Emergency Preparedness Say It Is Safe

Federal Emergency Management Agency Washington, D.C.

Dear Citizens,

We live in a different world than we did before September 11, 2001. We are more aware of our vulnerabilities, more appreciative of our freedoms and more understanding that we have a personal responsibility for the safety of our families, our neighbors and our nation.

Are You Ready? A Guide to Citizen Preparedness provides practical information on how your family can prepare for any disaster. It includes up-to-date hazard specific safety tips and information about preparedness and protection. In addition to information on most natural and technological disasters, there are new chapters on “Animals in Disaster,” “Extreme Heat (Heat Wave),” “Landslide & Debris Flow (Mudslide),” “Emergency Water Shortages,” and newly updated information on terrorism.

We know that disaster preparedness works. We can take action now that will help protect our families, reduce the impact an emergency has on our lives, and deal with the chaos if an incident occurs near us. These actions are at the heart of everything we do at FEMA, and they are the reason President George W. Bush established Citizen Corps, a nationwide initiative encompassing public education, citizen training and volunteer programs. FEMA’s vision of a nation prepared is best achieved by your participation in community and family preparedness so that we are all better protected for every disaster.

Contact your local emergency management office for information about specific hazards in your area and to volunteer to help make your community better prepared.

We know that disaster can strike at any time. We all have a personal responsibility to be ready.

Sincerely,

Joe M. Allbaugh Director ARE YOU READY? III

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY ARE YOU READY? III Acknowledgement his guide has been prepared for direct Tdissemination to the general public and is based on the most reliable hazard awareness and emergency education information available at the time of publication, including advances in scientific knowledge, more accurate technical language, and the latest physical research on what happens in disasters.

This publication is, however, too brief to cover every factor, situation, or difference in buildings, infrastructure, or other environmental features that might be of interest. To help you explore your interest further, additional sources of information have been compiled in the “For More In- formation” chapter, beginning on page 97.

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FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY IV ARE YOU READY? ARE YOU READY? V Table of Contents Why Prepare for a Disaster ...... 1 General Preparedness Information ...... 3 Emergency Planning and Disaster Supplies...... 4 Creating a disaster plan ...... 4 Emergency planning for people with special needs...... 5 Disaster supplies kit ...... 6 Evacuation...... 11 Shelter ...... 13 Long-term in-place sheltering...... 13 Staying in a mass care shelter ...... 17 Mitigation...... 18 Animals in Disaster...... 20 Recovering From Disaster...... 23 Mental health and crisis counseling ...... 25 Natural Hazards ...... 28 Floods ...... 29 Hurricanes ...... 33 Thunderstorms ...... 39 Lightning ...... 40 Tornadoes ...... 42 Winter Storms and Extreme Cold ...... 46 Extreme Heat (Heat Wave) ...... 49 Emergency water shortages ...... 51 Earthquakes ...... 55 Volcanoes...... 58 Landslide and Debris Flows (Mudslides) ...... 61 Tsunamis ...... 64 Fire ...... 66 Wildland fires...... 70 Technological Hazards ...... 72 Hazardous Materials Incidents ...... 73 Household chemical emergencies ...... 76 Nuclear Power Plants...... 79 National Security Emergencies ...... 83 Terrorism ...... 83 Chemical and biological weapons...... 86

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY VI ARE YOU READY? ARE YOU READY? 1 Table of Contents (cont) Nuclear and radiological attack...... 89 Homeland security advisory system ...... 94 For More Information ...... 97 Citizen Corps...... 99 CERT ...... 99 Disaster Public Education Websites ...... 100 Independent Study Courses ...... 101

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loose in an earthquake) and sometimes Why Prepare for avoid the danger altogether. You should know how to respond to severe weather or any disaster that could occur a Disaster? in your area—hurricanes, earthquakes, extreme cold, flooding, or an act of terrorism. You should also be ready to be self sufficient for at least three days. This may mean providing for your own shelter, first aid, food, water and sanitation.

This guide can help. It was developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the agency responsible for responding to national disasters and for helping state and local governments and individuals prepare for emergencies. It contains step-by-step advice on how to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.

While this guide focuses on the physical isasters disrupt hundreds of thou- hazards of disasters, there are also the sands of lives every year. Each emotional effects of losing a loved one, a Ddisaster has lasting effects—people home, or treasured possessions. When are seriously injured, some are killed, and under stress, people can become irri- property damage runs into the billions of table, fatigued, hyperactive, angry and dollars. withdrawn. Children and older adults are especially vulnerable to post-disaster If a disaster occurs in your community, psychological effects. local government and disaster-relief organizations try to help you. But you need to Share this reference with your household. be ready as well. Local responders may not Include everyone in the planning process. be able to reach you immediately, or they Teach children how to respond to emer- may need to focus their efforts elsewhere. gencies. Give them a sense of what to ex- Being prepared and understanding what pect. Being prepared, understanding your to do can reduce fear, anxiety and losses risks and taking steps to reduce those that accompany disasters. Communities, risks can reduce the damages caused by families and individuals should know what hazards. to do in a fire and where to seek shelter in a tornado. They should be ready to evacuate their homes, take refuge in public shel- What You Should Do ters and know how to care for their basic medical needs. First, ask your local emergency management office which disasters could strike People can also reduce the impact of your community. They will know your disasters (flood proofing, elevating a community’s risks. You may be aware of home—or relocating a home out of harm's some of them; others may surprise you. way, securing items that could shake Also ask for any information that might

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 2 ARE YOU READY? ARE YOU READY? 3 help you prepare and possibly reduce nity, local instructions may be slightly the risks you face. Then, refer to the different from those described in this appropriate chapters in this handbook. guide. If so, follow local instructions. Each chapter covers a specific hazard Consider getting involved in local emer- and describes how to prepare and what gency preparedness and response activi- to do when the disaster occurs. ties by volunteering in your community. Next, review the “Evacuation,” “Shelter,” One way is to participate as a Citizen “Emergency Planning and Disaster Corps community volunteer. See the “For Supplies” and “Recovering From Disaster” More Information” chapter for details on chapters. These chapters apply to a range Citizen Corps and FEMA’s Community of hazards including some not specifically Emergency Response Team (CERT) pro- addressed in this publication. gram.

Use this guide as your foundation for disaster preparedness and safety. Since special conditions exist in every commu-

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General Preparedness Information EMERGENCY PLANNING AND DISASTER SUPPLIES

EVACUATION

SHELTER

MITIGATION

ANIMALS IN DISASTER

RECOVERING FROM DISASTER

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 4 ARE YOU READY? ARE YOU READY? 5 Creating a disaster plan Emergency One of the most important steps you can take in preparing for emergencies is to Planning and develop a household disaster plan. 1. Learn about the natural disasters that Disaster could occur in your community from your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter. Supplies Learn whether hazardous materials are produced, stored or transported near your area. Learn about possible consequences of deliberate acts of terror. Ask how to prepare for each potential emergency and how to respond. 2. Talk with employers and school officials about their emergency response plans. 3. Talk with your household about potential emergencies and how to respond to each. Talk about what you would need to do in an evacuation. 4. Plan how your household would stay in contact if you were separated. Identify two meeting places: the first should be near your home—in case of fire, perhaps a tree or a telephone pole; the second should be away from your neighborhood in case you cannot Emergency return home. Planning 5. Pick a friend or relative who lives out of the area for household members to mmediately after an emergency, essen- call to say they are okay. tial services may be cut-off and local I 6. Draw a floor plan of your home. Mark disaster relief and government responders two escape routes from each room. may not be able to reach you right away. Even if they could reach you, knowing 7. Post emergency telephone numbers by what to do to protect yourself and your telephones. Teach children how and household is essential. when to call 911. This chapter describes how to prepare 8. Make sure everyone in your house- for any kind of disaster. It also provides hold knows how and when to shut off specific information about emergency water, gas, and electricity at the main water and food and recommended disaster switches. Do not actually shut off the supplies kit. gas to see how it works or to show others. Only the gas company can

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safely turn it back on. Consult with Emergency planning for people your local utilities if you have questions. with special needs 9. Take a first aid and CPR class. Local If you have a disability or special need, American Red Cross chapters can pro- you may have to take additional steps to vide information. Official certification protect yourself and your household in an by the American Red Cross provides emergency. If you know of friends or neigh- “good Samaritan” law protection for bors with special needs, help them with those giving first aid. these extra precautions. Examples include:

10. Reduce the economic • Hearing impaired may impact of disaster on your need to make special ar- property and your house- Assemble rangements to receive warnings. hold’s health and financial a disaster well-being. • Mobility impaired people • Review property insur- supply kit may need assistance in get- ance policies before before ting to a shelter. • Households with a single disaster strikes—make disaster sure policies are cur- working parent may need rent and be certain they strikes. help from others both in meet your needs (type planning for disasters and of coverage, amount of during an emergency. coverage, and hazard • Non-English speaking covered—flood, earth- people may need assistance quake) planning for and responding to • Protect your household’s financial emergencies. Community and cultur- well-being before a disaster strikes— al groups may be able to help keep review life insurance policies and these populations informed. consider saving money in an “emer- • People without vehicles may need gency” savings account that could to make arrangements for transpor- be used in any crisis. It is advisable tation. to keep a small amount of cash or • People with special dietary needs traveler’s checks at home in a safe should have an adequate emergency place where you can quickly gain food supply. access to it in case of an evacuation. 1. Find out about special assistance that • Be certain that health insurance may be available in your community. policies are current and meet the Register with the office of emergency needs of your household. services or fire department for assis- 11. Consider ways to help neighbors who tance, so needed help can be provided may need special assistance, such as quickly in an emergency. the elderly or the disabled. 2. Create a network of neighbors, rela- 12. Make arrangements for pets. Pets are tives, friends and co-workers to aid you not allowed in public shelters. Service in an emergency. Discuss your needs animals for those who depend on them and make sure they know how to oper- are allowed. ate necessary equipment.

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3. Discuss your needs with your employer. Disaster 4. If you are mobility impaired and live or work in a high-rise building, have Supply Kits an escape chair. 5. If you live in an apartment building, ask the management to mark accessible exits clearly and to make arrangements to help you evacuate the building. 6. Keep extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen, catheters, medication, food for guide or hearing-ear dogs, or other items you might need. Also, keep a list of the type and serial numbers of medical devices you need. 7. Those who are not disabled should ou may need to survive on your own learn who in their neighborhood or Yfor three days or more. This means building is disabled so that they may having your own water, food and emer- assist them during emergencies. gency supplies. Try using backpacks or duffel bags to keep the supplies together. 8. If you are a care-giver for a person with special needs, make sure you Assembling the supplies you might need have a plan to communicate if an following a disaster is an important part emergency occurs. of your disaster plan. You should prepare emergency supplies for the following situations: • A disaster supplies kit with essential food, water, and supplies for at least three days—this kit should be kept in a designated place and be ready to “grab and go” in case you have to leave your home quickly because of a disaster, such as a flash flood or major chemical emergency. Make sure all household members know where the kit is kept. • Have additional supplies for sheltering or home confinement for up to two weeks. • You should also have a disaster supplies kit at work. This should be in one container, ready to "grab and go" in case you have to evacuate the building. • A car kit of emergency supplies, including food and water, to keep stored ARE YOU READY? 7

in your car at all times. This kit would bottles. Never use a container that has also include flares, jumper cables, and held toxic substances. Sound plastic seasonal supplies. containers, such as soft drink bottles, are best. You can also purchase food- The following checklists will help you grade plastic buckets or drums. assemble a disaster supplies kit that meets the needs of your household. The • Containers for water should be basic items that should be in a disas- rinsed with a diluted bleach solution ter supplies kit are water, food, first-aid (one part bleach to ten parts water) supplies, tools and emergency supplies, before use. Previously used bottles clothing and bedding, and specialty items. or other containers may be contami- You will need to change the stored water nated with microbes or chemicals. and food supplies every six months, so be Do not rely on untested devices for sure to write the date you store it on all decontaminating water. containers. You should also re-think your • If your water is treated commercially needs every year and update your kit as by a water utility, you do not need to your household changes. Keep items in treat water before storing it. Ad- airtight plastic bags and put your entire ditional treatment of treated public disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to water will not increase storage life. carry containers such as an unused trash • If you have a well or public water can, camping backpack or duffel bag. that has not been treated, follow the Water: the absolute necessity treatment instructions provided by your public health service or water 1. Stocking water reserves should be a provider. top priority. Drinking water in emer- • If you suspect that your well may gency situations should not be ra- be contaminated, contact your local tioned. Therefore, it is critical to store or state health department or agri- adequate amounts of water for your culture extension agent for specific household. advice. • Individual needs vary, depending • Seal your water containers tightly to on age, physical condition, activity, minimize the possibility of contami- diet, and climate. A normally active nation, label them and store them in person needs at least two quarts a cool, dark place. of water daily just for drinking. Children, nursing mothers, and ill • It is important to change stored people need more. Very hot tem- water every six months. peratures can double the amount of For water purification for immediate or water needed. near term use, please read the “Shelter” • Because you will also need water for chapter of this guide. sanitary purposes and, possibly, for cooking, you should store at least Food: preparing an emergency supply. one gallon of water per person per 1. If activity is reduced, healthy people day. can survive on half their usual food in- 2. Store water in thoroughly washed take for an extended period or without plastic, fiberglass or enamel-lined any food for many days. Food, unlike metal containers. Don't use contain- water, may be rationed safely, except ers that can break, such as glass for children and pregnant women. 8 ARE YOU READY? ARE YOU READY? 9

2. You don’t need to go out and buy un- shop or search for the supplies you’ll familiar foods to prepare an emergency need. Your household will cope best by food supply. You can use the canned preparing for disaster before it strikes. foods, dry mixes and other staples on your cupboard shelves. Canned foods First aid supplies do not require cooking, water or spe- Assemble a first aid kit for your home and cial preparation. Be sure to include a for each vehicle: manual can opener. • The basics for your first aid kit should 3. Keep canned foods in a dry place where include: the temperature is cool. To protect – First aid manual boxed foods from pests and to extend – Sterile adhesive bandages in their shelf life, store the food in tightly assorted sizes closed plastic or metal containers. – Assorted sizes of safety pins – Cleansing agents (isopropyl 4. Replace items in your food supply alcohol, hydrogen peroxide)/soap/ every six months. Throw out any germicide canned good that becomes swollen, – Antibiotic ointment dented, or corroded. Use foods before – Latex gloves (2 pairs) they go bad, and replace them with – Petroleum jelly fresh supplies. Date each food item – 2-inch and 4-inch sterile gauze with a marker. Place new items at pads (4-6 each size) the back of the storage area and older – Triangular bandages (3) ones in front. – 2-inch and 3-inch sterile roller 5. Food items that you might consider bandages (3 rolls each) including in your disaster supplies kit – Cotton balls include: ready-to-eat meats, fruits, – Scissors and vegetables; canned or boxed juic- – Tweezers es, milk, and soup; high-energy foods – Needle like peanut butter, jelly, low-sodium – Moistened towelettes crackers, granola bars, and trail mix; – Antiseptic vitamins; foods for infants or persons – Thermometer on special diets; cookies, hard candy; – Tongue depressor blades (2) instant coffee, cereals, and powdered – Tube of petroleum jelly or other milk. lubricant – Sunscreen. You may need to survive on your own • It may be difficult to obtain after a disaster. Local officials and relief prescription medications during a workers will be on the scene after a disaster because stores may be closed disaster, but they cannot reach everyone or supplies may be limited. Ask your immediately. You could get help in hours, physician or pharmacist about storing or it may take days. Basic services, prescription medications. Be sure they such as electricity, gas, water, sewage are stored to meet instructions on the treatment and telephones, may be cut label and be mindful of expirations off for days, even a week or longer. Or dates—be sure to keep your stored you may have to evacuate at a moment’s medication up to date. notice and take essentials with you. You probably won’t have the opportunity to

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• Extra pair of prescription glasses or • Kitchen items: contact lens. – Manual can opener • Have the following nonprescription – Mess kits or paper cups, plates, drugs in your disaster supplies kit: and plastic utensils – Aspirin and nonaspirin pain – All-purpose knife reliever – Household liquid bleach to treat – Antidiarrhea medication drinking water – Antacid (for stomach upset) – Sugar, salt, pepper – Syrup of ipecac (use to induce – Aluminum foil and plastic wrap vomiting if advised by the poison – Re-sealing plastic bags control center) – If food must be cooked, small cook- – Laxative ing stove and a can of cooking fuel – Vitamins. • Sanitation and hygiene items: – Washcloth and towel Tools and emergency supplies – Towelettes, soap, hand sanitizer, It will be important to assemble these liquid detergent items in a disaster supplies kit in case – Tooth paste, toothbrushes, you have to leave your home quickly. shampoo, deodorants, comb and Even if you don't have to leave your home, brush, razor, shaving cream, lip if you lose power it will be easier to have balm, sunscreen, insect repellent, these item already assembled and in one contact lens solutions, mirror, place. feminine supplies • Tools and other items: – Heavy-duty plastic garbage bags – A portable, battery-powered radio and ties—for personal sanitation or television and extra batteries uses—and toilet paper (also have a NOAA weather radio, – Medium-sized plastic bucket with if appropriate for your area) tight lid – Flashlight and extra batteries – Disinfectant and household – Signal flare chlorine bleach – Matches in a waterproof container – Consider including a small shovel (or waterproof matches) for digging a latrine – Shut-off wrench, pliers, shovel and • Household documents and contact other tools numbers: – Duct tape and scissors – Personal identification, cash – Plastic sheeting (including change) or traveler's – Whistle checks, and a credit card – Small canister, A-B-C-type fire – Copies of important documents: extinguisher birth certificate, marriage – Tube tent certificate, driver's license, social – Compass security cards, passport, wills, – Work gloves deeds, inventory of household – Paper, pens, and pencils goods, insurance papers, – Needles and thread immunizations records, bank and – Battery-operated travel alarm credit card account numbers, clock stocks and bonds. Be sure to store these in a watertight container.

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– Emergency contact list and phone • A disaster supplies kit kept in the numbers home with supplies for at least three – Map of the area and phone days; numbers of place you could go • Although it is unlikely that food – An extra set of car keys and house supplies would be cut off for as keys. long as two weeks, consider storing Clothes and bedding additional water, food, clothing and bedding other supplies to expand your • One complete change of clothing and supply kit to last up to two weeks. footwear for each household member. Shoes should be sturdy work shoes • A work place disaster supplies kit. It is or boots. Rain gear, hat and gloves, important to store a personal supply extra socks, extra underwear, thermal of water and food at work; you will not underwear, sunglasses. be able to rely on water fountains or • Blankets or a sleeping bag for each coolers. Women who wear high-heels household member, pillows. should be sure to have comfortable flat shoes at their workplace in case Specialty items an evacuation requires walking long Remember to consider the needs of distances. infants, elderly persons, disabled persons, • A car disaster supplies kit. Keep and pets and to include entertainment a smaller disaster supplies kit in and comfort items for children. the trunk of you car. If you become • For baby stranded or are not able to return • For the elderly home, having these items will help • For pets you survive and be more comfortable • Entertainment: books, games, quiet until help arrives. Add items for severe toys and stuffed animals. winter weather during months when It is important for you to be ready, heavy snow or icy roads are possible— wherever you may be when disaster salt, sand, shovels, and extra winter strikes. With the checklists above you can clothing, including hats and gloves. now put together an appropriate disaster supplies kit for your household:

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tion plans. Learn evacuation routes. Evacuation If you do not own a car, make transportation arrangements with friends or vacuations are more common than your local government. many people realize. Hundreds of 2. Talk with your household about the times each year, transportation E possibility of evacuation. Plan where and industrial accidents release harmful you would go if you had to leave the substances, forcing thousands of people community. Determine how you to leave their homes. Fires and floods would get there. In your planning, cause evacuations even more frequently. consider different levels of evacua- And almost every year, people along the tions. In a hurricane, for example, Gulf and Atlantic coasts evacuate in the entire counties would evacuate, while face of approaching hurricanes. much smaller area would be affected When community evacuations by a chemical release. become necessary, local offi- 3. Plan a place to meet your cials provide information to Keep fuel in household in case you are the public through the media. your car if separated from one another In some circumstances other evacuation in a disaster. Ask a friend warning methods, such as seems likely. outside your town to be the sirens or telephone calls, are Gas stations “checkpoint” so that everyone also used. Government agen- may be closed in the household can call that cies, the American Red Cross, person to say they are safe. Salvation Army, and other during disaster relief organizations emergencies. 4. Find out where your chil- provide emergency shelter and dren will be sent if schools are supplies. To be prepared for evacuated. an emergency, you should have enough 5. Assemble a disaster supplies kit. In- water, food, clothing and emergency clude a battery-powered radio, flash- supplies to last at least three days and a light, extra batteries, food, water and disaster supplies kit. In a catastrophic clothing. See the “Emergency Plan- emergency, you might need to be self-suf- ning and Disaster Supplies” chapter ficient for even longer. for a complete list. The amount of time you have to evacu- 6. Keep fuel in your car if an evacuation ate will depend on the disaster. If the seems likely. Gas stations may be event can be monitored, like a hurricane, closed during emergencies and unable you might have a day or two to get ready. to pump gas during power outages. However, many disasters allow no time for people to gather even the most basic ne- 7. Know how to shut off your residence’s cessities. This is why you should prepare electricity, gas and water supplies now. at main switches and valves. Have the tools you would need to do this (usually adjustable pipe and crescent Planning for evacuation wrenches). Do not actually shut off the gas to see how it works or to show oth- 1. Ask your local emergency manage- ers. Only the gas comapny can safely ment office about community evacua- turn it back on.

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What to do when you 4. Turn off the main water valve and electricity, if instructed to do so. are told to evacuate 5. Let others know where you are going. Listen to a battery-powered radio and follow local instructions. If the danger is a 6. Leave early enough to avoid being chemical release and you are instructed to trapped by severe weather. evacuate immediately, gather your house- 7. Follow recommended evacuation hold and go. Take one car per household routes. Do not take shortcuts. They when evacuating. This will keep your may be blocked. Be alert for washed- household together and reduce traffic con- out roads and bridges. Do not drive gestion and delay. In other cases, you may into flooded areas. Stay away from have time to follow these steps: downed power lines.

1. Gather your disaster supplies kit and Disaster situations can be intense, other important items such as insur- stressful, and confusing. Should an ance and financial records. See the evacuation be necessary, local au- "Emergency Planning and Disaster thorities will do their best to notify the Supplies" chapter for important infor- public, but do not depend entirely on mation. this. Often, a disaster can strike with 2. Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that little or no warning, providing local au- provides some protection, such as long thorities scant time to issue an evac- pants, long-sleeved shirts, and a cap. uation order. Also, it is possible that you may not hear of an evacuation 3. Secure your home. Close and lock order due to communications or power doors and windows. Unplug elec- failure or not listening to your bat- tronic equipment such as radios and tery-powered radio. Local authorities televisions and small appliances such and meteorologists could also make as toasters and microwaves. (Freez- mistakes, including underestimating ers and refrigerators should be left an emergency or disaster situation. In plugged in.) If a hard freeze is likely the absence of evacuation instructions during your absence, take actions from local authorities, you should needed to prevent damage to water evacuate if you feel you and your pipes by freezing weather, such as: household are threatened or endan- • Turn off water main. gered. Use pre-designated evacuation routes and let others know what you • Drain faucets. are doing and your destination. • Turn off inside valves for external faucets and open the outside faucets to drain.

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in-place sheltering depend entirely on the emergency situation. For instance, dur- Shelter ing a tornado warning you should go to an underground room, if such a room is available. During a chemical release, on the other hand, you should seek shelter in a room above ground level. Because of these differences, short-term in-place shelter is described in the chapters dealing with specific hazards. See the chapters on “Thunderstorms” and “Hazardous Materi- als Incidents” for more information. The remainder of this chapter describes steps you should take to prepare for long-term in-place sheltering and for staying in a mass care shelter if you evacuate. Long-term in-place sheltering Sometimes disasters make it unsafe for people to leave their residence. Winter storms, floods, aking shelter is often a critical and landslides may temporarily isolate indi- element in protecting yourself and vidual family members and make it neces- Tyour household in times of disaster. sary for each household to take care of its Sheltering can take several forms. In-place own needs until the disaster abates. Your sheltering is appropriate when household should be prepared to conditions require that you be self-sufficient for three days seek protection in your home, Be sure when utilities and access to out- place of employment, or other everyone in side supplies of food and water location where you are located are disrupted. when disaster strikes. In- your household place sheltering may either be knows where 1. Stay in your shelter until local short-term, such as going to a to find shelter authorities say it’s okay to leave. safe room for a fairly short pe- from all The length of your stay can range riod while a tornado warning hazards that from a few hours to two weeks. is in effect or while a chemical effect your 2. Unless you are alone, cloud passes. It may also be maintain a 24-hour commu- longer-term, as when you stay area. nications and safety watch. in your home for several days Take turns listening for ra- without electricity or water dio broadcasts and monitor services following a winter storm. We also your tone-alert NOAA Weather Radio. use the term “shelter” for Mass Care facili- Watch for fires. ties that provide a place to stay along with food and water to people who evacuate 3. Assemble an emergency toilet, if following a disaster. necessary. • Use a garbage container, pail or bucket The appropriate steps to take in prepar- with a snug-fitting cover. If the ing for and implementing short-term

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container is small, use a larger con- cious water as long as possible, but do tainer with a cover for waste dispos- not become dehydrated. al. Line both containers with plastic 4. In addition to stored water, other bags. sources include: • After each use, pour or sprinkle • Melted ice cubes. a small amount of regular household disinfectant, such as chlorine • Water drained from the water heater bleach, into the container to reduce faucet, if the water heater has not odors and germs. been damaged. • Water dipped from the flush tanks Managing water supplies (not the bowls) of home toilets. Bowl water can be used for pets. Water is critical for survival. Plan to have • Liquids from canned goods such as fruit about one gallon of water per and vegetable juices. person per day for drinking, cooking and personal hy- The average 5. Carbonated beverages giene. You may need more person should do not meet drinking-water for medical emergencies. requirements. Caffeinated drink between drinks and alcohol dehydrate 1. Allow people to drink two and two- the body, which increases the according to their need. and-one-half need for drinking water. The average person quarts of liquids should drink at least 6. If water pipes are damaged two quarts of water or per day, but or if local authorities advise other liquids per day, but many people you, turn off the main water many people need more. need more. valves to prevent water from This will depend on age, draining away in case the wa- physical activity, physi- ter main breaks. cal condition and time of • The pipes will be full of water when year. the main valve is closed. 2. Never ration water unless ordered to • To use this water, turn on the faucet do so by authorities. Drink the amount at the highest point in your house you need today and try to find more (which lets air into the system). for tomorrow. Under no circumstances • Then draw water, as needed, from should a person drink less than one the lowest point in your house, ei- quart of water each day. You can mini- ther a faucet or the hot water tank. mize the amount of water your body needs by reducing activity and staying 7. Unsafe water sources include: cool. • Radiators. 3. Drink water that you know is not con- • Hot water boilers (home heating taminated first. If necessary, suspi- system). cious water, such as cloudy water from • Water beds (fungicides added to the regular faucets or muddy water from water or chemicals in the vinyl may streams or ponds, can be used after make water unsafe to use). it has been treated. If water treatment is not possible, put off drinking suspi- • Swimming pools and spas (chemitoo

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concals used in them to kill germs are • Use regular household liquid bleach (4 centrated for safe drinking, but can be to 6 percent sodium hypochlorite) that used for personal hygiene, cleaning and contains no soap or scents. Some con- related uses). tainers warn, “Not For Personal Use.” You can disregard these warnings if the Water treatment label states sodium hypochlorite as the only active ingredient and if you use Treat all water of uncertain purity before only the small quantities mentioned in using it for drinking, food washing or prep- these instructions. aration, washing dishes, brushing teeth or making ice. In addition to having a bad • Add 16 drops of unscented bleach per odor and taste, contaminated water can gallon of water, stir and let stand for contain microorganisms that cause dis- 30 minutes. If the water does not taste eases such as dysentery, cholera, typhoid and smell of chlorine at that point, add and hepatitis. another dose and let stand another 15 minutes. This treatment will not kill There are many ways to treat water. None parasitic organisms. is perfect. Often the best solution is a • If you do not have a dropper, use a combination of methods. Before treat- spoon and a square-ended strip of pa- ing, let any suspended particles settle to per or thin cloth about 1/4 inch by 2 the bottom, or strain them through coffee inches. Put the strip in the spoon with filters or layers of clean cloth. an end hanging down about 1/2 inch Following are four treatment methods. below the scoop of the spoon. Place The first three methods—boiling, chlori- bleach in the spoon and carefully tip it. nation and water treatment tablets—will Drops the size of those from a medicine kill microbes but will not remove other dropper will drip off the end of the strip. contaminants such as heavy metals, Water treatment “purification” tablets salts, most other chemicals and radio- release chlorine or iodine. They are in- active fallout. The final method—distilla- expensive and available at most sporting tion—will remove microbes as well as most goods stores and some drugstores. Follow other contaminants, including radioactive the package directions carefully. NOTE: fallout. People with chronic or undiagnosed liver or kidney disease may be adversely af- Boiling is the safest method of treating fected by iodized tablets and may experi- water. ence worsened health problems as a result • Boiling water kills harmful bacteria and of ingestion. Iodized tablets are safe for parasites. Bringing water to a rolling healthy, physically fit adults and should boil for 1 minute will kill most organ- be used only if you lack the supplies for isms. Let the water cool before drinking. boiling, chlorination and distillation. • Boiled water will taste better if you put Distillation involves boiling water and col- oxygen back into it by pouring it back lecting the vapor that condenses back to and forth between two containers. This water. The condensed vapor may include will also improve the taste of stored salt or other impurities. water. • Fill a pot halfway with water. uses liquid chlorine bleach Chlorination • Tie a cup to the handle on the pot’s lid to kill microorganisms such as bacteria. so that the cup hangs right side up

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when the lid is upside-down (make sure 5. Commercially canned food can be the cup is not dangling into the water). eaten out of the can without warming. • Boil for 20 minutes. The water that Before heating food in a can, remove drips from the lid into the cup is the label, thoroughly wash the can, distilled. and then disinfect them with a solution consisting of one cup of bleach in Managing food supplies five gallons of water, and open before heating. Re-label your cans, including 1. It is important to be sanitary when expiration date, with a marker. storing, handling and eating food. • Do not eat foods from cans that are • Keep food in covered containers. swollen, dented or corroded even • Keep cooking and eating utensils though the product may look safe to clean. eat. • Keep garbage in closed containers • Do not eat any food that looks or and dispose outside. Bury garbage, smells abnormal, even if the can if necessary. Avoid letting garbage looks normal. accumulate inside, both for fire and • Discard any food not in a waterproof sanitation reasons. container if there is any chance that • Keep hands clean. Wash frequently it has come into contact with con- with soap and water that has been taminated floodwater. boiled or disinfected. Be sure to • Food containers with screw-caps, wash: snap-lids, crimped caps (soda pop – Before preparing or eating food. bottles), twist caps, flip tops, snap- – After toilet use. open, and home canned foods should be discarded if they have come into – After participating in flood cleanup activities. contact with floodwater because they cannot be disinfected. For infants, – After handling articles contami- use pre-prepared canned baby nated with floodwater or sewage. only formula. Do not use powdered for- 2. Carefully ration food for everyone mulas with treated water. except children and pregnant women. 6. Your refrigerator will keep foods cool Most people can remain relatively for about four hours without power if it healthy with about half as much food is left unopened. Add block or dry ice as usual and can survive without any to your refrigerator if the electricity will food for several days. be off longer than four hours. 3. Try to avoid foods high in fat and pro- Thawed food usually can be eaten if it tein, since they will make you thirsty. is still “refrigerator cold,” or re-frozen if Try to eat salt-free crackers, whole it still contains ice crystals. To be safe, grain cereals and canned foods with remember, “When in doubt, throw it out.” high liquid content. Discard any food that has been at room 4. For emergency cooking, heat food with temperature for two hours or more, and candle warmers, chafing dishes and any food that has an unusual odor, color, fondue pots, or use a fireplace. Char- or texture. coal grills and camp stoves are for outdoor use only.

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If you are without power for a long period: should plan to have your own supplies as well—especially water. See the “Emergency • Ask friends to store your frozen foods in Planning and Disaster Supplies” chapter their freezers if they have electricity. for more details.

• Inquire if freezer space is available in 1. Cooperate with shelter managers and a store, church, school, or commercial others staying in the shelter. Living freezer that has electrical service. with many people in a confined space • Use dry ice, if available. Twenty-five can be difficult and challenging. pounds of dry ice will keep a ten-cubic- 2. Restrict smoking to designated areas foot freezer below freezing for 3-4 days. that are well-ventilated. Ensure that Use care when handling dry ice, and smoking materials are disposed of wear dry, heavy gloves to avoid injury. safely.

3. If you go to an emergency shelter, Staying in a mass care shelter remember that alcoholic beverages and weapons are prohibited in shel- The American Red Cross and Salvation ters. Pets, except for service animals, Army, assisted by community and other are also not allowed in public shelters. disaster relief groups, work with local See “Animals in Disaster” chapter or authorities to set up public shelters in contact your local humane society for schools, municipal buildings and church- additional information. es. While they often provide water, food, medicine and basic sanitary facilities, you

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For moderate degrees of flooding, in- corporating floodproofing techniques Mitigation to meet National Flood Insurance Program criteria may be the most ne of the most effective means of practical approach to flood damage protection is to take steps to reduction. These techniques include make your home and your house- O taking the following steps to protect hold safe from the potential effects of your utilities from flood damages. disaster like floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes. This is called mitiga- • Relocating electric, telephone and tion. Ideally, mitigation measures are cable lines to the upper level of your implemented before disaster strikes since home. they can help protect your household as • Putting heating, ventilation and well as your property. However, even after air conditioning units in the upper a disaster strikes, actions can be taken story or the attic. to avoid or reduce the impact of the next • Anchoring or bolting oil tanks to disaster. prevent flotation. 1. If your home was damaged during the disaster, consider implementing mitigation measures while you repair your home.

2. Be sure that all upgrade construction projects comply with local building codes that pertain to seismic, flood, fire and wind hazards. Make sure your contractors follow the codes, including periodic building inspections of the construction.

3. If you live in a flood-prone area, If the homes within your community consider purchasing flood insurance have a history of severe, repetitive, to reduce your risk to floods. Buying flooding, it may be necessary to con- flood insurance to cover the value of a sider more substantial measures. building and its contents will not only Consider the following measures: provide greater peace of mind, but will also speed recovery if a flood occurs. You can call #1-888-FLOOD29 to learn more about flood insurance.

Also consider options for reducing your future flood losses (seeHome - owner’s Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect Your House From Flooding, FEMA Publication # 312). The appropriate flood mitigation measure will depend upon the degree of flood risk to which your home is subject.

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• Elevate the structure to or above the Consider building a wind “Safe Room Base Flood Elevation. or Shelter” in your home to protect • Relocate the structure to a new your household (see the “Tornadoes” site located outside of the 100-year section in the “Thunderstorms” chap- floodplain, outside of any regulatory ter). There are several additional steps erosion zones, and in conformance you can take to reduce wind damages with any other applicable state or and losses, including the following: local land use regulations. • Purchase storm shutters for exterior windows and doors to protect your In areas prone to severe flooding, it home against high winds. may be appropriate to work directly • When putting new roof shingles on with your local emergency manage- your house, remove the old shingles, ment official to develop a community- add more nails to the roof boards and based approach. Additionally, your use high-wind resistant shingles. local representative will be able to • Add hurricane clips to your house identify potential federal, state, and/or rafters. local funding sources for the imple- mentation of elevation, acquisition • Garage door failure can lead to or relocation activities. For example, increased damage to other parts of FEMA offers three state-administered the house. Wide garage doors are grant programs to help States and lo- especially vulnerable to damage. cal governments significantly reduce Ask your garage door installer for a or permanently eliminate future flood garage door rated for high winds. 5. If you live in an area likely to have an earthquake, consider the following to reduce damages and losses and to increase personal safety: • Inspect your foundation, or have a contractor do so, to make sure your house is bolted to the foundation. • Inspect your cripple wall, or have a contractor do so, and have it rein- forced, if necessary. • Move heavy or breakable objects to low shelves. losses: the Hazard Mitigation Grant • Use straps or other restraints to se- Program, Flood Mitigation Assistance cure tall cabinets, bookshelves, large Program and Pre-Disaster Mitigation appliances, (especially water heater, Program. Individuals may not apply furnace, and refrigerator), and light directly to the state or FEMA, but lo- fixtures to prevent damage and injury. cal governments or private non-profit organizations may apply on behalf of 6. Determine ways to mitigate other types local citizens. of hazards in your home, such as installing a fire sprinkler system. 4. If you live in an area prone to high winds, make sure your roof is firmly 7. Obtain information specific to your secured to the main frame of the area and home. Ask local emergency residence. management, fire and police depart-

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ments, zoning and building offices, is important to consider and plan for your the American Red Cross, hardware pets before disaster strikes. Consider the dealers, home inspectors, structural following preparedness measures: engineers and architects for technical 1. Do not leave pets behind—there is a information on these and other mitiga- chance they may not survive, or get tion measures. lost before you return. Do not, how- 8. Check the list of available publications ever, endanger yourself or your family from FEMA mentioned in this section by trying to find and gather pets dur- and at the end of this guide. ing life-threatening disaster situations where you have been instructed to evacuate. Animals 2. With the exception of service animals, pets are not typically permitted in emergency shelters for the health and in Disaster safety of other occupants. 3. Find out before a disaster which local hotels and motels allow pets and where pet boarding facilities are located. Be sure to include some outside your local area in case local facilities have closed.

4. Know that most boarding facilities require veterinarian records to prove vaccinations are current.

5. Only some animal shelters will provide care for pets during emergency and disaster situations. They should be used as a last resort. Depend on friends and family or keep pets with you.

6. Be sure your pet has proper identification tags securely fastened to the collar. A current photo of your pet will isaster disrupts and affects every- assist identification should it become thing in its path, including pets, necessary. Dlivestock, and wildlife. The following section provides general 7. Make sure you have a se- guidelines for handling ani- cure pet carrier or leash for mals in emergency and disas- Be sure to your pet—they may need to be ter situations. include your restrained during tense emer- pets in your gency situations. Pets in disaster household 8. Assemble a disaster sup- Pets need to be included in disaster plan. plies kit for your pet. Include your household disaster plan pet food, water, medications, since they depend on you for veterinary records, litter box, their safety and well being. It can opener, food dishes, first

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aid kit, other supplies that may not be Wildlife in disaster available at a later time, and an information sheet with pet’s name and such Disaster and life threatening situations things as behavior problems. Provide will exacerbate the unpredictable nature of the kit to whomever assumes responsi- wild animals. To protect yourself and your bility for your pet during a disaster. household, learn how to deal with wildlife.

9. Call your local emergency management 1. Be cautious approaching wild animals office, animal shelter or animal control during emergency situations. Do not office for further information. corner or try to rescue them. Wild animals will likely feel threatened and may endanger themselves by dashing Large animals in disaster off into floodwaters, fire, etc. If you have large animals, such as horses, 2. If wild animals are trapped or no natu- cattle, sheep, goats or pigs ral food source is available, on your property, be sure to you can leave food appro- prepare before a disaster. With the priate to individual animals exception (i.e., animals could become 1. Evacuate animals when- of service trapped on an “island” after ever possible. Map out seeking high ground as flood- primary and secondary animals, pets waters rise). routes in advance. are generally 3. Wild animals such as 2. Evacuation destinations not permitted snakes, opossums, and rac- should be prepared with, in emergency coons often seek refuge from or be able to obtain, food, shelters for floodwaters on upper levels of water, veterinary care, health reasons. homes and have been known and handling equipment. to remain after water recedes. 3. Vehicles and trailers If you encounter animals in needed for transporting this situation—open a window and supporting each type of animal or other escape route and the animal should be available along with expe- will likely leave on its own. Do not at- rienced handlers and drivers. It is best tempt to capture or handle the animal. to allow animals a chance to become Should the animal stay, call your local accustomed to vehicular travel so they animal control office or wildlife re- are less frightened and easier to move. source office. 4. If you see an injured or stranded 4. In case evacuation is not possible, animal, do not approach or attempt to animal owners must decide whether to help. Call your local animal control move large animals to shelter or turn office or wildlife resource office. them outside. This decision should be based on the disaster type, quality 5. Animal carcasses can present seri- and location of shelter, and the risks of ous health risks. Contact your lo- turning them outside. cal emergency management office or health department for specific help and 5. All animals should have some form of instructions. identification.

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Animals after disaster Rats may also be a problem during and after many types of disaster. Be sure to Wild or stray domestic animals can pose secure all food supplies and contact your a danger during or after many types of local animal control authorities to remove disaster. Remember, most animals are dis- any animal carcasses in the vicinity. oriented and displaced, too. Do not corner an animal. If an animal must be removed, Food, feed and water that has been ex- contact authorities at your local animal posed to floodwaters or airborne contami- control office or wildlife resource office. nants should never be offered to animals. This type of food may harbor dangerous If any animal bites you, seek immediate bacteria, molds or chemicals. Call your lo- medical attention. If a snake bites you, try cal veterinarian or County Extension Agent to accurately identify the type of snake so for more information. that, if poisonous, the correct anti-venom can be administered. Do not cut the Contact your local emergency manager wound or attempt to suck the venom out. for more information on animals in disaster. The American Veterinary Medi- Certain animals may carry rabies. Al- cal Association (www.avma.org) and the though the virus is rare, care should be United State Department of Agriculture taken to avoid contact with stray animals (www.aphis.usda.gov) can also be reached and rodents. Health departments can pro- for additional information. vide information on the types of animals that carry rabies in your area. Be sure that your pet's vaccinations are current.

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1. Keep a battery-powered radio with you so you can listen for emergency Recovering updates. 2. Wear sturdy work boots and gloves. from Disaster 3. Before going inside, walk carefully his chapter offers some general around the outside of your home and advice on steps to take after disaster check for loose power lines, gas leaks Tstrikes to begin putting your home, and structural damage. If you smell your community, and your life back to gas, do not enter the home and leave normal. immediately. Do not enter if floodwaters remain around the building. If you have any doubts about safety, Health and safety have your home inspected by a profes- Your first concern after a disaster is your sional before entering. household’s health and safety. 4. If your home was damaged by fire, do 1. Be aware of new hazards created by not enter until authorities say it is safe. the disaster. Watch for washed out 5. Check for cracks in the roof, founda- roads, contaminated buildings, con- tion and chimneys. If it looks like the taminated water, gas building may collapse, leave leaks, broken glass, dam- immediately. aged electrical wiring and After an 6. A battery-powered flash slippery floors. emergency, light is the best source of 2. Be aware of exhaustion. continue to light for inspecting a dam- Don’t try to do too much listen for news aged home. CAUTION: The at once. Set priorities on where to flashlight should be turned on and pace yourself. get help from outside before entering a dam- 3. Drink plenty of clean disaster relief aged home—the battery may water. Eat well and get organizations produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present. enough rest. and government 4. Wear sturdy work boots agencies. 7. If you smell gas or hear a and gloves. Wash your hissing or blowing sound, open hands thoroughly with a window and leave immedi- soap and clean water often when work- ately. Turn off the main gas valve from ing in debris. the outside, if you can. Call the gas 5. Inform local authorities about health company from a neighbor’s residence. and safety hazards, including chemical If you shut off the gas supply at the spills, downed power lines, washed out main valve, you should contact the gas roads, smoldering insulation or dead company to turn it back on. animals. 8. Check the electrical system where visible and accessible. If you see sparks, Returning to a damaged home broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity Returning to a damaged home can be both at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. physically and mentally challenging. Above If, however, you are wet, standing in all, use caution. water or unsure of your safety, do not

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touch anything electrical. Rather, water per day) to avoid damage. The leave the building and call for help. walls may collapse and the floor may 9. Do not use oil, gas lanterns, candles buckle if the basement is pumped out or torches for lighting inside a dam- while the surrounding ground is still aged home until you are sure there waterlogged. is no leaking gas or other flammable 18. Check with local authorities before us- materials present. Do not smoke. Do ing any water; it could be contaminat- not turn on the lights until you’re sure ed. Wells should be pumped out and they’re safe to use. the water tested by authorities before 10. Enter the home carefully and check for drinking. damage. Be aware of loose boards and 19. Throw out fresh food, cosmetics, and slippery floors. medicines that have come into contact 11. Watch out for animals, especially with floodwaters. poisonous snakes. Use 20. Check refrigerated food a stick to poke through for spoilage—your power sup- debris. Seek help from ply may have been disrupted 12. Check appliances. If professional during the emergency. Throw appliances are wet, turn counselors who out all spoiled food and any off the electricity at the deal with post- food that you suspect might main fuse box or circuit disaster stress. be spoiled. breaker. Then unplug 21. Call your insurance agent. appliances and let them Take pictures of damages. dry out. Have appliances Keep good records of repair checked by a professional and cleaning costs. before using them again. Also have the electrical system checked by an electrician be- Getting disaster assistance fore turning the power back on. Throughout the recovery period, it’s 13. Check the water and sewage systems. important to monitor local radio or tele- If pipes are damaged, turn off the main vision reports and other media sources water valve. for information about where to get emergency housing, food, first aid, clothing and 14. Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches financial assistance. Following is general and gasoline. Open cabinets carefully. information about the kinds of assistance Be aware of objects that may fall. that may be available.

15. Try to protect your home from further Direct assistance to individuals and damage. Open windows and doors to families may come from any number of get air moving through. organizations. The American Red Cross is 16. Clean and disinfect everything that got often stationed right at the scene to help wet. Mud left behind by floodwaters people with their most immediate medi- can contain sewage and chemicals. cal, food and housing needs. Other voluntary organizations, such as the Salva- 17. If your basement has flooded, pump it tion Army, may also provide food, shelter out gradually (about one third of the and supplies, and assist in cleanup efforts.

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Church groups and synagogues are often involved as well. Mental Health and In addition, social service agencies from local or state governments may be available Crisis Counseling to help people in shelters or provide direct he emotional toll that disaster brings assistance to families. Tcan sometimes be even more devastat- ing than the financial strains of damage In the most severe disasters, the federal and loss of home, business or personal government is also called in to help indi- property. viduals and families with temporary housing, counseling (for post-disaster trauma), Children and the elderly are of special con- low-interest loans and grants, and other cern in the aftermath of disasters. Even assistance. Small businesses and farmers individuals who experience a disaster “sec- are also eligible. ond hand” through exposure to extensive media coverage can be affected. Most federal assistance becomes available when the President of the U.S. declares a Crisis counseling programs often include “Major Disaster” for the affected area at community outreach, consultation, and the request of a state governor. When this education. FEMA and the state and lo- happens, FEMA may establish a Disaster cal governments of the affected area may Recovery Center (DRC). A DRC is a facility provide crisis counseling assistance to help established in, or near to, the community people cope with and recover from disaster. affected by the disaster, where persons If you feel you need assistance—get help. can meet face-to-face with represented federal, state and local governments, and volunteer agencies to: Coping with disaster • Discuss their disaster-related needs. You need to be aware of signs that indicate • Obtain information about disaster as- someone may need help in coping with the sistance programs. stress of a disaster. • Teleregister for assistance or update 1. Things to consider when trying to un- registration information. derstand disaster events. • Learn about measures for rebuilding • Everyone who sees or experiences a that can eliminate or reduce the risk of disaster is affected by it in some way. future loss. • It is normal to feel anxious about • Learn how to complete the Small Busi- your own safety and that of your ness Administration (SBA) loan appli- family and close friends. cation, which is also the form used to • Profound sadness, grief and anger qualify all individuals for low cost loans are normal reactions to an abnormal or grants, including those for repair or event. replacement of damaged homes and furnishings. • Acknowledging your feelings helps • Request the status of their Disaster you recover. Housing Application. • Focusing on your strengths and abil- ities will help you to heal. Persons can apply for assistance by telephone without going to a DRC by dialing • Accepting help from community pro- 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). grams and resources is healthy.

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• We each have different needs and • Don’t hold yourself responsible for different ways of coping. the disastrous event or be frustrated • It is common to want to strike back because you feel that you cannot at people who have caused great help directly in the rescue work. pain. However, nothing good is ac- • Take steps to promote your own complished by hateful language or physical and emotional healing by actions. staying active in your daily life patterns or by adjusting them. This 2. Signs that adults need crisis healthy outlook will help you and counseling/stress management assis- your household (e.g., healthy eating, tance. rest, exercise, relaxation, medita- • Difficulty communicating thoughts. tion). • Difficulty sleeping. • Maintain a normal household and • Difficulty maintaining daily routine, limiting de- balance in their life. manding responsibilities of • Easily frustrated. Do not drop off you and your household. • Increased use of drugs/ food, clothing or • Spend time with family alcohol. any other item and friends. • Limited attention span. to a government • Participate in memorials. • Poor work performance. agency or disaster • Use existing support • Headaches/stomach relief organization groups of family, friends, and problems. unless a particular church. • Tunnel vision/muffled item has been • Establish a family disaster hearing. requested. plan. Feeling there is some- • Colds or flu-like symp- thing you can do can be very toms. comforting. • Disorientation or confusion. • Difficulty concentrating. • Reluctance to leave home. Helping children cope • Depression, sadness. with disaster • Feelings of hopelessness. Disasters can leave children feeling fright- • Mood-swings and crying easily. ened, confused and insecure. Whether a • Overwhelming guilt and self-doubt. child has personally experienced trauma, • Fear of crowds, strangers, or being has merely seen the event on television alone. or heard it discussed by adults, it is important for parents and teachers to be 3. Ways to ease disaster related stress. informed and ready to help if reactions to • Talk with someone about your feel- stress begin to occur. ings—anger, sorrow, and other Children respond to trauma in many dif- emotions—even though it may be ferent ways. Some may have reactions difficult. very soon after the event; others may • Seek help from professional coun- seem to be doing fine for weeks or months selors who deal with post-disaster and then begin to show worrisome behav- stress. ior. Knowing the signs that are common

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at different ages can help parents and where volunteers are needed. Until vol- teachers recognize problems and respond unteers are specifically requested, stay appropriately. away from disaster areas.

Reassurance is the key to helping children 3. If you are needed in a disaster area, through a traumatic time. Very young bring your own food, water and emer- children need a lot of cuddling, as well as gency supplies. This is especially verbal support. Answer questions about important in cases where a large area the disaster honestly, but don’t dwell on has been affected and emergency frightening details or allow the subject to items are in short supply. dominate family or classroom time indefi- nitely. Encourage children of all ages to 4. Do not drop off food, clothing or any express emotions through conversation, other item to a government agency or drawing or painting and to find a way to disaster relief organization unless a help others who were affected by the di- particular item has been requested. saster. Also, limit the amount of disaster Normally these organizations do not related material (television, etc.) your chil- have the resources to sort through the dren are seeing or hearing and pay careful donated items. attention to how graphic it is. 5. You can give a check or money order Try to maintain a normal household or to a recognized disaster relief orga- classroom routine and encourage chil- nization. These groups are organized dren to participate in recreational activ- to process checks, purchase what is ity. Reduce your expectations temporarily needed and get it to the people who about performance in school or at home, need it most. perhaps by substituting less demanding 6. If your company or organization wants responsibilities for normal chores. to donate emergency supplies, donate Additional information about how to a quantity of a given item or class of communicate with children can be items (such as nonperishable food) found on the FEMA for Kids website at rather than a mix of different items. www.fema.gov/kids. Also, determine where your donation is going, how it’s going to get there, who’s going to unload it and how it’s Helping others going to be distributed. Without sufficient planning, much needed supplies The compassion and generosity of the will be left unused. American people is never more evident than after a disaster. People want to help. Here are some general guidelines on helping others after a disaster.

1. In addition to the people you care for on a day-to-day basis, consider the needs of your neighbors and people with special needs.

2. If you want to volunteer, check with local organizations or listen to local news reports for information about

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28 ARE YOU READY? ARE YOU READY? 29 Natural Hazards

FLOODS HURRICANES THUNDERSTORMS LIGHTNING TORNADOES WINTER STORMS EXTREME HEAT EMERGENCY WATER SHORTAGES EARTHQUAKES VOLCANOES LANDSLIDES/DEBRIS FLOWS TSUNAMIS FIRE WILDLAND FIRES

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lying area, near water or downstream from a dam. Even very small streams, gullies, Floods creeks, culverts, dry streambeds or low- lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood. Every state is at risk from this hazard.

What to do before a flood 1. Know the terms used to describe flooding: • Flood Watch—Flooding is possible. Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or commercial radio or television for information. Watches are issued 12 to 36 hours in advance of a possible flooding event. • Flash Flood Watch—Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to loods are one of the most common higher ground. A flash flood could hazards in the U.S. However, all occur without any warning. Listen floods are not alike. Some floods F to NOAA Weather Radio or com- develop slowly, sometimes over a period of mercial radio or television for days; however, flash floods additional information. can dvelop quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes, Go to higher • Flood Warning—Flooding is and without any visible signs ground during occurring or will occur soon. If of rain. Flash floods often floods. Moving advised to evacuate, do so im- have a dangerous wall of water only mediately. roaring water that carries a 6 inches deep • Flash Flood Warning— deadly cargo of rocks, mud can knock you A flash flood is occurring. and other debris and can Seek higher ground on foot sweep away most things in off your feet. immediately. its path. Overland flooding occurs outside a defined river 2. Ask local officials whether or stream, such as when a your property is in a flood- levee is breached, but still can be destruc- prone or high-risk area. (Remember tive. Flooding can also occur from a dam that floods often occur outside high- breaks, producing effects similar to flash risk areas.) Ask about official flood floods. warning signals and what to do when you hear them. Also ask how you can Flood effects can be very local, impacting a protect your home from flooding. neighborhood or community, or very large, effecting entire river basins and multiple 3. Identify dams in your area and states. determine whether they pose a hazard to you. Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live, but especially if you live in a low-

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4. Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio 10. Consider purchasing flood insurance. with battery backup and a tone-alert • Flood losses are not covered under feature that automatically alerts you homeowners’ insurance policies. when a Watch or Warning is issued (tone alert not available in some areas). • FEMA manages the National Flood Purchase a battery-powered commer- Insurance Program, which makes cial radio and extra batteries. federally-backed flood insurance available in communities that agree 5. Be prepared to evacuate. Learn your to adopt and enforce floodplain man- community’s flood evacuation routes agement ordinances to reduce future and where to find high ground. See flood damage. the “Evacuation” chapter • Flood insurance is for important information. Keep supplies available in most communities 6. Talk to your household on hand for an through insurance agents. about flooding. Plan for a emergency. • There is a 30-day waiting place to meet your house- Remember a period before flood insurance hold in case you are sepa- battery operated goes into effect, so don’t delay. rated from one another • You can buy flood insurance and cannot return home. NOAA Weather even if your building is outside Choose an out-of-town Radio with a tone- of the main flood risk zone. contact for everyone to alert feature and call to say they are safe. extra batteries. 11. Consider options for In some emergencies, protecting your property. calling out-of-state is pos- • Make a record of your sible even when local phone lines are personal property. Take photo- down. graphs or videotapes of the exterior 7. Determine how you would care for and interior of your home, includ- household members who may live ing personal belongings. Store these elsewhere but might need your help in documents in a safe place. a flood. Determine any special needs • Keep insurance policies, deeds, your neighbors might have. property records and other important papers in a safe place, such as a safe 8. Prepare to survive on your own for at deposit box, away from your home. least three days. Assemble a disaster supplies kit. Keep a stock of food and • Avoid building in a floodplain unless extra drinking water. See the “Emer- you elevate and reinforce your home. gency Planning and Disaster Supplies” • Elevate furnace, water heater, chapter for more information. and electric panel to higher floors or the attic if they are susceptible 9. Know how to shut off electricity, gas to flooding. and water at main switches and valves. Know where gas pilot lights are located • Install “check valves” in sewer traps and how the heating system works. to prevent flood water from backing Do not actually shut off the gas to see up into the drains of your home. how it works or to show others. Only • Construct barriers such as levees, the gas comapny can safely turn it berms, and floodwalls to stop flood- back on. water from entering the building.

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• Seal walls in basements with water- electrical appliances. Do not touch proofing compounds to avoid seepage. electrical equipment if you are wet or • Call your local building department standing in water. or emergency management office for • Fill the bathtub with water in case more information. water becomes contaminated or services cut off. Before filling the tub, sterilize it with a diluted bleach What to do during a flood solution (one part bleach to 10 parts water). 1. Be aware of flash flooding. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move 5. Do not walk through moving water. immediately to higher Six inches of moving water ground. Do not wait for can knock you off your feet. instructions to move. If you must walk in a flooded If there is any area, walk where the water 2. Listen to radio or televi- possibility of a is not moving. Use a stick or sion stations for local flash flood, move pole to check the firmness of information. immediately to the ground in front of you. 3. Be aware of streams, higher ground. 6. Do not drive into flooded drainage channels, Do not wait for areas. Six inches of water will canyons and other areas instructions to reach the bottom of most pas- known to flood suddenly. move. senger cars causing loss of con- Flash floods can occur in trol and possible stalling. A foot these areas with or with- of water will float many vehi- out such typical warning cles. Two feet of water can carry signs as rain clouds or heavy rain. away most vehicles, including sport utility vehicles (SUV's) and pickups. 4. If local authorities issue a flood watch, prepare to evacuate: 7. If floodwaters rise around your car, • Secure your home. If you have time, abandon the car and move to higher tie down or bring outdoor equipment ground, if you can do so safely. You and lawn furniture inside. Move es- and your vehicle can be quickly swept sential items to the upper floors. away as floodwaters rise. • If instructed, turn off utilities at the 8. See the “Evacuation” chapter for im- main switches or valves. Disconnect portant information.

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• Listen for news reports to learn What to do after a flood whether the community’s water sup- 1. Avoid floodwaters. The water may be ply is safe to drink. contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw • Listen to news reports for infor- sewage. The water may also be elec- mation about where to get assis- trically charged from underground or tance for housing, clothing and food. downed power lines. • Seek necessary medical care at the 2. Avoid moving water. Moving water nearest open medical facility. only six inches deep can sweep you off 8. Service damaged septic tanks, cess- your feet. pools, pits, and leaching systems as 3. Be aware of areas where floodwaters soon as possible. Damaged sewage have receded. Roads may have weak- systems are serious health hazards. ened and could collapse 9. Contact your insurance under the weight of a car. agent. If your policy cov- 4. Stay away from downed There is a ers your claim, an adjuster power lines and report 30-day waiting will be assigned to visit your them to the power com- period before home. To prepare: pany. flood insurance • Take photos or videotapes of your damaged property. 5. Stay away from des- goes into ignated disaster areas effect, so • Separate damaged and unless authorities ask for don’t delay. undamaged belongings. volunteers. • Locate your financial 6. Return home only when records. authorities indicate it is • Keep detailed records of safe. Stay out of build- cleanup costs. ings if surrounded by floodwaters. Use 10. If your residence has been flooded, extreme caution when entering build- obtain a copy of Repairing Your ings. There may be hidden damage, Flooded Home from the American Red particularly in foundations. Cross. To mitigate future flood damage, 7. Consider your family’s health and obtain FEMA's Homeowner's Guide to safety needs: Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect Your • Wash hands with soap and clean House from Flooding. See the "For More water if you come in contact with Information" chapter for how to order floodwaters. this and other publications. • Throw away food that has come in 11. See the “Recovering From Disaster” contact with floodwaters. chapter for more information.

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and cause extensive damage due to inland Hurricanes flooding from trapped water. Tornadoes most often occur in thunderstorms embedded in rain bands well away from the center of the hurricane; however, they also occur near the eye-wall. Typi- cally, tornadoes produced by tropical cyclones are relatively weak and short-lived but still pose a threat. A storm surge is a huge dome of water pushed on-shore by hurricane and tropical storm winds. Storm surges can reach 25 feet high and be 50-100 miles wide. Storm tide is a combination of the storm surge and the normal tide (i.e., a 15 foot storm surge combined with a 2 foot normal high tide over the mean sea level creates a 17 foot storm tide). These phenomena cause severe erosion and extensive damage to hurricane is a type of tropical coastal areas. cyclone, the generic term for a low Despite improved warnings and a decrease A pressure system that generally in the loss of life, property damage contin- forms in the tropics. The ingredients for a ues to rise because an increasing number hurricane include a pre-existing weather of people are living or vacationing near disturbance, warm tropical oceans, mois- coastlines. Those in hurricane-prone ture, and relatively light winds aloft. A areas need to be prepared for hurricanes typical cyclone is accompanied by thun- and tropical storms. derstorms, and in the Northern Hemi- sphere, a counterclockwise circulation of Hurricanes are classified into five catego- winds near the earth’s surface. ries based on their wind speed, central pressure and damage potential (see chart All Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coastal on p.34). Category Three and higher are areas are subject to hurricanes or tropical considered major hurricanes, though storms. Although rarely struck by Category One and Two are still extremely hurricanes, parts of the Southwest United dangerous and warrant your full attention. States and the Pacific Coast experience heavy rains and floods each year from hurricanes spawned off Mexico. The Inland/freshwater flooding Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June from hurricanes to November with the peak season from mid-August to late October. Hurricanes can produce widespread tor- rential rains. Floods are the deadly and Hurricanes can cause catastrophic dam- destructive result. Excessive rain can also age to coastlines and several hundred trigger landslides or mud slides, especially miles inland. Winds can exceed 155 in mountainous regions. Flash flooding miles-per-hour. Hurricanes and tropi- can occur due to the intense rainfall. cal storms can also spawn tornadoes and Flooding on rivers and streams may persist microbursts, create surge along the coast, for several days or more after the storm.

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The speed of the storm and the geography measured at about 33 ft (10 meters) beneath the storm are the primary factors above the surface. regarding the amount of rain produced. Tropical Storm. An organized system Slow moving storms and tropical storms of strong thunderstorms with a defined moving into mountainous regions tend to surface circulation and maximum sus- produce more rain. tained winds of 39-73 mph (34-63 knots). Between 1970 and 1999, more people lost Hurricane. An intense tropical weather their lives from freshwater flooding asso- system of strong thunderstorms with ciated with landfalling tropical cyclones a well-defined surface circulation and than from any other weather hazard related maximum sustained winds of 74 mph to tropical cyclones. (64 knots) or higher. See the “Floods” chapter for more specific Storm Surge. A dome of water pushed information on flood related emergencies. on shore by hurricane and tropical storm winds. What to do before Storm Tide. A combination of storm surge and the normal tide (e.g., a 15- a hurricane foot storm surge combined with a 2-foot normal tide over the mean sea level 1. Learn the terns used by weather fore- creates a 17-foot storm tide.) casters: 2. Know the difference between “Watches” Tropical Depression. An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms and “Warnings.” with a defined surface circulation and • Hurricane/Tropical Storm Watch— maximum sustained winds of 38 mph Hurricane/tropical storm conditions (33 knots) or less. Sustained winds are are possible in the specified area, defined as one-minute average wind usually within 36 hours.

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

Scale Number Sustained Winds Damage Storm (Category) (MPH) Surge

1 74-95 Minimal: Unanchored mobile homes, vegetation and signs. 4-5 feet

2 96-110 Moderate: All mobile homes, roofs, small crafts, flooding. 6-8 feet

3 111-130 Extensive: Small buildings, low-lying roads cut off. 9-12 feet

4 131-155 Extreme: Roofs destroyed, trees down, roads cut off, mobile homes destroyed. Beach homes flooded. 13-18 feet

5 >155 Catastrophic: Most buildings destroyed. Vegetation destroyed. Major roads cut off. Homes flooded. >18 feet

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• Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warn- 7. Prepare to survive on your own for at ing—Hurricane/tropical storm con- least three days. Assemble a disaster ditions are expected in the specified supplies kit. Keep a stock of food and area, usually within 24 hours. extra drinking water. See the “Emer- gency Planning and Disaster Supplies” • Short Term Watches and Warn- and “Evacuation” chapters for more ings—These warnings provide de- information. tailed information on specific hurricane threats, such as flash floods and 8. Make plans to secure your property. tornadoes. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second 3. Listen for local radio or television option is to board up windows with weather forecasts. Purchase a NOAA 5/8" marine plywood, cut to fit and Weather Radio with battery backup ready to install. Tape does not prevent and a tone-alert feature that auto- windows from breaking. matically alerts you when 9. Learn how to shut off utili- a Watch or Warning is Create a ties and where gas and water issued (tone alert is not household available in some areas). shutoffs are located. Do not Purchase a battery-pow- disaster plan. actually shut off the gas to ered commercial radio Plan to meet your see how it works or to show and extra batteries as family in case you others. Only the gas comapny well because information are separated. can safely turn it back on. on other events will be Choose an out-of- 10. Have your home inspected broadcast by the media. town contact for for compliance with local 4. Ask your local emer- everyone to call to building codes. Many of the gency management office say they are safe. roofs destroyed by hurricanes about community evacu- were not constructed or ret- ation plans relating to rofitted according to building your neighborhood. Learn evacuation codes. Installing straps or routes. Determine where you would additional clips to securely fasten your go and how you would get there if you roof to the frame structure will sub- needed to evacuate. Sometimes alter- stantially reduce roof damage. nate routes are desirable. 11. Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed. Dead limbs 5. Talk to your household about hur- or trees could cause personal injury ricane issues. Create a household or property damage. Clear loose and disaster plan. Plan to meet at a place clogged rain gutters and downspouts. away from your residence in case you are separated. Choose an out-of-town 12. If you have a boat, determine where to contact for everyone to call to say they secure it in an emergency. are safe. 13. Consider flood insurance. Purchase 6. Determine the needs of your household insurance well in advance—there is members who may live elsewhere but a 30-day waiting period before flood need your help in a hurricane. Consider insurance takes effect. the special needs of neighbors, such as 14. Make a record of your personal proper- people that are disabled or those with ty. Take photographs or videotapes of limited sight or vision problems. the exterior and interior of your home,

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 36 ARE YOU READY? ARE YOU READY? 37 including personal belongings. Store these 6. Prepare to evacuate. Fuel your car— documents in a safe place, such as a safe service stations may be closed after the deposit box. storm. If you do not have a car, make arrangements for transportation with What to do during a a friend or relative. Review evacuation routes. If instructed, turn off utilities hurricane threat at the main valves or switches.

1. Listen to radio or television newscasts. 7. Evacuate to an inland location, if: If a hurricane “Watch” is issued, you typically have 24 to 36 hours before • Local authorities announce an evac- the hurricane hits land. uation and you live in an evacuation zone. 2. Talk with household members. Make • You live in a mobile home or tem- sure everyone knows porary structure—they are where to meet and who to particularly hazardous during call, in case you are sepa- hurricanes no matter how well rated. Consider the needs Alcoholic fastened to the ground. of relatives and neighbors beverages and with special needs. weapons are • You live in a high-rise. Hur- ricane winds are stronger at 3. Secure your home. Close prohibited within higher elevations. storm shutters. Secure shelters. Also, outdoor objects or bring pets are not • You live on the coast, on them indoors. Moor your allowed in public a floodplain near a river or inland waterway. boat if time permits. shelters for 4. Gather several days’ sup- health reasons. • You feel you are in danger. ply of water and food for 8. When authorities order an each household member. evacuation: Water systems may be- • Leave immediately. come contaminated or damaged. After sterilizing the bathtub and other con- • Follow evacuation routes announced by tainers with a diluted bleach solution local officials. of one part bleach to ten parts water, • Stay away from coastal areas, river- fill them with water to ensure a safe banks and streams. supply in case you are unable or told • Tell others where you are going. not to evacuate. Refer to the “Shelter and Emergency Planning” and “Disas- 9. If you are not required or are unable ter Supplies” chapters for important to evacuate, stay indoors during the information. hurricane and away from windows and 5. If you are evacuating, take your disas- glass doors. Keep curtains and blinds ter supplies kit with you to the shelter. closed. Do not be fooled if there is a Remember that alcoholic beverages lull, it could be the eye of the storm— and weapons are prohibited within winds will pick up again. shelters. Also, pets are not allowed in • If not instructed to turn off, turn the a public shelter due to health reasons. refrigerator to its coldest setting and See the “Animals in Disaster” chapter keep closed. and contact your local humane society • Turn off propane tanks. for additional information.

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10. In strong winds, follow these rules: of your vehicle—two feet of water will • Take refuge in a small interior room, carry most cars away. closet or hallway. 4. Do not drink or prepare food with tap • Close all interior doors. Secure and water until notified by officials that it is brace external doors. safe to do so.

• In a two-story residence, go to an 5. Consider your family’s health and safety interior first-floor room, such as a needs. Be aware of symptoms of stress bathroom or closet. and fatigue. Keep your household to- • In a multiple-story building, go to gether and seek crisis counseling if you the first or second floors and stay in have need. See the “Mental Health and interior rooms away from windows. Crisis Counseling” section of the “Recov- ering from Disaster” chapter for more • Lie on the floor under a table or an- information. other sturdy object. 6. Talk with your children 11. Avoid using the phone Consider your about what has happened and except for serious emer- household’s how they can help during the gencies. Local authorities health and recovery. Being involved will need first priority on tele- safety needs help them deal with the situ- phone lines. and be aware ation. Consider the needs of 12. See the “Evacuation” chapter of symptoms your neighbors. People often for important information. of stress and become isolated during hur- fatigue. Seek ricanes. What to do after crisis counseling 7. Stay away from disaster if you have need. areas unless local authorities a hurricane request volunteers. If you are needed, bring your own drink- 1. Stay where you are if you ing water, food and sleeping gear. are in a safe location until local authorities say it is safe to leave. If you 8. Stay away from riverbanks and evacuated the community, do not streams until potential flooding has return to the area until authorities say passed. Do not allow children to play it is safe to return. in flooded areas. There is a high risk of injury or drowning in areas that may 2. Keep tuned to local radio or television appear safe. stations for information about car- ing for your household, where to find 9. Stay away from moving water. Moving medical help, how to apply for financial water only six inches deep can sweep assistance, etc. you off your feet. Standing water may be electrically charged from under- 3. Drive only when necessary. Streets ground or downed power lines. will be filled with debris. Roads will have weakened and could collapse. 10. Stay away from downed power lines Do not drive on flooded or barricaded and report them to the power company. roads or bridges. Roads are closed for Report broken gas, sewer or water your protection. As little as six inches mains to local officials. of water may cause you to lose control

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11. Don't use candles or other open flames • Locate your financial records. indoors. Use a flashlight to inspect • Keep detailed records of cleanup damage. costs.

12. Set up a manageable schedule to re- 14. Consider building a “Safe Room or pair property. Shelter” to protect your household. See 13. Contact your insurance agent. An the “Thunderstorms” chapter for ad- adjuster will be assigned to visit your ditional information in the “Tornadoes” home. To prepare: section. • Take photos or videotapes of your 15. See the “Recovering From Disaster” damaged property. chapter for more important information. • Separate damaged and undamaged belongings.

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What to do before thunderstorms Thunderstorms approach 1. Know the terms used by weather forecasters: • Severe Thunderstorm Watch— Tells you when and where severe thunderstorms are likely to occur. Watch the sky and stay tuned to radio or television to know when warnings are issued. • Severe Thunderstorm Warning— Issued when severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property to those in the path of the storm.

2. Know thunderstorm facts:

hunderstorms are very common • Thunderstorms may occur singly, and affect great numbers of people in clusters, or in lines. Teach year. Despite their small • Some of the most severe weather size in comparison to hur- occurs when a single thunder- ricanes and winter storms, storm affects one location for all thunderstorms are dan- When an extended time. gerous. Every thunderstorm thunderstorms • Thunderstorms typically produces lightning. Other threaten your produce heavy rain for a brief associated dangers of thun- area, get inside period, anywhere from 30 min- derstorms include tornadoes, a home, building utes to an hour. strong winds, hail, and flash flooding. Flash flooding is or hard top • Warm, humid conditions are responsible for more fatali- automobile and very favorable for thunder- ties— more than 140 annu- stay away from storm development. ally— than any other thun- metallic objects • A typical thunderstorm is derstorm-associated hazard. and fixtures. 15 miles in diameter and lasts an average of 30 minutes. Some thunderstorms do not produce rain that reaches • Of the estimated 100,000 the ground. These are generically referred thunderstorms each year in the to as dry thunderstorms and are most United States, about 10 percent are prevalent in the western United States. classified as severe. Known to spawn wildfires, these storms • A thunderstorm is classified as occur when there is a large layer of dry severe if it produces hail at least air between the base of the cloud and the three-quarters of an inch in diame- ground. The falling raindrops evaporate, ter, has winds of 58 miles per hour but lightning can still reach the ground. or higher, or produces a tornado.

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3. Know the calculation to determine how disorders, numbness, dizziness, stiffness close you are to a thunderstorm: in joints, irritability, fatigue, weakness, • Count the number of seconds be- muscle spasms, depression, and an tween a flash of lightning and the inability to sit for a long period of time. next clap of thunder. Divide this When thunderstorms threaten your area, number by 5 to determine the dis- get inside a home, building or hard top tance to the lightning in miles. automobile (not a convertible) and stay 4. Remove dead or rotting trees and away from metallic objects and fixtures. branches that could fall and cause 1. If you are inside a home: injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm. • Avoid showering or bathing. Plumb- ing and bathroom fixtures can con- 5. When a thunderstorm approaches, duct electricity. secure outdoor objects that could blow • Avoid using a corded telephone, away or cause damage. except for emergencies. Cord- Shutter windows, if less and cellular telephones possible, and secure are safe to use. outside doors. If shutters If a Tornado are not available, close Warning • Unplug appliances and window blinds, shades, other electrical items such as or curtains. is issued, computers and turn off air take shelter conditioners. Power surges immediately. from lightning can cause serious damage. Lightning • Use your battery operated NOAA Weather Radio for he ingredient that de- updates from local officials. Tfines a thunderstorm is lightning. Since lightning creates thunder, 2. If outside, with no time to reach a safe a storm producing lightning is called a location, follow these recommenations: thunderstorm. • In a forest, seek shelter in a low Lightning occurs during all thunder- area under a thick growth of small storms. Lightning results from the trees. buildup and discharge of electrical energy • In open areas, go to a low place between positively and negatively charged such as a ravine or valley. Be alert areas. for flash floods.

The unpredictability of lightning increases • Do not stand under a natural light- the risk to individuals and property. In ning rod, such as a tall, isolated tree the United States, an average of 300 in an open area. people are injured and 80 people are killed • Do not stand on a hilltop, in an open each year by lightning. Although most field, on the beach or in a boat on lightning victims survive, people struck the water. by lightning often report a variety of • Avoid isolated sheds or other small long-term, debilitating symptoms, includ- structures in open areas. ing memory loss, attention deficits, sleep

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• Get away from open water. If you your local emergency management are boating or swimming, get to land office or American Red Cross chapter and find shelter immediately. for information on CPR and first aid • Get away from anything metal— classes. tractors, farm equipment, motor- • “Heat lightning” is actually lightning cycles, golf carts, golf clubs and from a thunderstorm too far away for bicycles. thunder to be heard. However, the • Stay away from wire fences, clothes- storm may be moving in your direc- lines, metal pipes, rails and other tion! metallic paths that could carry • Most lightning deaths and injuries lightning to you from some distance occur when people are caught out- away. doors in the summer months during • If you feel your hair stand on end the afternoon and evening. (which indicates that lightning is • Many fires in the western United about to strike), squat low to the States and Alaska are started by ground on the balls of your feet. lightning. Place your hands over your ears • Lightning can occur from cloud- and your head between your knees. to-cloud, within a cloud, cloud-to- Make yourself the smallest target ground, or cloud-to-air. possible and minimize your contact with the ground. DO NOT lie flat on • Your chances of being struck by the ground. lightning are estimated to be 1 in 600,000 but could be even less by 3. Remember the following facts and following safety tips. safety tips about lightning. Safety Tips: Facts: • Postpone outdoor activities if thun- • Lightning often strikes outside of derstorms are likely. heavy rain and may occur as far as • Remember the 30/30 lightning 10 miles away from any rainfall. safety rule – Go indoors if, after • Lightning-strike victims carry no seeing lighting, you cannot count electrical charge and should be to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay attended to immediately. If breath- indoors for 30 minutes after hearing ing has stopped, begin mouth-to- the last clap of thunder. mouth resuscitation. If the heart has • Rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires stopped, a trained person should provide NO protection from lightning. administer CPR. If the victim has a However, the steel frame of a hard- pulse and is breathing, look for oth- topped vehicle provides increased er possible injuries. Check for burns protection if you are not touching where the lightning entered and left metal. Although you may be injured the body. Be alert also for nervous if lightning strikes your car, you system damage, broken bones, and are much safer inside a vehicle than loss of hearing or eyesight. Contact outside.

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tornadoes have been known to move in Tornadoes any direction.

5. The average forward speed is 30 mph but may vary from stationary to 70 mph with rotating winds that can reach 300 miles per hour.

6. Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.

7. Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.

8. Tornadoes are most frequently reported east of the Rocky Mountains during spring and summer months but can ornadoes are nature’s most violent occur in any state at any time of year. storms. Spawned from powerful thun- T 9. In the southern states, peak tornado derstorms, tornadoes can uproot trees, season is March through May, while destroy buildings and turn harmless objects peak months in the northern states are into deadly missiles. They can devastate a during the late spring and early sum- neighborhood in seconds. mer. A tornado appears as a rotating, funnel- 10. Tornadoes are most likely to occur shaped cloud that extends to the ground between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., but can with whirling winds that can reach 300 occur at any time of the day or night. miles per hour. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. Every state is at some risk from this hazard. What to do before tornadoes threaten Tornado facts 1. Know the terms used to describe 1. A tornado is a violently rotating column tornado threats: of air extending from a thunderstorm to • Tornado Watch— Tornadoes are the ground. possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky 2. Tornadoes are capable of destroying and stay tuned to radio or television homes and vehicles and can cause fa- to know when warnings are issued. talities. • Tornado Warning — A tornado has 3. Tornadoes may strike quickly, with little been sighted or indicated by weather or no warning. radar. Take shelter immediately.

4. Tornadoes may appear nearly transpar- 2. Ask your local emergency manage- ent until dust and debris are picked ment office or American Red Cross up or a cloud forms in the funnel. The chapter about the tornado threat in average tornado moves SW to NE but your area. Ask about community

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warning signals. tion” chapters for more information.

3. Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio 10. Make a record of your personal prop- with a battery backup and tone-alert erty. Take photographs or videotapes of feature that automatically alerts you the exterior and interior of your home, when a Watch or Warning is issued including personal belongings. Store (tone alert not available in some these documents in a safe place, such areas). Purchase a battery-powered as a safe deposit box. commercial radio and extra batteries as well. What to do during a tornado watch 4. Know the county or parish in which you live. Counties and parishes are 1. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to used in Watches and Warnings to commercial radio or television news- identify the location of casts for the latest information. tornadoes. With your household, 2. Be alert for approaching 5. Determine places to seek determine where you storms. If you see any revolv- shelter, such as a base- would take shelter ing funnel shaped clouds, ment or storm cellar. If in case a Tornado report them immediately by an underground shelter Warning was issued. telephone to your local police department or sheriff’s office. is not available, identify Storm cellars or an interior room or hall- basements provide 3. Watch for tornado danger way on the lowest floor. the best protection. If signs: 6. Practice going to your underground shelter • Dark, often greenish sky shelter with your house- is not available seek • Large hail hold. shelter in an interior room or hallway on • A large, dark, low-lying cloud 7. Know the locations of the lowest floor. (particularly if rotating) designated shelters in • Loud roar, similar to a freight places where you and train your household spend time, such as public buildings, nursing homes and Caution: shopping centers. Ask local officials • Some tornadoes are clearly visible, whether a registered engineer or ar- while rain or nearby low-hanging chitect has inspected your children’s clouds obscure others. schools for shelter space. • Occasionally, tornadoes develop so 8. Ask your local emergency manager or rapidly that little, if any, advance American Red Cross chapter if there warning is possible. are any public safe rooms or shelters • Before a tornado hits, the wind may nearby. See the “Safe Room and Shel- die down and the air may become ter” section at the end of this chapter very still. for more information. • A cloud of debris can mark the lo- 9. Assemble a disaster supplies kit. Keep cation of a tornado even if a funnel is a stock of food and extra drinking not visible. water. See the “Emergency Planning • Tornadoes generally occur near the and Disaster Supplies” and “Evacua- trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is

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not uncommon to see clear, sunlit 6. In a high-rise building, go to a small, skies behind a tornado. interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible. 4. Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias, large hall- 7. Get out of vehicles, trailers and mobile ways, supermarkets or shopping malls. homes immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy nearby building or 5. Be prepared to take shelter imme- a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even diately. Gather household members if tied down, offer little protection from and pets. Assemble supplies to take to tornadoes. the shelter such as flashlight, battery- 8. If caught outside with no powered radio, water, and shelter, lie flat in a nearby first aid kit. If caught outside ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. with no shelter Be aware of potential for What to do during when a tornado flooding. a tornado warning hits, lie flat in 9. Do not get under an over- a nearby ditch When a tornado has been pass or bridge. You are safer sighted, go to your shelter or depression in a low, flat location. immediately. and cover your 10. Never try to outrun a head with your tornado in urban or congested 1. In a residence or small hands. Be aware areas in a car or truck; in- building, move to a pre- stead, leave the vehicle imme- designated shelter, such of potential for diately for safe shelter. Tor- as a basement, storm flooding. nadoes are erratic and move cellar or “Safe Room or swiftly. Shelter.” 11. Watch out for flying debris. Flying 2. If there is no basement, go to an inte- debris from tornadoes causes most rior room on the lower level (closets, fatalities and injuries. interior hallways). Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use What to do after a tornado arms to protect head and neck. Stay 1. Look out for broken glass and downed there until the danger has passed. power lines. 3. Do not open windows. Use the time to 2. Check for injuries. Do not attempt to seek shelter. move seriously injured persons unless 4. Stay away from windows, doors and they are in immediate danger of death outside walls. Go to the center of the or further injury. If you must move an room. Stay away from corners because unconscious person, first stabilize the they attract debris. neck and back, then call for help im- 5. In a school, nursing home, hospital, mediately. factory or shopping center, go to prede- • If the victim is not breathing, termined shelter areas. Interior hall- carefully position the victim for ways on the lowest floor are usually artificial respiration, clear the safest. Stay away from windows and airway and commence mouth-to- open spaces. mouth resuscitation.

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• Maintain body temperature with • In your basement blankets. Be sure the victim does • Beneath a concrete slab-on-grade foun- not become overheated. dation or garage floor • Never try to feed liquids to an • In an interior room on the first floor unconscious person. Shelters built below ground level pro- 3. Use caution when entering a damaged vide the greatest protection, but a shelter building. Be sure that walls, ceiling and built in a first-floor interior room can also roof are in place and that the structure provide the necessary protection. Below- rests firmly on the foundation. Wear ground shelters must be designed to avoid sturdy work boots and gloves. accumulating water during the heavy rains 4. See the “Recovering From Disaster” that often accompany severe windstorms. chapter for more important infor- To protect its occupants, an in-house mation. shelter must be built to withstand high winds and flying debris, even if the rest Wind “Safe Room and Shelter” of the residence is severely damaged or destroyed. Therefore: • The shelter must be adequately anchored to resist overturning and uplift. • The walls, ceiling, and door of the shelter must withstand wind pressure and resist penetration by windborne objects and falling debris. • The connections between all parts of the shelter must be strong enough to resist the wind. • If sections of either interior or exterior residence walls are used as walls of the shelter, they must be separated from the structure of the residence, so that Extreme windstorms in many parts of the damage to the residence will not cause country pose a serious threat to buildings damage to the shelter. and their occupants. If you are concerned about wind hazards Your residence may be built “to code,” but where you live, especially if you live in that does not mean that it can withstand high-risk areas, you should consider build- winds from extreme events like tornadoes ing a shelter. Publications are available or major hurricanes. from FEMA to assist in determining if you The purpose of a wind shelter or “Safe need a shelter and how to construct a shel- Room” is to provide a space where you ter. Contact the FEMA distribution center and your household can seek refuge that for a copy of Taking Shelter from the Storm provides a high level of protection. You can (L-233 for the brochure and FEMA-320 build a shelter in one of the several places for the booklet with complete construction in your home: plans).

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coating of ice on roads, walkways, Winter Storms trees and power lines. • Sleet—Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet and also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery. Extreme Cold • Winter Storm Watch—A winter storm is possible in your area. • Winter Storm Warning—A winter storm is occurring, or will soon occur in your area. • Blizzard Warning—Sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles-per- hour or greater and considerable amounts of falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer. • Frost/Freeze Warning—Below freezing temperatures are expected.

2. Prepare to survive on your own for at least three days. Assemble a disaster supplies kit. Be sure to include winter specific items such as rock salt to melt ice on walkways, sand to improve eavy snowfall and extreme cold can traction, snow shovels and other snow immobilize an entire region. Even removal equipment. Keep a stock of Hareas that normally experience mild food and extra drinking water. See winters can be hit with a major snowstorm the “Emergency Planning and Disaster or extreme cold. The impacts include Supplies” and “Evacuation” chapters flooding, storm surge, closed highways, for more information. blocked roads, downed power lines and hypothermia. 3. Prepare for possible isolation in your home: You can protect yourself and your house- • Have sufficient heating fuel; regular hold from the many hazards of winter by fuel sources may be cut off. planning ahead. • Have emergency heating equipment and fuel (a gas fireplace or a wood What to do before a burning stove or fireplace) so you can keep at least one room of your winter storm threatens residence at a livable temperature. 1. Know the terms used by weather (Be sure the room is well ventilated.) forecasters: If a thermostat controls your furnace • Freezing rain—Rain that freezes and your electricity is cut off by a when it hits the ground, creating a storm, you will need emergency heat.

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• Kerosene heaters are another emer- protect your lungs. gency heating option. Never use any 4. Be careful when shoveling snow. fuel other than kerosene in a kero- Over-exertion can bring on a heart sene heater. attack—a major cause of death in • Store a good supply of dry, seasoned the winter. If you must shovel snow, wood for your fireplace or wood- stretch before going outside and don’t burning stove. overexert yourself. • Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and 5. Watch for signs of frostbite: loss of make sure your household knows feeling and white or pale appearance how to use them. in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear • Never burn charcoal indoors. lobes or the tip of the nose. If symp- 4. Winterize your home to extend the life toms are detected, get medical help of your fuel supply. immediately • Insulate walls and at- Be careful when 6. Watch for signs of hypo- tics. thermia: uncontrollable shoveling snow. shivering, memory loss, • Caulk and weather-strip Overexertion disorientation, incoherence, doors and windows. can bring slurred speech, drowsiness • Install storm windows on a heart and apparent exhaustion. If or cover windows with attack. Stretch symptoms of hypothermia plastic. before going are detected, get the victim 5. Maintain several days’ outside and to a warm location, remove supply of medicines, wa- any wet clothing, warm the don’t overexert center of the body first, and ter, and food that needs no yourself. cooking or refrigeration. give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is con- scious. Get medical help as What to do during a winter storm soon as possible. 7. When at home: 1. Listen to your radio, television, or NOAA Weather Radio for weather re- • Conserve fuel if necessary by keep- ports and emergency information. ing your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily “close off” heat to 2. Eat regularly and drink ample fluids, some rooms. but avoid caffeine and alcohol. • When using kerosene heaters, 3. Dress for the season: maintain ventilation to avoid build- up of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene • Wear several layers of loose fitting, heaters outside and keep them at lightweight, warm clothing rather least three feet from flammable than one layer of heavy clothing. objects. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. • Mittens are warmer than gloves. Winter driving • Wear a hat; most body heat is lost About 70 percent of winter deaths related through the top of the head. to snow and ice occur in automobiles. • Cover your mouth with a scarf to Consider public transportation if you must

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 48 ARE YOU READY? ARE YOU READY? 49 travel. If you travel by car, travel in the • Remain in your vehicle where day, don’t travel alone, and keep others rescuers are most likely to find you. informed of your schedule. Stay on main Do not set out on foot unless you roads; avoid back-road shortcuts. can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter. Be 1. Winterize your car. This includes careful: distances are distorted by a battery check, antifreeze, wipers blowing snow. A building may seem and windshield washer fluid, ignition close but be too far to walk to in system, thermostat, lights, flashing deep snow. hazard lights, exhaust system, heater, brakes, defroster, oil level, and tires. • Run the engine and heater about ten Consider snow tires, snow tires with minutes each hour to keep warm. studs, or chains. Keep your car’s gas When the engine is running, open a tank full. window slightly for ventilation. This will protect you from possible 2. Carry a disaster supplies carbon monoxide poisoning. “winter car kit” in the About 70% of Periodically clear snow from trunk of your car. The kit the exhaust pipe. should include: winter deaths related to snow • Exercise to maintain body • Shovel heat, but avoid overexertion. and ice occur • Windshield scraper In extreme cold, use road in automobiles. • Battery-powered radio maps, seat covers and floor Travel by car in mats for insulation. Huddle • Flashlight daylight, don’t with passengers and use your • Extra batteries travel alone, keep coat for a blanket. • Water others notified • Take turns sleeping. One • Snack food of your schedule person should be awake at all • Mittens and stay on main times to look for rescue crews. • Hat roads – avoid • Drink fluids to avoid • Blanket back-road short dehydration. • Tow chain or rope cuts. • Be careful not to waste battery power. Balance electri- • Tire chains cal energy needs—the use of • Bag of road salt and lights, heat and radio—with supply. sand • At night, turn on the inside light so • Fluorescent distress flag work crews or rescuers can see you. • Jumper/booster cables • If stranded in a remote area, stomp • Road maps large block letters in an open area • Emergency flares spelling out HELP or SOS and line • Cellular telephone or two-way radio, with rocks or tree limbs to attract the if available. attention of rescue personnel who may be surveying the area by air- 3. If a blizzard traps you in your car: plane. • Pull off the highway. Turn on haz- • Once the blizzard passes, you may ard lights and hang a distress flag need to leave the car and proceed from the radio aerial or window. on foot.

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• Heat index—A number in degrees Fahrenheit (F) that tells how hot it Extreme Heat feels when relative humidity is added to the air temperature. Exposure to (Heat Wave) full sunshine can increase the heat index by 15 degrees. eat kills by pushing the human • Heat cramps—Muscular pains body beyond its limits. Under nor- and spasms due to heavy exertion. Hmal conditions, the body’s internal Although heat cramps are the least thermostat produces perspiration that severe, they are often the first signal evaporates and cools the body. However, that the body is having trouble with in extreme heat and high humidity, evapo- the heat. ration is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal tempera- • Heat exhaustion—Typically occurs ture. when people exercise heav- ily or work in a hot, humid Most heat disorders occur The elderly, place where body fluids are because the victim has been young children, lost through heavy sweat- overexposed to heat or has and those ing. Blood flow to the skin over-exercised for his or her who are ill or increases, causing blood flow age and physical condition. overweight are to decrease to the vital organs. The elderly, young children, more likely to This results in a form of mild and those who are sick or shock. If not treated, the overweight are more likely to succumb to victim’s condition will worsen. succumb to extreme heat. extreme heat. Body temperature will keep rising and the victim may suf- Conditions that can induce fer heat stroke. heat-related illnesses include stagnant atmospheric conditions and poor air quality. • Heat stroke—Heat stroke is life- Consequently, people living in urban areas threatening. The victim’s tempera- may be at greater risk from the effects of ture control system, which produces a prolonged heat wave than those living sweating to cool the body, stops in rural areas. Also, asphalt and concrete working. The body temperature can store heat longer and gradually release rise so high that brain damage and heat at night, which can produce higher death may result if the body is not nighttime temperatures known as the “ur- cooled quickly. ban heat island effect.” • Sun stroke—Another term for heat stroke.

What to do before an 2. Consider the following preparedness extreme heat emergency measures when faced with the possibility of extreme heat. 1. Know the terms associated with extreme heat: • Install window air conditioners snugly, insulate if necessary. • Heat wave—Prolonged period of • Check air-conditioning ducts for excessive heat, often combined with proper insulation. excessive humidity.

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• Install temporary window reflectors intake. (for use between windows and 4. Limit intake of alcoholic beverages. drapes), such as aluminum foil covered cardboard, to reflect heat back • Although beer and alcoholic outside and be sure to weather-strip beverages appear to satisfy thirst, doors and sills to keep cool air in. they actually cause further body dehydration. • Cover windows that receive morn- ing or afternoon sun with drapes, 5. Never leave children or pets alone in shades, awnings or louvers. Outdoor closed vehicles. awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 6. Dress in loose-fitting clothes that cover percent. Consider keeping storm as much skin as possible. windows up all year. • Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight and 3. See the “Emergency helps maintain normal body Planning and Disaster Conserve temperature. Supplies” chapter for electricity during more information. 7. Protect face and head by periods of extreme wearing a wide-brimmed hat. heat. People What to do during tend to use a lot 8. Avoid too much sunshine. extreme heat or a heat more power for air • Sunburn slows the skin’s conditioning, which ability to cool itself. Use a wave emergency could lead to a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (sun protection factor) 1. Stay indoors as much as power shortage or rating (i.e., 15 or greater). possible. outage. • If air conditioning is not 9. Avoid strenuous work dur- available, stay on the ing the warmest part of the lowest floor out of the sunshine. day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat and take frequent • Circulating air can cool the body by breaks. increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation. 10. Spend at least two hours per day in an air-conditioned place. If your home is 2. Eat well-balanced, light and regular not air conditioned, consider spending meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless the warmest part of the day in public directed to do so by a physician. buildings such as libraries, schools, 3. Drink plenty of water regularly even if movie theaters, shopping malls and you do not feel thirsty. other community facilities. • Persons who have epilepsy or heart, 11. Check on family, friends, and neigh- kidney, or liver disease, are on fluid- bors who do not have air conditioning restrictive diets, or have a problem and who spend much of their time with fluid retention should consult alone. a doctor before increasing liquid

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4. Heat stroke (sun stroke) First-aid for • Symptoms: High body temperature (105+). Hot, red, dry skin. Rapid, heat-induced illnesses weak pulse; and rapid, shallow 1. Sunburn breathing. Possible unconsciousness. Victim will likely not sweat unless vic- • Symptoms: Skin redness and pain, tim was sweating from recent strenu- possible swelling, blisters, fever, ous activity. headaches. • First Aid: Heat stroke is a severe • First Aid: Take a shower, using medical emergency. Call 911 or soap, to remove oils that may block emergency medical services or get pores, preventing the body from the victim to a hospital immediately. cooling naturally. If blisters occur, Delay can be fatal. Move victim to a apply dry, sterile dressings and get cooler environment. Remove cloth- medical attention. ing. Try a cool bath, sponging or wet 2. Heat cramps sheet to reduce body temperature. Watch for breathing problems. Use • Symptoms: Painful spasms, usu- extreme caution. Use fans and air ally in leg and abdominal muscles. conditioners. Heavy sweating. • First Aid: Get the victim out to a cooler location. Lightly stretch and gently massage affected muscles to Emergency Water relieve spasm. Give sips of up to a half glass of cool water every 15 Shortage minutes. Do not give liquids with caffeine or alcohol. If nauseous, n emergency water shortage can be discontinue liquids. Acaused by prolonged drought, poor water supply management or contamination of 3. Heat exhaustion a surface water supply source or aquifer.

• Symptoms: Heavy sweating and skin A drought is a period of abnormally dry may be cool, pale or flushed. Weak weather that persists long enough to pro- pulse. Normal body temperature is duce serious effects (crop damage, water possible but temperature will likely supply shortages, etc.). The severity of the rise. Fainting or dizziness, nausea drought depends upon the degree of mois- or vomiting, exhaustion and head- ture deficiency, the duration, and the size of aches are possible. the affected area. • First Aid: Get victim to lie down in a Drought can affect vast territorial regions cool place. Loosen or remove cloth- and large population numbers. In effect, ing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or drought is a silent but very damaging phe- move victim to air-conditioned place. nomenon that is rarely lethal but enormously Give sips of water if victim is con- destructive. Drought can ruin local and scious. Be sure water is consumed regional economies that are agricultural and slowly. Give half glass of cool water tourism based. Drought also creates envi- every 15 minutes. If nausea occurs, ronmental conditions that increase discontinue. If vomiting occurs, seek immediate medical attention.

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 52 ARE YOU READY? ARE YOU READY? 53 risk of other hazards such as fire, flash Bathroom flood, and possible landslides/debris flow. • Check all plumbing for leaks. Have leaks repaired by a plumber. Poor water quality management can result in the demand for water exceeding the • Consider purchasing a low-volume available supply. This can be exacerbated toilet that uses less than half the by fluctuations in regional precipitation, water of older models. NOTE: In excessive water demand, or rapid residen- many areas, low-volume units are tial development. required by law. • Install a toilet displacement device Emergency water shortages can also be to cut down on the amount of water caused by contamination of a water sup- needed to flush. Place a one-gal- ply. A major spill of a petroleum product lon plastic jug of water into the tank or hazardous chemical on a major river to displace toilet flow (do not use a can force communities to shut down water brick, it may dissolve and loose piec- treatment plants. Although typically more es may cause damage to the internal localized, the contamination of ground wa- parts). Be sure installation does not ter or an aquifer can also disrupt the use interfere with the operating parts. of well water. • Don't flush the toilet unnecessar- ily. Dispose of tissues, insects, and Water conservation other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet. Conserving water is very important during emergency water shortages. Water saved • Replace your showerhead with an by one user may be enough to protect the ultra-low-flow version. critical needs of others. Irrigation practices • Do not take baths—take short can be changed to use less water or crops showers—only turn on water to that use less water can be planted. Cit- get wet and lather and then again ies and towns can ration water, factories to rinse off. can change manufacturing methods, and • Place a bucket in the shower to individuals can practice water-saving mea- catch excess water for watering sures to reduce consumption. If everyone plants. reduces water use during a drought, more water will be available to share. • Don’t let the water run while brushing your teeth, washing your 1. Practice indoor water conservation: face or shaving. General Kitchen • Never pour water down the drain • Operate automatic dishwashers only when there may be another use for when they are fully loaded. Use the it. Use it to water your indoor plants “light wash” feature if available to or garden. use less water. • Repair dripping faucets by replac- • Hand wash dishes by filling two con- ing washers. One drop per second tainers—one with soapy water and wastes 2,700 gallons of water per the other with rinse water containing year! a small amount of chlorine bleach. • Most dishwashers can clean soiled dishes very well, so dishes do not

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have to be rinsed before washing. • If you are considering installing a Just remove large particles of food, new heat pump or air-conditioning and put the soiled dishes in the system, the new air-to-air models dishwasher. are just as efficient as the water-to- • Store drinking water in the refrigera- air type and do not waste water. tor. Don’t let the tap run while you • Install a water-softening system are waiting for water to cool. only when the minerals in the water • Do not waste water waiting for it to would damage your pipes. Turn the get hot. Capture it for other uses softener off while on vacation. such as plant watering or heat it on • When purchasing a new appliance, the stove or in a microwave. choose one that is more energy and • Do not use running water to thaw water efficient. meat or other frozen foods. Defrost 2. Practice outdoor water con- food overnight in the servation: refrigerator, or use the Conserving General defrost setting on your water is very microwave. • If you have a well at home, important during check your pump periodically. • Clean vegetables in a emergency If the automatic pump turns pan filled with water on and off while water is not rather than running water shortages. being used, you have a leak. water from the tap. Water saved by Car washing • Kitchen sink disposals one user may be • Use a shut-off nozzle on require a lot of water enough to protect your hose that can be ad- to operate properly. the critical needs justed down to a fine spray, Start a compost pile as of others. so that water flows only as an alternate method needed. of disposing of food waste, or simply dispose of food in • Consider using a commercial car the garbage. wash that recycles water. If you wash your own car, park on the Laundry grass so that you will be watering it • Operate automatic clothes wash- at the same time. ers only when they are fully loaded or set the water level for the size of Lawn Care your load. • Don’t over water your lawn. A heavy rain eliminates the need for water- Long-term indoor water conservation ing for up to two weeks. Most of the • Retrofit all household faucets by in- year, lawns only need one inch of stalling aerators with flow restrictors. water per week. • Consider installing an instant hot • Water in several short sessions water heater on your sink. rather than one long one in order for • Insulate your water pipes to reduce your lawn to better absorb moisture. heat loss and prevent them from • Position sprinklers so water lands breaking if you have a sudden and on the lawn and shrubs and not on unexpected spell of freezing weather. paved areas.

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• Avoid sprinklers that spray a fine need water as frequently and usu- mist. Mist can evaporate before it ally will survive a dry period without reaches the lawn. Check sprinkler watering. Small plants require less systems and timing devices regularly water to become established. Group to be sure they operate properly. plants together based on similar • Raise the lawn mower blade to at water needs. least three inches, or to its highest • Install irrigation devices that are the level. A higher cut encourages grass most water efficient for each use. roots to grow deeper, shades the root Micro and drip irrigation and soaker system, and holds soil moisture. hoses are examples of efficient • Plant drought-resistant lawn seed. devices. • Avoid over-fertilizing your lawn. • Use mulch to retain moisture in the Applying fertilizer increases the need soil. Mulch also helps control weeds for water. Apply fertilizers that that compete with landscape plants contain slow-release, water-insoluble for water. forms of nitrogen. • Avoid purchasing recreational water • Use a broom or blower instead of a toys that require a constant stream hose to clean leaves and other debris of water. from your driveway or sidewalk. • Avoid installing ornamental water • Do not leave sprinklers or hoses un- features (such as fountains) unless attended. A garden hose can pour they use recycled water. out 600 gallons or more in only a Participate in public water conservation few hours. programs of your local government, utility Pool or water management district. Follow wa- • Consider installing a new water-sav- ter conservation and water shortage rules ing pool filter. A single back flush- in effect. Remember, you are included in ing with a traditional filter uses 180 the restrictions even if your water comes to 250 gallons of water. from a private well. Be sure to support community efforts that help develop and • Cover pools and spas to reduce promote a water conservation ethic. evaporation of water. Long term outdoor conservation Contact your local water authority, utility district, or local emergency management • Plant native and/or drought-tolerant agency for information specific to your grasses, ground covers, shrubs and area. trees. Once established, they do not

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• Aftershock—an earthquake of similar or lesser intensity that follows Earthquakes the main earthquake. • Fault—the fracture across which displacement has occurred during an earthquake. The slippage may range from less than an inch to more than 10 yards in a severe earthquake. • Epicenter—the place on the earth's surface directly above the point on the fault where the earthquake rup- ture began. Once fault slippage be- gins, it expands along the fault during the earthquake and can extend hundreds of miles before stopping. • Seismic Waves—are vibrations that travel outward from the earthquake fault at speeds of several miles per second. Although fault slippage n earthquake is a sudden shaking directly under a structure can cause of the earth caused by the break- considerable damage, the vibrations ing and shifting of rock beneath the as seismic wave pass by cause most of A the destruction during earthquakes. earth’s surface. Earthquakes can cause buildings and bridges to collapse, telephone • Magnitude—computed from the and power lines to fall, and result in fires, amplitude of the seismic waves, explosions and landslides. Earthquakes the magnitude indicates how much can also cause huge ocean waves, called energy was released during an tsunamis, which travel long distances over earthquake. A magnitude of 7.0 on water until they crash into coastal areas. the Richter Scale would indicate a very strong earthquake. Each The following information includes general whole number on the scale repre- guidelines for earthquake preparedness sents an increase of about 30 times and safety. Because injury prevention the energy released. Therefore, an techniques may vary from state to state, earthquake measuring 6.0 is about it is recommended that you contact your 30 times more powerful than one local emergency management office, health measuring 5.0. department, or American Red Cross chapter for more information. 2. Look for items in your home that could become a hazard in an earthquake: What to do before an earthquake • Repair defective electrical wiring, leaky gas lines, and inflexible utility 1. Know the terms associated with earth- connections. Get appropriate profes- quakes. sional help. Do not work with gas or • —a sudden slipping or Earthquake electrical lines yourself. movement of a portion of the earth’s • Bolt down and secure to wall your crust, accompanied and followed by a water heater, refrigerator, furnace, series of vibrations.

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and gas appliances. If recommended 6. Review your insurance policies. Some by your gas company, have an au- damage may be covered even without tomatic gas shut-off valve installed specific earthquake insurance. Protect that is triggered by strong vibra- important home and business papers. tions). 7. Prepare to survive on your own for at • Place large or heavy objects on lower least three days. Assemble a disaster shelves. Fasten shelves, mirrors, supplies kit. Keep a stock of food and and large picture frames to walls. extra drinking water. See the “Emer- Brace high and top-heavy objects. gency Planning and Disaster Supplies” • Store bottled foods, glass, china and and “Evacuation” chapters for more other breakables on low shelves or information. in cabinets that can fasten shut. • Anchor overhead light- What to do during an earthquake ing fixtures. Stay inside until the shak- • Be sure the residence is Remain calm ing stops and it is safe to go firmly anchored to its and stay inside outside. Most injuries dur- foundation. during an ing earthquakes occur when • Install flexible pipe earthquake. Most people are hit by falling ob- fittings to avoid gas or injuries during jects when entering or exiting buildings. water leaks. Flexible earthquakes occur fittings are more resis- when people are 1. Drop, Cover and Hold On! tant to breakage. hit by falling debris Minimize your movements during an earthquake to a few 3. Know where and how when entering or steps to a nearby safe place. to shut off electricity, exiting buildings. Stay indoors until the shak- gas and water at main ing has stopped and you are switches and valves. sure exiting is safe. Check with your local utilities for instructions. Do not ac- 2. If you are indoors, take cover under a tually shut off the gas to see how it sturdy desk, table or bench, or against works or to show others. Only the gas an inside wall, and hold on. Stay away company can safely turn it back on. from glass, windows, outside doors or walls and anything that could fall, 4. Hold earthquake drills with your such as lighting fixtures or furniture. household members: If you are in bed, stay there, hold on • Locate safe spots in each room un- and protect your head with a pillow, der a sturdy table or against an in- unless you are under a heavy light side wall. Reinforce this information fixture that could fall. by physically placing yourself and 3. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, your household in these locations. cover your face and head with your 5. Develop a plan for reuniting your arms and crouch in an inside corner household after an earthquake. Estab- of the building. A doorway should lish an out-of-town telephone contact only be used for shelter if it is in close for household members to call to let proximity to you and if you know that others know that they are safe. it is a strongly supported load-bearing doorway.

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4. If you are outdoors, stay there. Move • Cover your mouth with a handker- away from buildings, streetlights and chief or clothing. utility wires. • Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one 5. If you live in an apartment building is available. Shout only as a last or other multi-household structure resort—shouting can cause you to with many levels, consider the fol- inhale dangerous amounts of dust. lowing: • Get under a desk and stay away 9. Stay indoors until the shaking has from windows and outside walls. stopped and you are sure exiting is • Stay in the building (many injuries safe. occur as people flee a building and are struck by falling debris from What to do after an earthquake above). 1. Be prepared for after- • Be aware that the elec- shocks. These secondary tricity may go out or If you must go shock waves are usually less the sprinkler systems out after an violent than the main quake or fire alarms may earthquake, but can be strong enough to come on. watch for fallen do additional damage to weak- • DO NOT use the ele- objects, downed ened structures. vators. electrical wires, 2. Check for injuries. Do not 6. If you are in a crowded weakened walls, attempt to move seriously in- indoor public location: bridges, roads jured persons unless they are • Stay where you are. Do and sidewalks. in immediate danger of death not rush for the door- or further injury. If you must ways. move an unconscious person, • Move away from tall objects that first stabilize the neck and back, then may fall. call for help immediately. • Take cover and grab something to • If the victim is not breathing, care- shield your head and face from fall- fully position the victim for artificial ing debris and glass. respiration, clear the airway and • Be aware that the electricity may go start mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. out or the sprinkler systems or fire • Maintain body temperature with alarms may turn on. blankets. Be sure the victim does • DO NOT use elevators. not become overheated. 7. In a moving vehicle, stop as quickly • Never try to feed liquids to an uncon- as safety permits, and stay in the scious person. vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses or util- 3. If the electricity goes out, use flash- ity wires. Then, proceed cautiously, lights or battery powered lanterns. watching for road and bridge damage. Do not use candles, matches or open flames indoors after the earthquake 8. If you become trapped in debris: because of possible gas leaks. • Do not light a match. 4. Wear sturdy shoes in areas covered • Do not move about or kick up dust. with fallen debris and broken glass.

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5. Check your home for structural dam- 12. Stay off the streets. If you must go age. If you have any doubts about out, watch for fallen objects, downed safety, have your residence inspected electrical wires, weakened walls, by a qualified building inspector or bridges, roads and sidewalks. structural engineer before entering. 13. Stay away from damaged areas unless 6. Visually check chimneys for visual your assistance has been specifically damage; however, have a qualified requested by police, fire or relief professional inspect the chimney for organizations. internal damage before lighting a fire. 14. If you live in coastal areas, be aware 7. Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, of possible tsunamis, also known as seis- gasoline and other flammable liquids. mic sea waves (mistakenly called "tidal Evacuate the building if gasoline or waves"). When local authorities issue a other fumes are detected and the tsunami warning, assume that a series building is not well ventilated. Venti- of dangerous waves is on the way. Stay late by opening windows and doorways away from the beach. See the “Tsuna- to the outside. mis” chapter for more information. 8. Visually inspect utility lines and appliances for damage. • If you smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing sound, open a window and leave. Shut off the main gas valve if it is located outside. Report the leak to the gas company from the nearest working phone or cell phone. Stay out of the building. If you shut off the gas supply at the main valve, you will need to contact your gas comapny to have it turned back on. • Switch off electrical power at the main fuse box or circuit breaker if electrical damage is suspected or known. • Always turn off the gas before you turn off the electricity. • Shut off the water supply at the main valve if interior water pipes are Volcanoes damaged. • Do not flush toilets until you know that sewage lines are intact. volcano is a vent through which 9. Open cabinets cautiously. Beware molten rock escapes to the earth’s of objects that can fall off shelves. Asurface. When pressure from gases within the molten rock becomes too great, 10. Use the phone only to report life- an eruption occurs. threatening emergencies. 11. Listen to news reports for the latest Some eruptions are relatively quiet, pro- emergency information. ducing lava flows that creep across the land at 2 to 10 miles per hour. Explosive

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eruptions can shoot columns of gases and 2. Develop a household disaster plan. In rock fragments tens of miles into the at- case household members are separated mosphere, spreading ash hundreds of from one another during a volcanic eruption (a real possibility during miles downwind. Lateral blasts can flatten- the day when adults are at work and trees for miles. Hot, sometimes poisonous, children are at school), have a plan for gases may flow down the sides of the of getting back together. Ask an out-of- the volcano. town relative or friend to serve as the Lava flows are streams of molten rock that “household contact,” because after a either pour from a vent quietly through disaster, it’s often easier to call long lava tubes or by lava fountains. Because distance. Make sure everyone knows of their intense heat, lava flows are also the name, address, and phone number great fire hazards. Lava flows destroy of the contact person. everything in their path, but 3. Assemble a disaster sup- most move slowly enough plies kit (see “Emergency that people can move out of The May 18, 1980 Planning and Disaster Sup- the way. eruption of Mount St. Helens in plies” chapter). Fresh volcanic ash, made Washington took of pulverized rock, can be 4. Get a pair of goggles and abrasive, acidic, gritty, glassy the lives of 58 a throw-away breathing and odorous. While not im- people and caused mask for each member of the mediately dangerous to most property damage household in case of ashfall. adults, the combination of in excess of $1.2 5. Do not visit an active acidic gas and ash could billion. volcano site unless officials cause lung damage to small designate a safe viewing area. infants, very old people or those suffering from severe respiratory illnesses. Volcanic ash can also What to do during an eruption damage machinery, including engines and electrical equipment. Ash accumulations 1. If close to the volcano evacuate imme- mixed with water become heavy and can diately away from the volcano to avoid collapse roofs. flying debris, hot gases, lateral blast, and lava flow. Volcanic eruptions can be accompanied by other natural hazards: earthquakes, mud- 2. Avoid areas downwind from the vol- flows and flash floods, rock falls and land- cano to avoid volcanic ash. slides, acid rain, fire, and (under special 3. Be aware of mudflows. The danger conditions) tsunamis. Active volcanoes from a mudflow increases as you ap- in the U.S. are found mainly in Hawaii, proach a stream channel and decreases Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. as you move away from a stream channel toward higher ground. This danger increases with prolonged heavy rains. What to do before an eruption Mudflows can move faster than you 1. Make evacuation plans. If you live in can walk or run. Look upstream before a known volcanic hazard area, plan a crossing a bridge, and do not cross route out and have a backup route in if the mudflow is approaching. Avoid mind. river valleys and low-lying areas.

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4. Stay indoors until the ash has • Do not run car or truck engines. settled unless there is danger of Driving can stir up volcanic ash that the roof collapsing. can clog engines and stall vehicles. Moving parts can be damaged 5. During an ash fall, close doors, win- from abrasion, including bearings, dows, and all ventilation in the house brakes, and transmissions. (chimney vents, furnaces, air conditioners, fans and other vents). What to do after the eruption 6. Do not drive in heavy ashfall unless absolutely required. If you do drive in 1. Stay away from ashfall areas if possi- dense ashfall, keep speed down to 35 ble. If you are in an ashfall area cover mph or slower. your mouth and nose with a mask, keep skin covered, and wear goggles 7. Remove heavy ash from flat or low- to protect the eyes. pitched roofs and rain gutters. 8. Volcanic ash is actually fine, glassy 2. Clear roofs of ashfall because it can be fragments and particles that can cause very heavy and may cause buildings to severe injury to breathing passages, collapse. Exercise great caution when eyes, and open wounds, and irritation working on a roof. to skin. Follow these precautions to 3. Do not drive through ashfall, which is keep yourself safe from ashfall: easily stirred up and can clog engine • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long air filters, causing vehicles to stall. pants. 4. If you have a respiratory ailment, • Use goggles and wear eyeglasses avoid contact with any amount of ash. instead of contact lenses. Stay indoors until local health officials • Use a dust mask or hold a damp cloth advise it is safe to go outside. over your face to help breathing.

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Landslide, mudflow, and debris-flow problems are occasionally caused by land Landslides and mismanagement. Improper land-use practices on ground of questionable sta- Debris Flows bility, particularly in mountain, canyon, and coastal regions, can create and accel- erate serious landslide problems. Land- (Mudslides) use zoning, professional inspections, and proper design can minimize many landslide, mudflow, and debris flow problems.

What to do before a landslide or debris flow 1. Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for information on local landslide and debris flow hazards. 2. Get a ground assessment of your property. • County or state geological experts, local planning department or departments of natural resources may have specific information on areas vulnerable to landslides. Consult an andslides occur in all U.S. states and appropriate professional expert for territories and occur when masses advice on corrective measures you Lof rock, earth, or debris move down can take. a slope. Landslides may be small or large, 3. Minimize home hazards by having and can move at slow or very high speeds. flexible pipe fittings installed to avoid They are activated by rainstorms, earth- gas or water leaks. Flexible fitting are quakes, volcanic eruptions, fires and by more resistant to breakge. Only the human modification of the land. gas company or professionals should Debris and mud flows are rivers of rock, install gas fittings. earth, and other debris saturated with 4. Familiarize yourself with your sur- water. They develop when water rapidly rounding area. accumulates in the ground, during heavy • Small changes in your local land- rainfall or rapid snowmelt, changing the scape could alert you to the potential earth into a flowing river of mud or “slur- of greater future threat. ry.” They can flow rapidly down slopes or through channels, and can strike with • Observe the patterns of storm-water little or no warning at avalanche speeds. drainage on slopes and especially They can also travel several miles from the places where runoff water con- their source, growing in size as they pick verges. up trees, large boulders, cars, and other • Watch for any sign of land move- materials along the way. ment, such as small slides, flows, or

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progressively leaning trees, on the What to do during a heightened hillsides near your home. threat (intense storm) of landslide 5. Be particularly observant of your surrounding area before and during or debris flow intense storms that could heighten the 1. Listen to radio or television for warning possibility of landslide or debris. Many of intense rainfall. debris flow fatalities occur when people • Be prepared to evacuate if instruct- are sleeping. ed by local authorities or if you feel 6. Talk to your insurance agent. Debris threatened. flow may be covered by flood insurance • Should you remain at home, move policies from the National Flood Insur- to a second story if possible to dis- ance Program (NFIP). tance yourself from the direct path 7. