the building; if possible have your emergency supply kit with you. School children will take shelter where they are. Do not attempt to pick up your children. They will be safe and well taken care of until the danger passes. Limit telephone use to reporting emergencies or to request special assistance emergency calls only. Stay indoors until you are told it is safe to go outside. If in a vehicle, close the windows and vents.
8 CARING FOR YOUR PETS DURING AN EMERGENCY
When an emergency evacuation occurs, pets will not be allowed in emergency shelters for public health and safety reasons. Planning ahead can save your pet’s life and make yours easier, according to the Harford County Division of Emergency Operations and Harford County Animal Control.
Before disaster strikes • Find a safe place for your pets to stay. Emergency pet shelters, animal control shelters, veterinary clinics and friends homes outside of risk area. Some hotels and motels may allow you to bring pets; others may suspend their “no pet” rules during an emergency. Check ahead to make sure you can bring your pet. • Make sure your pets wear current ID tags all the time and that carriers for each pet are labeled with contact information. • Be sure your pets vaccinations are current. Pet shelters may require proof of vaccines.
During a disaster • Keep pets in the house as emergency situations develop so you can locate them. • Don’t wait until the last minute to get ready. Warnings may be issued hours or days in advance. • Follow emergency instructions issued by emergency management or other local officials. • Harford County Animal Control will provide sheltering to domesticated animals during or after a disaster. Residents should bring their pets to the Harford County Reception Center when requested to do so. • Take your pet’s immunizations and health records with you to prevent them from being damaged. • If you must leave your pet behind, follow these tips: 1) Bring the pet indoors. 2) Leave plenty of food and water in a non-spill bowl. 3) Put large or dangerous animals in carriers to reduce the possibility of them getting loose.
For more information, contact Animal Control or Emergency Operations
9 SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Harford County residents with disabilities and other special needs should consider forming a support network of family members, friends and neighbors to assist them during an emergency. Residents who do not have a support network should fill out the yearly Emergency Needs Survey to get assistance during an emergency evacuation.
Persons with disabilities The following checklist represents information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross for this purpose.
Develop a support network by making arrangements with family members, friends and/or neighbors to assist with transportation during an evacuation. Arrange for more than one person from your support network to check on you in an emergency. If vision or hearing impaired, plan ahead for someone to convey essential emergency information to you. Teach those who may need to assist you in an emergency how to operate necessary equipment. Learn what to do in case of power outages and personal injuries. Consider getting a medical alert system. Store back-up equipment (mobility, medical-related, etc.) at your neighbor’s home, school or at your workplace. Have a cell phone with an extra battery or access to a phone that doesn’t require electricity. Be prepared to provide clear, specific and concise instructions to first responders.
You don’t have to be the only one prepared. Encourage others to be prepared and consider volunteering or working with local authorities on disability and other special needs preparedness efforts.
Only fill out the form below if you would require assistance leaving your residence during an emergency evacuation. Please do not fill out this form if you have a support network i.e. family members, neighbor, etc. that can assist you with evacuation.
CANNOT HEAR – Will not hear sirens or Emergency Alert System (EAS) messages. TTY/TTD phone number if available______.
CANNOT SEE/BLIND – Requires assistance leaving residence.
CANNOT WALK – Bedridden, wheel chair bound Or need special vehicle or ambulance to evacuate because of mobility equipment or life support equipment. 10 CALLING 911
The Harford County 911 Telephone System exists to assist citizens with police, fire and medical emergencies. It is not to be used for non-emergency calls which can create delays in handling other very serious emergencies that require immediate attention. DO NOT CALL 911 FOR NON- EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION! Instead, use a taxi or call a private ambulance service listed under “ambulance” in your local telephone directory.
What happens when you call 911? The 911 call taker answering your call will electronically receive your address and telephone number. If you are calling for someone else at a different location, be sure to relay that information. Remain calm and give direct answers to the questions asked.
