Alabama Caregiver Training Emergency Preparedness for People with Special Needs

Table of Contents

Introduction 3

1. Help Network 5 Worksheet: Create a Help Network 2. Emergency Preparedness Plan 8 Worksheet: Create an Emergency Preparedness Plan 3. Emergency Preparedness Kit 12 Worksheet: Create an Emergency Preparedness Kit 4. Emergency Alert System 15 Worksheet: Know Your Emergency Alert System 5. Tone Alert Radios 19 Worksheet: Get Your Tone Alert Radio 6. CSEPP Zones 22 Worksheet: Know Your CSEPP Zones 7. CSEPP Equipment 25 Worksheet: Get Your CSEPP Equipment 8. Shelter in Place 29 Worksheet: Prepare to Shelter in Place 9. Other Protective Actions 32 Worksheet: Know How to Take Other Protective Actions 10. Other Hazards 35 Worksheet: Prepare for Other Hazards

Information Resources 38

1 Th is project has been fi nanced entirely with federal funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency under FEMA Comprehensive Cooperative Agreement 02-Al-EMA-000410. Th e contents do not necessarily refl ect the views and politics of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Project designed by Metro Services, 105 East D Street, Anniston, AL 36201, telephone 256-236-8642.

Acknowledgements Bruce Baughman, Director Alabama Emergency Management Agency Argonne National Laboratory Metro Services Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency Clay County Emergency Management Agency Cleburne County Emergency Management Agency Gadsden/Etowah County Emergency Management Agency St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency Talladega County Emergency Management Agency Page 32 — Photo: Bryan Dahlberg/FEMA News photo Page 35 — Photo: NOAA Photo Library, NOAA Central Library; OAR/ERL/National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) Page 36 — Photo: Dave Gatley/FEMA News photo

2 Introduction

You must be prepared to take care of few simple steps will help you remain calm yourself – before, during and after an and capable during an emergency. emergency. Local, state and federal agencies Many people may not take planning will assist you, but you must be realistic for an emergency seriously because about what to expect and how long it will emergencies may occur only occasionally take emergency workers to respond. Th ey in their communities. Th ey may plan for cannot get to everyone right away. only one type of emergency, when many If you are a person with special needs, are possible – severe weather, power loss, you may face extra challenges during a terrorism, hazardous materials accident or hazardous situation. By planning now, you the unlikely event of a chemical accident can be as safe and comfortable as possible. A at Anniston Army Depot. Th is guide has information that can help a person with special needs prepare for diff erent hazardous conditions. Who is a Person With Special Needs? A person with special needs may have a physical, medical or mental disability that could aff ect his or her ability to prepare for an emergency or to take protective action. Special-needs planning should be done now and updated whenever your situation changes. In emergency planning, children who are unsupervised for any length of time, people who do not have transportation and people who do not understand English are also considered persons with special needs, if they do not have assistance. While this guide was primarily created for people with physical, medical and mental disabilities, you should plan for any special condition that could aff ect your ability to respond to an emergency.

3 Who is a Caregiver? A caregiver is a person who provides care The Information Resources section lists that enables a person with a physical, other resources where you can find more medical or mental disability to live at home emergency preparedness information. despite his or her illness or disability. A It includes contact information for caregiver can be a healthcare professional local Emergency Management Agencies who is trained to provide these services. (EMAs). A caregiver also can be a family member, friend or neighbor who provides assistance. Register as a Person With Ask your caregiver to help you create a safety plan using this guide. Th ey can help Special Needs you identify any special challenges you In Alabama’s Chemical Stockpile Emergency might face during an emergency and fi nd Preparedness Program (CSEPP) zones, your resources to meet those challenges. EMA is especially concerned about residents who have physical, medical or mental What Is Alabama Caregiver disabilities and cannot evacuate or shelter in place either by themselves or with the Training (ACT)? assistance of nearby family members, friends Th is guide was created for people with or neighbors. special needs and their caregivers (if the Residents with special needs can register person has a caregiver). Th e guide can be to receive materials to assist them with used by a professional caregiver as well as emergency planning. Call 256-236-8642 a family member, friend or neighbor who or 800-263-0201 to complete a survey that provides assistance. will determine if you qualify as a person Th e guide provides information about with special needs. Text telephone users 10 topics in emergency preparedness. Each can call 256-236-8812. topic includes a worksheet which should be Residents who do not have transportation completed by the person with special needs or children who are unsupervised for any and their caregiver. Reviewing the 10 topics length of time can be registered as residents will help a person with special needs be with special needs, if they do not have better prepared during an emergency. assistance. As you use the guide to create an After completing the survey, a resident emergency preparedness plan, keep the plan with special needs will be advised about what simple. It should be easy to use so that you protective equipment is available. Th e type can remember the plan during a hazardous of equipment is determined by which CSEPP situation. You also should consider your zone you live in. Residents with special needs physical and mental abilities as well as any who live in a CSEPP zone around Anniston medical conditions. An elderly person who is Army Depot can have a tone alert radio easily confused will need a diff erent plan from installed in their home at no cost. a person with a visual impairment. Use the tips in the guide to help you identify special needs and resources to meet those needs.

4 CHAPTER1 Help Network

Developing a Help Network Regardless of whether or not you have a Help Network should include people that can caregiver, it is important for residents with be counted on to assist you in preparing for special needs to develop and maintain a an emergency as well as taking protective Help Network. Caregivers may not be able actions. During and after an emergency you to help you prepare for an emergency or be will need the help of people in your Help with you when an emergency occurs. Your Network who live or work close by.

Ask for help! Arrange for Help Network ✔ Ask family members, friends and assistance neighbors to be part of your Help Network You need to arrange for Help Network and help you prepare for an emergency. assistance in preparing for an emergency. ✔ Ask people who live or work nearby who Your Help Network members may be able to might be able to help you take protective help you fi nd resources that would allow you action within minutes of an emergency to cope with any emergency to the best of or assist you immediately afterward to be your ability. You should work with your Help members of your Help Network. Network to: ✔ Consider asking people you trust who ✔ Assist you with sheltering in place or currently assist you in some way, such as evacuating. If you had to evacuate due to with shopping or personal care. a chemical accident at Anniston Army ✔ Identify areas where you would need Depot, you would have to be picked up by assistance from a Help Network, such someone in your zone. as home or places you visit frequently. ✔ Notify you of an emergency and what Include at least three people in a Help protective action is recommended. Network for each location. ✔ Decide how you will stay in touch when telephones are not to be used. Share information with your ✔ Develop a signal for help and a signal Help Network to let them know you are okay, such as knocking on an adjoining wall, hanging a ✔ Tell them about your capabilities and towel on an outside doorknob or placing limitations. a large sign in the window. ✔ Introduce them to your assistive animal, if ✔ Practice the emergency plan by yourself you use one. and with others, including operating and ✔ Tell them how to operate and move any moving any medical equipment. medical equipment. ✔ Review and change the personal ✔ Give them copies of your emergency assessment and emergency preparedness plan, emergency contact list and medical plan regularly. Revise it immediately if information summary. your condition changes.

5 Complete a Self-Assessment Your Help Network can help you answer 5. Do you use medical or other equipment the following self-assessment questions. that runs on electricity? How will you Completing a self-assessment can identify continue to use it if electrical service any needs or extra assistance that you might is interrupted? Do you have access to a have during an emergency. Remember to generator? Can you use battery-powered consider any type of emergency that could equipment during a power outage? aff ect your community–severe weather, 6. What will you do if you cannot fi nd power loss, chemical accident and fl ooding your walker, cane or other mobility aids? are a few examples. What will you do if your mobility aids are 1. Do you have transportation? If not, damaged? who would be nearby and could help? 7. Will you be able to care for your assistive Remember that public transportation animal or pets during or after an emer- may not be working or routes and gency? Do you have another caregiver for schedules may be changed. your animal? If your assistive animal is hurt or too frightened to work, what will you do? 2. Will you need assistance to move to a 8. Would you have diffi culty communicating shelter room if told to shelter in place with emergency workers? Can you or during a chemical emergency? Can you your Help Network prepare written use the tape and plastic sheeting in the messages about your physical, medical or shelter-in-place kit provided by your mental disabilities and other important county Emergency Management Agency? information? See page 29 for more information about sheltering in place. 9. Have you considered your disabilities, medical or dietary requirements and 3. If your home has suff ered damage or other special needs? How will you meet there is debris in your home after a those needs and requirements during an disaster, what actions would you take? emergency? 4. If a caregiver or a person who shops or 10. How will you receive alerts, protective runs errands for you cannot reach you, do action instructions and other important you have an adequate supply of groceries, information about an emergency? Do you medicine and water to last several days? have a tone alert radio?

6 W ORKSHEET Create a Help Network

1. Create a Help Network of people you can count on to help you plan and During an EVACUATION, travel prepare for an emergency, as well as be will be restricted. able to assist you within minutes if an emergency occurs. Remember, it is okay Anyone providing transportation to ask for help. for you will have to live or work in 2. Share information with your Help your zone. Network. ✔ Tell them about your capabilities and limitations. ✔ Introduce them to your assistive animal, if you use one. ✔ Tell them how to operate and move any medical equipment. ✔ Give them copies of your emergency plan, emergency contact list and medical information summary.

3. Consider your special needs and physical, medical or mental disabilities when planning for emergencies.

Include at least three people in your Help Network:

Name ______Home phone ______

Work phone ______Cell phone ______

Name ______Home phone ______

Work phone ______Cell phone ______

Name ______Home phone ______

Work phone ______Cell phone ______

7 CHAPTER2 Emergency Preparedness Plan

Emergencies can occur at any time. Your emergency preparedness plan must During an emergency, local, state and be simple so that you and your Help Network federal agencies work to assist aff ected can remember the plan during the stress communities. Emergency workers will not of an emergency. Keep your emergency be able to get to everyone needing assistance preparedness information in an easy-to- right away. Knowing what to do — before, reach location. during and after an emergency — will help you be prepared.

Teamwork Talk about preparing for an emergency preparedness information in Braille or large with your caregiver and Help Network. print. A person who might have diffi culty Physical, medical and mental disabilities communicating can prepare written must be considered when creating your messages about their disabilities and other plan. Th ink about your condition and what important information. you might need before, during and after an Decide what needs to be done before, emergency. For example, a person who is during and after an emergency. Remember visually-impaired could request emergency to keep it simple!

8 Get started Suggestions for People with ✔ Identify a shelter room for each hazard Special Needs that could aff ect your community. A basement is ideal during a tornado Suggestions for residents who are visually warning. However, an interior room with impaired no or few windows on the ground level ✔ Based on the level of sight, emergency of your home is best during a chemical information may need to be copied in accident. During a snow or ice storm, you large print on non-refl ective paper. should stay in a warm area in your home. ✔ Choose a shelter room with access to ✔ Contact the local Emergency a bathroom. In the unlikely event of a Management Agency (EMA) for chemical accident, you may be instructed information in Braille. to shelter in place for several hours. ✔ Ask a Help Network member to make an ✔ Post current emergency contact numbers audio recording of printed emergency by the telephone. Th e telephone list information. Keep the recording in an should include fi re, police, ambulance, easy-to-reach location. hospital and Help Network numbers as ✔ well as your family physician and other Prepare an emergency supplies kit for family information. your assistive animal. ✔ Post a list of Emergency Alert System radio ✔ Have a backup plan in case your assis tive and television stations near radios and animal is hurt or too frightened to work. televisions. See page 15 for more infor- mation about the Emergency Alert System. Suggestions for residents who are hearing ✔ Know how and when to turn off water, impaired gas and electricity at the main switches or ✔ Request that your tone alert radio be valves in the home. Have a Help Network equipped with a fl ashing light. Know what member write down this information to each cue means. help you remember it during an emergency. ✔ Check fi re extinguishers, carbon ✔ Keep a pen and notepad in an easy- monoxide detectors and smoke detectors to-reach location to help with and replace batteries twice a year, when communication. daylight savings time begins and ends. ✔ Identify a local television station and keep ✔ Know where the fi re extinguisher is captioning turned on for news updates. located and how to use it. ✔ Make an emergency preparedness kit. See Suggestions for residents who are page 12 for more information. mobility impaired ✔ Plan for pets. Do not leave them unpro- ✔ Keep the path to your shelter room and tected, but do not spend valuable time exit door clear and allow extra space to looking for them during an emergency. move any necessary equipment. Determine where your pets could stay if you had to evacuate. All shelters accept assistive ✔ If you use a motorized wheelchair or animals, but shelters cannot accept pets. scooter, you should have a wheel patch kit ✔ Stay calm during an emergency and use and canned air as well as extra batteries. your plan! 9 Suggestions for children ✔ Teach children how and when to dial 9-1-1. Have young children use a toy Do you know? telephone to dial 9-1-1 and practice What risks could aff ect you, your giving their name and address as well as answering questions about an emergency. family and your community? Is During an actual 9-1-1 call, do not hang your area prone to certain natural up before the dispatcher tells you to. disasters such as fl ooding? Are ✔ Help the child understand when to call hazardous materials stored or 9-1-1; for example, if an adult loses transported on highways or consciousness and no one else is home, or if a fi re can be seen. railroads close by? Suggestions for residents who do not Do you know what possible speak English hazards are in and around your ✔ Request emergency information from the home? local EMA in your native language. ✔ Have a bilingual friend or family member What protective action zone do translate materials. you live in? What zone do you work in, attend school in, or visit frequently?

Practice your plan. What are the emergency plans for your child’s school, for your Make changes as needed. workplace and other places you Check all telephone numbers. visit? Quiz children every six months so they remember what to do. Conduct emergency drills. If someone who is easily confused Replace batteries and other or has diffi culty communicating is equipment as needed. alone for any period of time, use identifi cation such as a hospital If you have a cordless telephone bracelet that can not be easily for daily use, keep a telephone removed. Include the person’s that does not need electricity for name as well as their caregiver’s service. name and telephone number.

10 WORKSHEET Create an Emergency Preparedness Plan

1. Know the hazards and take responsibility for protecting yourself. What emergencies could aff ect your community?

❑ Tornado — You should seek shelter in a ❑ Chemical Accident — Your shelter room basement or small interior room. Do not should be on the ground level of your home stay in a mobile home when a tornado and have no or few windows. Choose a watch is issued. Make plans now to stay shelter room with access to a bathroom, if with a family member, friend or neighbor possible. In the unlikely event of a chemical who has a basement or safe room or to go accident, you may be instructed to shelter in to a community shelter. place for several hours. ❑ Ice or Snow Storm — You should stay in a warm area in your home. ❑ Other hazards — ______

2. Create a practical emergency 3. Gather information. preparedness plan based on your ✔ Keep a list of local Emergency Alert physical, medical or mental disabilities System stations taped to your radio and any special needs. and television. ✔ Post current emergency contact Notes ______telephone numbers near your telephone. ______Fire ______Police ______Ambulance ______Hospital ______Physician ______Help Network ______✔ ______Know your Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program ______zones for home, work and other places ______you visit frequently. ______4. During an emergency, stay calm by using ______your plan.

11 CHAPTER3 Emergency Preparedness Kit

An emergency preparedness kit should should be easy to open and should be kept include essential items that you might need in the shelter room in a convenient place. if told to shelter in place or evacuate. Th e Designate a shelf or closet for large items kit should be fl exible enough to provide for such as blankets or gallons of water. Keep personal needs and the type of emergency a list of your supplies and their location situation — whether you are sheltering in taped to your emergency preparedness kit. your home for a few days due to a winter Consider any special needs while creating an storm or in your shelter room for several emergency preparedness kit. hours due to a chemical accident. All members of the household and Help Store small items in a sturdy container to Network should know where your emergency protect them from damage. Th e container preparedness kit items are stored.

Suggestions for an emergency ✔ Bottled water (one gallon per day per preparedness kit person with a minimum three-day supply) ✔ Snacks and nonperishable, ready-to-eat ✔ Flashlight and battery-powered radio foods, non-electric can opener and foods (and extra batteries for each) in easy-to-open packages (consider any ✔ Lighter, matches and candles in special dietary needs) waterproof container, if they can be used ✔ Sleeping bags or blankets, if your shelter safely room does not include a bedroom ✔ Books, puzzles, crayons and coloring ✔ Supplies for pets or assistive animals books, and other items to help relieve (consider the animal’s needs if it will be in boredom the shelter room or evacuating)

12 Remember ✔ Change out water every six months and Keep necessary items in a handy check expiration dates on food. Replace location so they can be taken as needed. quickly to your shelter room or ✔ Replace batteries twice a year, when during an evacuation. daylight saving time begins and ends. ✔ ✔ Re-think kit and family needs annually. Medications and prescription information Suggestions for persons with ✔ Physician names and telephone special needs numbers ✔ ✔ If you require an assistive device such as Telephone numbers for family and a walker, cane or hearing aid and have an Help Network members extra device, store it in your shelter room ✔ A list of essential items that you with your emergency preparedness kit. would need to take with you such as ✔ Keep extra batteries for assistive devices eye glasses, dentures and hearing such as wheelchairs and hearing aids. aids ✔ If you have an assistive animal, include any supplies the animal will need. ✔ If you have diffi culty communicating due to a speech or hearing impairment, include a notepad and pen. Ask your Help Network to help you prepare messages about your special needs and other personal information before an emergency happens.

More tips for creating emergency preparedness kits are available from your local Emergency Management Agency

Calhoun County 256-435-0540 www.calhounema.org Clay County 256-396-5886 Cleburne County 256-463-7130 Etowah County 256-549-4575 www.cityofgadsden.com St. Clair County 205-884-6800 Talladega County 256-761-2125 www.talladegacountyal.org/ema

Visit www.areyoureadygoema.com for more information.

13 W ORKSHEET Create an Emergency Preparedness Kit

1. Be Practical You should have enough basic emergency Keep necessary items in a handy supplies to last for three days. location so they can be taken ✔ Flashlight and extra batteries quickly to your shelter room or ✔ Radio and extra batteries during an evacuation: ✔ Water and nonperishable food ✔ Blanket and pillow ✔ Medications and prescription information ✔ Supplies for your assistive animal or pet ✔ Physician names and telephone numbers Other ______✔ Telephone numbers for family and ______Help Network members ✔ A list of essential items that you 2. Plan for your special needs would need to take with you ✔ Medication such as eye glasses, dentures and ✔ Dietary requirements (i.e., diabetic) hearing aids ✔ Equipment which requires electricity Other ______

Consider your daily needs and plan how you would meet those necessities.

Notes ______

14 CHAPTER Emergency Alert System 4

Th e Emergency Alert System (EAS) warns To hear the siren tones, visit residents when an emergency happens or www.areyoureadygoema.com or call may be expected to happen. Th e system 256-237-7703. includes outdoor warning sirens, tone Outdoor warning sirens are intended to alert radios and local radio and television alert people who are outdoors. Th ey do not stations. County Emergency Management replace the need to have an indoor warning Agencies (EMAs) use the system to provide method such as a tone alert radio or National information before, during and after an Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration emergency. (NOAA) Weather Radio receiver. Outdoor warning sirens Tone Alert Radios Two types of sirens have been installed in Tone alert radios (TARs) are part of the Alabama’s six-county Chemical Stockpile EAS and are intended to alert people who Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP) are indoors. A TAR will sound an alert tone area. One type of siren sounds an alert tone followed by a voice message. Call 256-236-8642 followed by a voice message. Th e other type or 800-263-0201 to fi nd out if you qualify to of siren sounds an alert tone without a voice receive a TAR. For more information about message. Both types of sirens are used in TARs, see page 19. Etowah and St. Clair counties. Calhoun, Th e NOAA Weather Radio provides com - Clay, Cleburne and Talladega counties only prehensive weather and emergency infor- use sirens that sound an alert tone followed mation. You can purchase a NOAA Weather by a voice message. Radio receiver at many electronics stores. Siren tone Event Protective action Wail tone Siren test Review your family’s safety plans. Long high-pitched tone Th understorm or Go to basement, interior hall or tornado warning bathroom. Leave mobile homes when tornado watches are issued. Tune to local Emergency Alert Station for further information. Hi-Lo tone Hazardous material Tune to your local Emergency accident or radiological Alert Station for further accident information or instructions. Whoop tone Chemical accident at Tune to your local Emergency Anniston Army Depot Alert Station for further information or instructions. Air horn Dam failure Evacuate immediately. (St. Clair County only)

15 What should I do if I hear an Residents who are visually outdoor warning siren? impaired should: ✔ Stay calm. ✔ Have a copy of the EAS stations in large ✔ Go indoors immediately and tune to your print on non-refl ective paper. local EAS radio or television station for ✔ Contact your local EMA for an EAS list in more information. Braille, if necessary. ✔ Follow instructions which will be ✔ Have a Help Network member tune an provided by your local EMA. Use your extra radio to an EAS station before an emergency plan and Help Network. emergency. What should I do if I hear a Residents who are hearing TAR? impaired should: ✔ Stay calm. ✔ Obtain a tone alert radio equipped with a ✔ Follow instructions that will be provided fl ashing light. by your local EMA. ✔ Monitor TV captioning on a local EAS ✔ Tune to your local EAS radio or television television station. station for more information. ✔ Obtain a modifi ed radio receiver ✔ Use your emergency plan and Help which can provide text information Network. from the NOAA National Weather Service. Modifi ed radio receivers can be Remember: purchased at an electronics store. ✔ Outdoor warning sirens and tone alert radios are tested monthly or quarterly, unless the threat of severe weather exists on the test day. ✔ Tape a list of your county’s EAS radio and television stations to a radio or television in your home. ✔ Keep a radio with extra batteries in an easy-to-reach location. ✔ Test the EAS stations for your community before an emergency to determine which stations you can receive at your home.

16 Emergency Alert Stations for Alabama’s CSEPP counties

County AM Radio FM Radio Television Calhoun WNSI 810 WJCK 88.3 WBRC FOX TV Ch. 6 WHMA 1390 WVOK 97.9 WVTM NBC TV Ch. 13 WDNG 1450 WJXS TV Ch. 24 WANA 1490 WJSU ABC TV Ch. 33/40

Clay WTDR 92.7 WBRC FOX TV Ch. 6 WVOK 97.9 WVTM NBC TV Ch. 13 WTRB 98.3 WJSU ABC TV Ch. 33/40 WIAT CBS TV Ch. 42

Cleburne WJCK 88.3 WBRC FOX TV Ch. 6 WTDR 92.7 WVTM NBC TV Ch. 13 WVOK 97.9 WJSU ABC TV Ch. 33/40

Etowah WAAX 570 WGMZ 93.1 WBRC FOX TV Ch. 6 WJBY 930 WKXX 102.9 WVTM NBC TV Ch. 13 WMGJ 1240 WQEN 103.7 WJSU ABC TV Ch. 33/40 WGAD 1350 WQSB 105.1 WIAT CBS TV Ch. 42 WTJP TV Ch. 60

St. Clair WURL 760 WJCK 88.3 WBRC FOX TV Ch. 6 WFHK 1430 WTDR 92.7 Pell City Ch. 12 WMJJ 96.5 WVTM NBC TV Ch. 13 WVOK 97.9 WJSU ABC TV Ch. 33/40 WZZK 104.7 WIAT CBS TV Ch. 42

Talladega WNUZ 1230 WJCK 88.3 Childersburg Ch. 4 WFEB 1340 WTDR 92.7 WBRC FOX TV Ch. 6 WDNG 1450 WVOK 97.9 Alabama Broadcasting/TV 6, WANA 1490 Sylacauga Talladega Ch. 7 WVTM NBC TV Ch. 13 Sylacauga Ch. 15 Lincoln Ch. 17 WJSU ABC TV Ch. 33/40 WIAT CBS TV Ch. 42 WOIL TV Antenna 47

17 W ORKSHEET Know Your Emergency Alert System

If you hear an outdoor warning siren: Keep a list of your county’s EAS radio and television stations ✔ Stay calm. taped to your radio or television. ✔ Go indoors immediately. ✔ Tune your radio or television to a local During an emergency, I should tune to: Emergency Alert System (EAS) station. ✔ Listen for instructions on how to protect TV ______yourself and information about the TV ______emergency. ✔ Follow the Emergency Management Radio ______Agency’s (EMA) protective action Radio ______instructions. Radio ______✔ Use your emergency plan and Help Network.

What should I do if I hear a Tone Alert Radio? ✔ Stay calm. ✔ Follow instructions that will be provided by your local EMA. ✔ Tune to your local EAS radio or television station for more information. ✔ Use your emergency plan and Help Network.

Notes ______

18 CHAPTER Tone Alert Radios 5

Tone alert radios (TARs) are an important Remember part of the Emergency Alert System for County EMAs conduct monthly or quarterly people who are indoors. Emergency tests of TARs, unless there is a threat of Management Agencies (EMAs) use the severe weather at test time. You should press TARs to provide information before, during the test/reset button to return your TAR to and after emergencies. normal service, after the test is over. How do I get a TAR? Call 800-263-0201 or 256-236-8642. Text telehone users can call 256-236-8812. After you register as a person with special needs, a free TAR will be installed in your home if you live in a Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program zone. You will need to answer a few questions about your physical, medical or mental disabilities and your ability to shelter in place and evacuate. Residents who are hearing impaired can receive a TAR equipped with a fl ashing light. What if my TAR doesn’t work correctly? Call Warning Systems Inc. (WSI) at 888-850-7286. If your TAR makes a chirping noise or the green light is not on, you should press the test/reset button. If problems continue, contact WSI. Do not move your TAR from the location where it was installed. Do not unplug your TAR. Do not give it to anyone else.

19 Three TAR lights Update — A yellow light will glow at least once a day to indicate a silent test, which the tone alert network conducts. Th is light will be displayed for 3 to 5 seconds at each test. Power — Always green; always on. (Runs on battery when power is off .) Alert — A red alert light will glow when an emergency or test signal is received. Th e tone alert has various warning tones, followed by a voice message. Pressing the reset button will turn the red light off .

Four TAR buttons Volume Up — To increase volume of message (does not apply to alert tones).

Volume Down — To decrease volume of message (does not apply to alert tones).

Weather — Receives information from Test/Reset — Returns the radio to normal service the National Weather Service Channel after a message, test or emergency alert has been periodically. received.

What do the tones mean? Tone Meaning High-Low Alert Chimes Test

Steady tone All Clear After your TAR has been activated, listen for a voice message about what protective Th ree beeps Message will follow action you should take for an emergency. If your TAR is not working correctly, call Warning Systems, Inc. (WSI) at 888-850-7286 toll-free.

20 WORKSHEET Get Your Tone Alert Radio

Tone Alert Radios (TARs) are an important test/reset button after the test is over to reset part of the Emergency Alert System for your TAR. people who are indoors. Emergency If your TAR is not working correctly, Management Agencies (EMAs) use the call Warning Systems, Inc. (WSI) at TARs to provide information before, during 888-850-7286 toll-free. and after emergencies. Before, during and after an emergency, Call 256-236-8642 or 800-263- a TAR will sound a loud alert followed by a voice message. 0201 to see if you qualify to EMAs conduct monthly or quarterly tests receive a free TAR. Text telephone of TARs, unless there is a threat of severe users can call 256-236-8812. weather at test time. You should press the

21 CHAPTER6 CSEPP Zones

Th e Chemical Stockpile Emergency of risk in the unlikely event of a chemical Preparedness Program (CSEPP) has accident. Th ese zones include areas within identifi ed zones around Anniston Army Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne, Etowah, St. Clair Depot (ANAD) that could face varying levels and Talladega counties.

Knowing your zone is the fi rst step in preparing for a chemical emergency. Your county Emergency Management Immediate Response Zone (IRZ) includes Agency (EMA) will provide protective action the area closest to ANAD. Individuals who information by zone during an emergency. live and work in the IRZ would be at greatest Based on their zone and its distance from risk in the unlikely event of a chemical ANAD, residents have been off ered various accident. Th e IRZ extends approximately protective equipment. See page 25.

22 nine miles around ANAD. Th e IRZ includes Precautionary Zone (PZ) extends beyond the pink zone (areas which border ANAD.) the PAZ to a distance where special protective Protective Action Zone (PAZ) extends actions would not be required. Th is area has a approximately 20 to 30 miles beyond the minimal risk factor. IRZ. Th e PAZ would have more time to take To receive a zone map for your county, call protective action. your local EMA. Zone maps are also available at www.areyoureadygoema.com.

Zones by county Calhoun Clay Cleburne Etowah St. Clair Talladega Pink Zone Protective Protective Protective Protective Immediate A-1 Action Zone Action Zone Action Zone Action Zone Response A-1A (PAZ) (PAZ) (PAZ) (PAZ) Zone A-2 B-9A A-11 A-13 C-15 (IRZ) D-1 B-10 A-12 A-13A C-17 C-4 B-1 B-10A B-6 D-8 C-18 C-4A B-2 B-18 B-7 D-9 C-19 C-5 C-1 Precautionary B-8 D-10 C-20 Protective C-1A Zone (PZ) Precautionary D-11 C-21 Action Zone Immediate B-19 Zone (PZ) D-16 C-22 (PAZ) Response B-20 A-15 D-17 C-23 C-6 Zone B-21 A-16 D-18 C-24 C-7 (IRZ) B-22 A-17 D-18A C-25 C-8 A-3 B-23 B-14 D-18B C-26 C-9 A-4 B-24 D-18C C-27 C-10 C-2 B-25 D-18D D-5 C-11 D-2 D-18E D-6 B-9 B-3 D-18F D-7 B-11 M-1 D-18G D-12 B-12 M-2 Precautionary D-13 B-13 D-15 Protective Zone (PZ) Precautionary Action Zone A-13B Zone (PZ) (PAZ) D-19 C-12 A-5 D-20 C-13 A-6 C-14 A-7 A-8 C-3 D-3 D-4 A-9 A-10 B-4 B-5 M-3

23 W ORKSHEET Know Your CSEPP Zones

Knowing your zone is the Know your zone. fi rst step in preparing for a My home is in zone ______chemical emergency. My school is in zone ______Diff erent protective action instructions will be given to zones based on the risk faced by Other: each zone. My ______is in zone ______Diff erent zones receive diff erent types of protective equipment. My ______is in zone ______

Notes ______

24 CHAPTER7 CSEPP Equipment

Free protective equipment is available (ANAD). Th e type of equipment available to residents of the Chemical Stockpile is determined by how close your home is to Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP) ANAD. See page 22 for more information zones around Anniston Army Depot about CSEPP zones. Protective equipment available by zone Pink Zone Immediate Response Zone (IRZ) Protective Action Zone (PAZ)

Calhoun County Calhoun County Calhoun County Talladega County Clay County Cleburne County Etowah County St. Clair County Talladega County

Protective hood Portable room air cleaner Shelter-in-place kit Portable room air cleaner Shelter-in-place kit Shelter-in-place kit

How do I receive my equipment? Calhoun County residents can pick up Residents of Talladega County’s their equipment at the CSEPP Training and Immediate Response Zone also may pick up Distribution Center. Call 256-241-0058 for protective equipment at the CSEPP Training more information. and Distribution Center. ✔ Proof of residency is required. You If you are a person with special needs who should bring a photo ID, a bill or another cannot pick up your protective equipment, document that verifi es your correct street call 256-236-8642 or 800-263-0201. If you address. qualify, your equipment may be delivered ✔ You will be required to fi ll out a medical and set up in your home. Text telephone questionnaire to make sure there is no users can call 256-236-8812. reason why you cannot use the protective Emergency Management Agencies hood. (EMAs) in Clay, Cleburne, Etowah, St. Clair and Talladega counties have made ✔ Be prepared to spend approximately one arrangements to distribute shelter-in-place hour getting the equipment and receiving kits to residents in their protective action the complete training on its use. zones. Contact your local EMA to fi nd out ✔ If you live in the pink zone, each member how to receive your kit. of your household should visit the CSEPP Training and Distribution Center to receive a protective hood.

25 Protective Hood (Calhoun County only) You will receive training on how to use the protective hood at the CSEPP Training and Distribution Center. Listen carefully and ask questions until you understand how to use the hood. Two types of protective hoods are available — one type for ages 3 and older, and one type for children under the age of 3. Th e hood is stored in a vacuum-sealed pouch. Do not open the pouch. It should not be stored in extremely hot or cold areas, or where it might get damp. If you have a respiratory disorder, you may not be able to use the hood. A nurse can determine if you are able to use the hood. Call the CSEPP Training and Distribution Center at 256-241-0058 to fi nd out when a nurse is available. 8. Do not tear the hood with fi ngernails or jewelry when opening it. To use the protective hood: 9. Point the front of the hood (with the 1. Be sure that your neck is clear of hair and blower) away from yourself. Insert both other items that might prevent the hood hands through the neck opening with from sealing. palms facing each other. 2. Remove the foil pouch containing the 10. Spread the neck seal with backs of the hood from the cardboard box. hands. 3. Hold the pouch upright and locate the 11. Insert the top of your head through the TEAR HERE label and small notch. open neck seal and lower your hands to bring the neck seal over your head in a 4. Grasp the side of the pouch with one single motion. hand below the notch and the other hand 12. Do not insert your face or back of your above the notch. head fi rst. Doing so may stretch the neck 5. Tear the pouch open to expose the seal. plastic container. Note the hood 13. Smooth the neck seal to remove any folds placement instructions located on top of and make sure nothing interferes with the plastic lid. the neck seal. 6. Remove the red lid. 14. Th e blower will be resting on your chest. 7. Remove the folded hood by pulling on Breathe normally. the pull tab. Th e blower will begin to 15. Remove the hood immediately if the operate automatically. Make sure the blower stops operating or after four hood is completely unfolded. hours of use.

26 Protective Hood for Children (Calhoun Portable Room Air Cleaner (PRAC) County only) (Calhoun and Talladega counties only) To put the protective hood on a child older Th e portable room air cleaner is designed than age 3: to clean the air in a 9’ x 12’ x 10’ room 1. Th e adult should put on his or her hood more than twice an hour. If you would fi rst. have trouble removing your PRAC from its cardboard box, ask a Help Network member 2. With the front of the hood pointing away to take the PRAC out of its box and store from the front of the child, insert both of it in your shelter room. To start the PRAC, your hands through the neck seal with plug it into an electrical outlet; it will turn palms facing each other. on automatically and will stay on until 3. Spread the neck seal with the backs of unplugged. your hands. If your physical, medical or mental 4. Stand behind the child, place the neck disability would make it diffi cult to plug seal on the child’s forehead. Th e child your PRAC into an electrical outlet, you can should hold his head in a straight ahead receive a unit with a remote switch. A PRAC position. can also be outfi tted with a lamp so that you will know that it is operating. 5. Lower the neck seal over the child’s head in a single motion. 6. Smooth any folds in the neck seal and make sure nothing interferes with the neck seal. 7. Th e blower will be resting on the child’s chest. Instruct the child to breathe normally. 8. Remove the hood immediately if the blower stops operating or after four hours of use. Protective hoods are available for children under 3 years of age. Contact the CSEPP Training and Distribution Center for more information. Call 256-241-0058.

Shelter-In-Place Kits (All six counties) Do not use your protective Shelter-in-place kits include a roll of plastic equipment unless you are sheeting, tape, scissors and a towel. Th ese instructed to do so by your EMA items can be used to make your shelter through the Emergency Alert room more safe. Th e kit also includes printed instructions and a video. For more System. information about sheltering in place, see page 29.

27 W ORKSHEET Get Your CSEPP Equipment

How do I get my equipment? 1. Know your zone. I live in Zone ______. If you receive a protective hood (Calhoun See page 22 for a zone map and page 23 County only): for a list of zones. 1. Do not open the sealed foil pouch. 2. Based on my zone, I need: 2. Store it in your shelter room where it ___ Portable Room Air Cleaner won’t be damaged, or get too hot, too ___ Protective Hood cold or damp. ___ Shelter-in-Place Kit Remember! Do not use your protective equipment If you live in Talladega County’s Immediate unless you are instructed to do so by your Response Zone or Calhoun County, go to the EMA through the Emergency Alert System. CSEPP Training and Distribution Center. Store your protective equipment in your Call 256-241-0058 for more information. shelter room. If you can not pick up your equipment, call 256-236-8642 or 800-263-0201. If you If you are not sure what zone qualify, it may be delivered to you. you live in or what protective If you live in Clay, Cleburne, Etowah, St. equipment you need, ask your Clair or Talladega county, call your local Help Network or contact your Emergency Management Agency (EMA) to local EMA. receive your shelter-in-place kit.

Notes ______

28 CHAPTER8 Shelter in Place

During hazardous conditions, you may you may stay at home for a few days in a need to take shelter in your home. Your warm part of your house. actions should be based on the situation. If In the unlikely event of a chemical there is a tornado warning, you would stay accident at Anniston Army Depot, you in your basement or a small ground fl oor might be instructed to shelter in place. You room and listen to a local radio or television could also be advised to shelter in place due station for information updates. If your to other emergencies involving airborne community has been hit by a winter storm, chemicals. Shelter-in-Place actions for a chemical emergency Normal protection Take cover in a building. Close and lock exterior windows and doors. Shut off all ventilation systems, heating or air conditioning and fans. For more protection Use your shelter-in-place kit. Plastic, duct tape, painter’s tape and shelf liner can be used to cover doors, windows, vents and electrical outlets. Place a towel at base of door. For maximum protection Use protective equipment such as a portable room air cleaner and/or hood. Weatherization techniques like caulking or weather stripping may be applied to a structure before an incident occurs.

Determining your shelter room is an ✔ One door important step in your preparedness planning. ✔ Lighting and electrical outlets for radio or You should not shelter in a basement during television a chemical emergency because agent vapors Generally speaking, a bedroom with a are heavier than air and may settle into lower connecting bathroom is a good room for areas. Choose a shelter room that comes as sheltering in place. Keep hallways clear so close as possible to meeting the following that you can easily reach the shelter room. guidelines: ✔ Relatively small, but at least 10 square feet If instructed to shelter in place per person ✔ Move immediately indoors. ✔ No outside walls and located on the ground ✔ fl oor Close and lock all exterior doors and all windows. Close fi replace dampers, vents ✔ No windows or the room with the smallest and any other openings. Close interior number of windows (avoid rooms with doors. window air conditioners or leaky windows) ✔ No vents to the outside or exhaust vents (continued on next page) that automatically start with a light on

29 ✔ Turn off all heating and cooling systems, ✔ Keep a towel in the shelter room. Place all fans and any other ventilation systems. the towel at the bottom of the door to ✔ Go into the predetermined shelter room. block airfl ow. If you are not able to bend If possible, take your pets into your down, keep a broom handle in your shelter room. Do not spend valuable time shelter room. You can use it to place the looking for a pet. towel at the bottom of the door. ✔ ✔ Turn on a radio or television and tune to Listen to the radio or television for a local Emergency Alert Station (EAS) for further directions and information. further emergency instructions. ✔ Use your emergency preparedness kit, as ✔ Seal windows, doors, vents and unused needed. outlets in the shelter room with plastic Stay calm and remain and tape provided in your shelter-in-place in your shelter room. kit. You also can use self-adhesive shelf Your local Emergency liner or painter’s tape to seal air gaps. Management Agency will broadcast a message on EAS stations when it is Cover all doors, Cut the plastic sheeting safe to leave your shelter windows and vents several inches wider than the room. Once directed to with 3–4 mil-thick openings and label each sheet. end sheltering in place, plastic sheeting. it is important to follow instructions given by FAN local offi cials. At this point, the air outside is no longer dangerous.

When sheltering in place ends, the air inside the building where you were WINDOW sheltering may need to be ventilated. Open the windows and let fresh DOOR air in to circulate, and continue listening to the radio or television for further information.

VENT

30 Duct tape plastic at corners fi rst, then tape down all edges. W ORKSHEET Prepare to Shelter in Place

You may need to take shelter in your home during an emergency. Your actions should be based on the situation. You may be sheltering due to severe weather conditions or a chemical accident. In the unlikely event of a chemical accident at Anniston Army Depot, you may be instructed to shelter in place. You should: 1. Move immediately indoors. 2. Close and lock all exterior doors and all windows. Close fi replace dampers, vents and any other openings. Close interior doors. 3. Turn off all heating and cooling systems, 8. Listen to the radio or television for further all fans and any other ventilation directions and information. systems. 9. Use your emergency preparedness kit, as 4. Go into the predetermined shelter room. needed. Take your pets into your shelter room if 10. Stay calm and remain in your shelter possible but do not spend valuable time room. Your local Emergency Management looking for a pet. Agency will broadcast a message on EAS stations when it is safe to leave your shelter 5. Turn on a radio or television and tune to room. Once directed to end shelter-in- a local Emergency Alert Station (EAS) place, it is important to follow instructions for further emergency instructions. given by local offi cials. At this point, the air 6. Seal windows, doors, vents and unused outside is no longer dangerous. outlets in the shelter room with plastic However, the air inside the building and tape provided in your shelter-in-place where you were sheltering may need to kit. You can also use self-adhesive shelf be ventilated. Open the windows and let liner or painter’s tape to seal air gaps. fresh air in to circulate, and continue to 7. Place a towel at the bottom of the door to listen to the radio or television for further block air fl ow. information.

If during an emergency, you would not be able to seal windows and doors with plastic and tape, ask your Help Network to prepare your shelter room before an emergency occurs.

31 CHAPTER 9 Other Protective Actions

In the unlikely event of a chemical accident and other details about the emergency. You at Anniston Army Depot (ANAD), residents may also be advised to take no action if your could be advised to shelter in place or zone faces no immediate risk. See page 29 evacuate, based on which zone they live in for shelter-in-place information. Evacuate Residents might be instructed to evacuate in the event of a chemical accident. Th is protective action will be given if the local Emergency Management Agency (EMA) determines that a zone is in danger, yet there is enough time for residents to safely leave the zone. Evacuations have been planned for each zone and are listed in county emergency information materials. If you are instructed to evacuate: ✔ Remember your emergency preparedness plan. If you have who may not be at home. Keep vehicle arranged to evacuate with someone in windows and vents closed. Do not use the your zone, follow the plan. heater or air conditioner. ✔ Take essential items such as medications ✔ Do not attempt to pick up your child at and prescription information, special school. Your EMA and school personnel needs items, physician names and tele- have created safety plans to protect students. phone numbers and telephone numbers ✔ Do not go against the fl ow of traffi c. for family and Help Network members. Follow emergency instructions. Listen Take your emergency preparedness kit to Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio with you. Do not waste valuable time stations. gathering personal items. ✔ Do not attempt to return home until ✔ If you or someone at your home can you are instructed to do so. Your EMA drive, gather family members into a single will provide information through radio, vehicle. Do not wait for family members television and newspapers.

32 Take no protective action Ask family members, friends and If a zone is not threatened by a chemical neighbors who live in your zone accident at ANAD, a protective action may not be issued. Th is is not a mistake. It means about helping you during an that the vapor is not a threat to the area and evacuation. residents should not act on their own to shelter in place or evacuate unnecessarily. Keep vital items stored ✔ Stay calm. together so that you can carry ✔ Stay where you are, stay indoors and them easily — identifi cation, avoid travel. It is important to keep medication and prescription roadways clear for people who have been information, physician names directed to evacuate. and telephone numbers and ✔ Keep your radio or television on and telephone numbers for family and tuned to an EAS station. Instructions for your community could change and EAS Help Network members. Keep a stations are your best source for up-to- list of important items that you the-minute information. would need to take with you such ✔ Avoid using the telephone so that systems as eye glasses, dentures and other are not overloaded and emergency calls special needs items. can get through quickly. Do not call 9-1-1 unless you face a life-threatening Plan ahead for any special needs emergency such as fi re or heart attack including an assistive animal, if symptoms. you have one.

33 W ORKSHEET Know How to Take Other Protective Actions

Evacuation Take no special protective ✔ Remember your emergency preparedness action plan. If you have arranged to evacuate ✔ Stay calm. with someone in your zone, follow the ✔ Stay where you are, stay indoors and plan. avoid travel. It is important to keep ✔ Take essential items such as medications roadways clear for people who have been and prescription information, special directed to evacuate. needs items, physician names and ✔ Keep your radio or television on and telephone numbers and telephone tuned to an EAS station. Instructions for numbers for family and Help Network your community could change and EAS members. Take your emergency stations are your best source for up-to- preparedness kit with you. Do not waste the-minute information. valuable time gathering personal items. ✔ Avoid using the telephone so that systems ✔ If you or someone at your home can are not overloaded and emergency calls drive, gather family members into a single can get through quickly. Do not call 9-1-1 vehicle. Do not wait for family members unless it is a life-threatening emergency who may not be at home. Keep windows such as fi re or heart attack symptoms. and vents closed. Do not use the heater or air conditioner. ✔ Do not attempt to pick up your child at school. Your Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and school personnel have Ask family members, friends created safety plans to protect students. and neighbors who live in your ✔ Do not go against the fl ow of traffi c. zone about helping you in an Follow emergency instructions. Listen to Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio evacuation. stations. ✔ Do not attempt to return home until you are instructed to do so. Your EMA will provide information through radio, television and newspapers. Notes ______

34 CHAPTER10 Other Hazards

Prepare now During an emergency, local, state and federal the threat. Roads may need to be cleared of agencies will assist you, but you must be fallen trees. A traffi c accident could require realistic about what to expect and how long response from several agencies such as it will take emergency workers to respond. 9-1-1, police, fi re departments as well as Th e local Emergency Management Agency emergency medical services. (EMA) and other agencies will be dealing Emergency responders will be working, with all aspects of the emergency. but they can not get to everyone right away. For example, when the National Prepare now so that you can protect Weather Service issues an alert for severe yourself during an emergency. weather, the local EMA may activate the Knowing what to do is your best Emergency Alert System (EAS). Police protection and your responsibility. Use this and fi re departments as well as other guide to prepare now because emergencies emergency responders are also notifi ed of can strike quickly.

Before an emergency... Prepare Now During an emergency... Stay Calm Stay Informed Follow Your Plan and Instructions Given By Your EMA

Tornadoes ✔ Stay inside and away from windows. ✔ A basement is the safest place in your home. If you don’t have a basement, stay in a small room or hallway near the center of your home. Thunderstorms ✔ Stay inside and away from windows. ✔ Stay away from water and faucets. ✔ Use the phone only for emergencies.

(continued on next page)

35 Winter storms REMEMBER — ✔ Ask your Help Network to help winterize your home before the winter season. Emergencies can be especially ✔ Do not let your heating source get too diffi cult for people who : low. Ask your Help Network to help you identify fi nancial assistance programs to Can’t move around quickly. help with heating bills. ✔ Stay indoors as much as possible. Rely on medical equipment. ✔ Dress in layers. Have other special needs. ✔ Keep extra blankets on hand. Consider any special needs or ✔ Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that might burn. challenges that your physical, medical or mental disability could Extreme hot weather cause during an emergency. Plan ✔ Drink plenty of water. for your special needs now. Ask ✔ Wear cool, light-colored clothes. your Help Network to help you! ✔ Use air conditioning and fans. ✔ Avoid strenuous activity. Floods ✔ If you get too hot, lie down, drink water ✔ Find out now if your home is in an area and sponge off with cool water that could fl ood. ✔ If you have a racing pulse, feel dizzy ✔ Arrange for a Help Network member or confused, you may be having a heat to transport you to another area if your stroke. Call 9-1-1. local EMA issues a fl ood watch.

DO NOT call 9-1-1 unless you have a life-threatening condition such as heart attack symptoms or a fi re.

36 W ORKSHEET Prepare for Other Hazards

Plan now How will you stay safe during What emergencies could aff ect you? an emergency? ❑ Tornadoes ✔ Stay in a basement or small room during ❑ Th understorms a tornado watch. ❑ Winter storms ✔ Stay away from windows during a ❑ Extreme hot weather thunderstorm. ❑ Floods ✔ Do not let your heating source get too low ❑ Other during winter. ______✔ Drink plenty of water and wear cool clothing during extreme hot weather. ______✔ Know if your home is in an area that ______could fl ood. ______✔ Ask your Help Network members to help ______you plan what to do during hazardous During an emergency conditions. ✔ Stay calm. Plan for special needs ✔ Listen to Emergency Alert System (EAS) Th ink about your physical, medical or radio and television stations. mental disabilities and special needs. What ✔ Remember your plan. will you need during an emergency? ✔ Follow instructions given by your Emergency Management Agency. Notes ______Call 9-1-1 for emergencies such as ______a fi re or heart attack symptoms. ______DO NOT call 9-1-1 to ask about ______what has happened in your ______community. ______Listen to EAS radio and television ______stations for information. ______

37 Information Resources

Calhoun County Emergency St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency Management Agency 507 Francis Street West 1610 Cogswell Avenue Jacksonville, AL 36265 Suite B-10 256-435-0540 Pell City, AL 35125 www.calhounema.org 205-884-6800 www.stclairco.com Clay County Emergency Management Agency Talladega County Emergency PO Box 427 Management Agency Ashland, AL 36251 PO Box 43 256-396-5886 Talladega, AL 35161 256-761-2125 Cleburne County Emergency www.talladegacountyal.org/ema Management Agency 118 Emergency Lane Hefl in, AL 36264 For all counties: 256-463-7130 Are You Ready? Go EMA! Features information about the Chemical Gadsden/Etowah County Emergency Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program, Management Agency a children’s section and local information for PO Box 267 each of the six CSEPP counties in Alabama. Gadsden, AL 35902 www.areyoureadygoema.com 256-549-4575 www.cityofgadsden.com

38 Alabama Emergency Management Metro Services Agency (AEMA) Works with local Emergency Management Coordinates assistance to local governments Agencies in identifying and registering to ensure that they are adequately prepared persons with special needs, ensuring to assist the people of Alabama in the event appropriate protective equipment is of natural disasters or other emergencies. off ered to them and providing training and AEMA also provides resources to information for maximum safety during communities and individuals to help them an emergency. Metro Services develops plan and prepare for disasters. emergency preparedness training materials http://ema.alabama.gov for residents with special needs and their PO Box 2160 caregivers, and off ers workshops for Clanton, AL 35046 healthcare agencies and other community 205-280-2200 groups. [email protected] 105 East D Street Anniston, AL 36202 CSEPP Training and Distribution Center 256-236-8642 Provides residents of Calhoun and northern 800-263-0201 Talladega counties with chemical protective 256-236-8812 Text telephone equipment. Th e Center trains residents on the proper use of the equipment and how Warning Systems Inc. (WSI) to create a safe area in their home in the Developed the Tone Alert Radio System for unlikely event of a chemical accident at the Alabama’s Chemical Stockpile Emergency Anniston Army Depot. Preparedness Program. Installs and 256-241-0058 maintains tone alert radios in the Immediate Response Zone and Protective Action Zone. East Alabama Regional Planning & 1400 Commerce Boulevard Development Commission Suite 22 Provides assistance in planning for Anniston, AL 36207 transportation and other needs to help the 256-831-2000 elderly, people with disabilities, and people 888-850-7286 who lack transportation. 800-548-2546 Text telephone www.adss.state.al.us/EARPDC.htm 1130 Quintard Ave, Suite 300 PO Box 2186 Anniston, AL 36202 256-237-6741 800-239-6741 800-AGELINE

39 American Red Cross National Organization on Disability Links to Disaster Preparedness for People Provides emergency preparedness With Disabilities, a booklet designed to help information for people with disabilities people who have physical, visual, auditory or including a products and services directory cognitive disabilities to prepare for natural of equipment and technology that may assist disasters and their consequences. people with disabilities in emergencies, www.redcross.org/services/disaster/ publications, and providers of services beprepared/disability.html related to emergency preparedness for people with disabilities. Center for Disability Issues and the Health Professions www.nod.org/emergency Links to Emergency Evacuation Preparedness: Taking Responsibility for National Severe Storms Laboratory Your Safety — A Guide for People with Explains NOAA Weather Radio services Disabilities and Other Activity Limitations, and how the radios may be modifi ed so a guide which emphasizes the importance that hearing-impaired and vision-impaired of individuals with disabilities taking people can receive alerts. personal responsibility for preparing for www.nssl.noaa.gov/NWR potential emergencies where evacuation is necessary. Off ers information on steps to take to become personally prepared, how to U.S. Department of Homeland Security realistically evaluate one’s needs and level Includes preparedness and response of preparedness, how to quickly tell fi rst information covering natural disasters such responders about specifi c needs, and how to as fi res, fl oods, hurricanes and tornadoes. establish a personal support network. Also addresses threats of terrorism, including www.cdihp.org/evacuationpdf.htm biological, chemical, nuclear, radiological and explosive. Provides instructions for making Emergency Email Network a disaster kit, staying informed and making Sign up to receive emergency alerts by email, a safety plan. Links to Preparing Makes cellular phone, digital pager or fax. Sense, Get Ready Now, a brochure explaining www.emergencyemailnetwork.com potential terrorist threats and how people Federal Emergency Management can prepare for them. Agency (FEMA) www.ready.gov Provides mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery information with fact sheet U.S. Fire Administration downloads. Includes Are You Ready? A Links to publications that address the Guide for Citizen Preparedness, a book challenges special-needs individuals may with suggestions for developing emergency face during a threat of fi re. Information supply kits, planning for individuals with is available for people who are mobility- disabilities, evacuating and sheltering in place, planning for pets, and details of impaired, elderly, hearing-impaired and natural and man-made threats. visually-impaired as well as children. www.fema.gov www.usfa.fema.gov/safety/atrisk www.fema.gov/spanish (Provides Spanish translation of emergency preparedness information) 40