Critical Information Needed by the Call Taker/Dispatcher • What is the emergency? I need police, fire department, ambulance. • Where is the emergency? Give the address, including building number/name, apartment number and nearest cross street. • What’s the problem? What happened? • Who needs help? Age/number of people involved. • Are they conscious?, Are they breathing?
You may be asked additional questions so the dispatcher can send the right type of help. All questions are important.
Fire Emergency • If your house is on fire, LEAVE the house and call from a neighbor’s or mobile telephone.
Police Emergency • Be prepared to answer questions on the description of the suspect, weapons and vehicles involved.
Medical Emergency • The dispatcher may also provide you with critical pre-arrival instructions such as CPR or methods to control bleeding.
How you can help before first responders arrive • Assure the patient, help is on the way. • Turn your outside lights on. • Stay on the line with the dispatcher until • Secure pets, especially dogs, in a separate area. he/she tells you to hang up. • Have a visible address that is easily read from a • If possible, send someone to wait out front to distance. direct emergency personnel in.
11 HARFORD COUNTY HAZARDS
KNOW YOUR COUNTY HAZARDS • Contact the Harford County Division of Emergency Operations at 410-638-4900 or log onto www.fema.gov. • Find out what types of disasters could occur and how you should respond. • Learn your community’s warning signals and evacuation plans. Assess your risks and identify ways to make your home and property more secure.
When severe weather is threatening your area, stay tuned to radio or television stations for updates and be ready to take action if necessary.
Watches & Warnings Can Make All the Difference
Storm Watch Severe weather may affect the area.
Storm Warning Severe weather conditions are imminent.
Traveler’s Advisory Issued if travel is expected to be difficult or dangerous Thunderstorms Flooding •Stay inside a building or a hard-top •Listen to EAS for evacuation instructions. vehicle. •Avoid streams, marshes and other low- •Avoid showering, bathing or using a house lying areas that are prone to sudden phone except in an emergency. flooding. •Unplug appliances and computers. •Never walk through moving water more •If outside, never stand under a tall tree in than six inches deep. an open area. Go to a low place such as a •Do not drive into flooded areas. valley or ravine. But be mindful of flash floods.
Tornados Hurricanes •If outside, go to the designated storm •Plan a flood-free evacuation route. shelter or central area on the lowest level of •Clear your yard of all loose objects. the building. •Shutter, board or tape windows. •If in a vehicle, mobile home or trailer, get out and seek shelter in a storm shelter or •If instructed by authorities, turn off utilities the lowest level of a sturdy building. at the main valves or switches. •If out in the open, lie flat in a ditch or •If not required to evacuate, stay indoors depression and cover your head with your in a central room, closet or hallway on the 12 arms. first floor. FLOODING
Floods are the most common and widespread of all natural disasters. Most American communities can experience some kind of flooding after spring rains, heavy thunderstorms or winter snow thaws.
Dam failures are potentially the most catastrophic of flooding events. A dam failure is usually the result of structural damage caused by a major event such as an earthquake. When a dam fails, a large amount of water is suddenly let loose downstream, destroying anything in its path.
Before A Flood • Find out if you live in a flood prone area. • Have check valves installed in building sewer traps to prevent flood waters from • If you live in a frequently flooded area, backing up in sewer drains. stockpile emergency building materials such as plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber, •Contact your insurance agent to discuss nails and sandbags. flood insurance (www.floodsmart.com).
• Have your disaster supply kit ready.
During a Flood If indoors: If caught outdoors: • Turn on battery-powered radio to get the • Go to higher ground and stay there. latest emergency information. • Do not walk through even slow-moving • Get your emergency supply kit and flood waters as swiftly moving water, even move to the second floor or roof of your if a foot deep can sweep you off your feet. home. • If your car stalls, abandon it and climb to • Wait for help. Do not attempt to drive on higher ground. flooded roads.
After a Flood: • Only return home when authorities say it’s safe to do so. • Avoid water or food that’s come in contact with flood waters. • Pump out and test well water before using. • Enter your home only when flood waters have receded around the building. • Operate battery-powered lanterns or flashlights to examine buildings. • Look for hazards like leaking gas lines, flooded electrical circuits. • Leave if you smell gas and contact a professional to correct the problem. 13 WINTER WEATHER
Extreme Cold, Snow, Ice, Sleet and Freezing Rain Dozens of Americans each year die due to exposure to cold. Add to that the number vehicle accidents and fatalities; fires due to dangerous use of heaters and other winter weather fatalities.
Threats such as hypothermia and frostbite, can lead to loss of fingers and toes or cause permanent kidney, pancreas and liver injury, even death. You must prepare properly to avoid these extreme dangers.
When Outside • Dress warmly with layers of loose-fitting Guard Against Frostbite, Hypothermia light weight clothing and stay dry. Wear • Frostbite is a severe reaction to cold mittens, hats, scarves, and water repellent exposure that can permanently damage its coats. victims. A loss of feeling and a white or pale • Cover your mouth to protect your lungs appearance in fingers, toes, nose and ear from extremely cold air. lobes are symptoms of frostbite. • Avoid overexertion. Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unaccustomed • Hypothermia is a condition brought on exercise such as shoveling snow or when the body temperature drops due to pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or prolonged exposure to temperatures less make a preexisting medical condition than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms worse. include uncontrollable shivering, slow • Watch for signs of frostbite or hypothermia. speech, memory lapses, frequent stumbling, drowsiness and exhaustion. Equip your vehicle with a winter storm survival kit: • If frostbite or hypothermia is suspected, • Cell phone, car charger and extra battery. warm the person and seek immediate • Blanket/sleeping bag. assistance. Never give a frostbite or • Flashlight with extra batteries. hypothermia victim something with caffeine • First aid kit, tool kit. in it (coffee or soft drinks) or alcohol. • High-calorie, non-perishable food, water. Caffeine, a stimulant, can cause the heart • Extra clothing to keep dry. to beat faster and hasten the effects the • Tissues or paper towels. cold has on the body. Alcohol, a • Sack of sand or cat litter for traction. depressant, can slow the heart and also • Windshield scraper and brush. hasten the ill effects of cold body • Battery booster cables. temperatures. • Compass and road maps.
When Ice Becomes the Problem Heavy accumulations of ice can bring down trees and topple utility poles and communication towers disrupting communications and power for days. Even small accumulations of ice can be extremely dangerous to motorists and pedestrians. 14 Bridges and overpasses are particularly dangerous because they freeze before other surfaces. TORNADOS
When a tornado is forecast, you have only a short time to make life-or-death decisions. Advance planning and quick response are the keys to surviving a tornado.
Large hail: Tornadoes are spawned from very powerful thunderstorms and the most powerful storms produce large hail. Tornadoes frequently emerge from near the hail-producing portion of the storm.
Calm before the storm: Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still.
Cloud of debris: An approaching cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel cloud is not visible.
Funnel cloud: A visible rotating extension of the cloud base is a sign that a tornado may develop. A tornado is evident when one or more of the clouds turns greenish and a dark funnel descends.
Roaring noise: the high winds of a tornado can cause a roar that is often compared to the sound of a freight train.
Calm behind the storm: Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a severe thunderstorm. It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado.
BEFORE A TORNADO STRIKES: If outdoors • Learn the tornado warning signs. • If no shelter is available or there’s no time • Have the recommended disaster supply kit to go indoors, lay in a ditch, a low-lying available. area or crouch near a strong building. • Follow the advisories issued by forecasters which describe the location, strength and AFTER THE TORNADO movement of the storm or tornado. • Check for injured or trapped persons. • Designate a basement, storm cellar or • Administer first aid when appropriate. lowest level area in the home as a shelter • Stay out of damaged buildings. and practice having everyone go there in • Return home only when authorities say it is response to a tornado threat. safe.
DURING A TORNADO: If Indoors • Go at once to your designated shelter area. • If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or a small inner room. •Stay away from windows.
15 Hurricanes
Hurricane season generally runs from late June through November with August and September usually serving as the most active months of the season.
Residents living in coastal regions are more susceptible to being effected by a hurricane. Harford County Maryland is vulnerable to hurricanes as it borders the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean region.
Q: What is a Hurricane?
A: A hurricane is a tropical storm with winds that have reached a constant speed of at least 74 miles per hour.
Take Action Before, During and After a Hurricane Before • Trim back dead or weak branches from trees and shrubbery. • Make emergency plans for pets. • Check on emergency equipment: working flashlights, generators, batter-powered radio and cell phones. • Gas up and service family vehicles. • Prepare to cover all windows with shutters or other shield material. • Clear your yard and porch area of light-weight objects. • Review your evacuation plan. • It’s suggested you evacuate if you live in a mobile home, on the coastline, near a river or near a flood plain. •Follow emergency procedures in your Harford County Public Information Calendar.
During • Closely monitor radio or television broadcasts for official instructions. • Close storm shutters. • Follow instructions issued by local officials. • Notify family members or friends outside of the warning zone of your evacuation plans. • Take pets with you, if possible. • Turn off propane tanks. • Unplug small appliances. • If sheltering in place stay inside, away from windows, skylights and glass doors.
After • Return home only when authorities say its safe to do so. • Look for hazards such as broken or leaking gas lines, flooded electrical circuits or submerged furnaces or electrical appliances. • Open windows and leave if you smell gas. • Do not drink or prepare food with tap water until officials say it is safe.
Adopted in part from Hurricanes. . .Unleashing Nature’s Fury: A Preparedness Guide from the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather 16 Service and the American Red Cross. TERRORISM
If you are prepared for any emergency or disaster, you will be prepared for terrorism.
The probability of a terrorist attack in Harford County is slight, however it could occur. You are at far greater risk from other natural and man made hazards such as hurricanes or hazardous material incidents along Interstate 95 or the railroad corridor. A terrorism attack is really not much different from any other emergency or disaster that might strike the county if you are prepared and know what to do.
Preparing for the Unexpected
• Confirm reports using reliable information sources, such as the government or media. Do not spread rumors.
• Be alert and aware of your surroundings.
• Do not accept packages from strangers. Do not leave luggage unattended.
• Learn where emergency exits are located.
• Report ongoing, suspicious activity to law enforcement agencies by calling 911 immediately.
• Learn to identity suspicious packages and letters and what action should be taken to protect yourselves and others.
For more information on any of these subjects, visit the following web sites: www.harfordcountymd.gov/EOC/Emerplan, www.harfordsheriff.org , www.fema.gov, www.dhs.gov, www.mema.state.md.us , www.redcross.org and www.ready.gov .
17 NUCLEAR INCIDENT
Special plans have already been developed to protect the public in the event of a nuclear incident in our area. These plans give specific attention to citizens who live work or visit within 10 miles of a nuclear power plant. If necessary, area officials would declare an emergency and take measures to ensure public safety.
Warning Sirens If you hear sirens in within a 10-mile radius of Peach Bottom and are not sure what they mean, tune to the designated Emergency Alert System Stations for Harford County. Radio stations WBAL 1090AM, WXCY 103.7FM, WHFC 91.1FM and television station COMCAST Channel 21 and Clearview Channel 7.
Shelter-in-Place or Evacuation Officials may recommend that people either take shelter indoors or evacuate an area. It is critically important that you follow the recommended course of action. Staying home when instructed to evacuate or driving around when urged to stay indoors could expose you and your loved ones to danger unnecessarily.
EVACUATION ROUTE
Evacuation Route/Reception Centers
• Evacuation Route: Local routes to Maryland Route 136. Make a right turn onto Cool Spring Road. Make a left turn onto Thomas Run Road. Harford Community College will be 2.2 miles on the left of Thomas Run Road.
• Reception Center: Harford Community College
Source: Emergency Planning for the Peach Bottom Area: Important Safety Information for Your Community 2007/2008 published by Exelon. 18 INFLUENZA PANDEMIC
An influenza pandemic is a worldwide outbreak of a new flu virus An influenza or flu pandemic is an outbreak of a new type of flu virus that spreads rapidly from one country to another. Because the virus is new, people have no natural immunity to it and vaccine will not be available for many months. Without vaccine or immunity, the virus passes rapidly from person to person. Hundreds of thousands in our country could get sick, and many could die.
There have been three large flu pandemics in the 20th century – 1918, 1957, and 1968. No one knows where or when the next one will begin, but health officials agree that it is only a matter of time.
What to expect if an outbreak occurs A flu pandemic could be devastating, so everyone should be prepared for the worst. With up to one-third of the workforce sick or staying home, supplies and services could be limited or disrupted.
Extraordinary measures could be required. You may be asked to stay away from other people, large public events like concerts or sports could be cancelled, and schools could be closed. Health officials may issue orders to keep people with the virus at home or in special facilities. You may be asked to wear a mask in medical facilities or other public places.
A flu pandemic could last a long time. The 1918 flu pandemic lasted 18 months.
What to do now • Know school policies about illness and absence. Make a plan for taking care of your children if schools are closed for long periods. • Be prepared to stay home from work when you are sick. Know work policies about sick leave, absences, time off and telecommuting. • Encourage planning. Every workplace should have a plan for doing essential tasks if large numbers of employees are absent over many months. • Be prepared to get by for a week or more on what you have at home. Stores may no be open or may have limited supplies.
Prevent the spread of germs The flu virus is spread from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes or touches things that others use. To protect yourself and others: • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Cough into your sleeve or cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. • Wash your hands. Soap and warm water are best, but alcohol-based hand gel or disposable wipes also work. • If you share a workstation, computer or phone, wipe it down with disinfectant wipes before use.
Source: Emergency Resource Guide 2007 published by Washington State Department of Health. 19 ADDITIONAL TIPS/INFORMATION
Locating Fuse Boxes, Shut-Off Values
• Locate the main electric fuse or breaker box, water service main and natural gas main. • Learn how to and when to turn off these utilities. • Keep necessary tools near gas and water shut-off valves. • Do not shut off utilities unless you are told to do so or you are in immediate danger from something such an obvious gas leak. • Remember that your gas supply must be turned back on by a professional technician.
Listen to Public Alerts, Warnings
State and county officials have prepared action plans for any emergency. Should an incident occur, you will be notified of any actions you should take. When an emergency occurs, county officials will sound a steady three-minute siren tone. County emergency services also may use loud speakers and door to door notification. The siren is a signal for you to tune your radio to your local Emergency Alert System Station (WXCY 103.7 FM, WHFC 91.1 FM, WBAL 1090 AM and Harford Cable Network Comcast Channel 21/Clearview Channel 7) and listen for emergency instructions.
If you hear an emergency siren, do the following:
• Remain calm.
• Turn on your local Emergency Alert System Station and listen for instructions.
• If you do not hear emergency announcements, it is probably a test, but listen a while longer to be sure (Check your Emergency Public Info Calendar).
• Develop an emergency communication plan in case family members are separated during a disaster.
Weather Radio Can Prove To Be a Good Investment A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio All Hazards is the best way to receive warnings from the National Weather Service. NOAA Radio All Hazards is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information direct from a nearby National Weather Service office.
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards broadcasts National Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day. The NOAA Weather Radio ALL Hazards network has more than 650 transmitters covering all 50 states, adjacent coastal waters, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the U.S. Pacific Territories. NOAA Weather Radio requires a special radio receiver or scanner capable of receiving the signal. Broadcasts are found in the public service band at these seven channels: (MH2): 162.400, 162.425, 162.450, 162.500, 162.525, 162.550 20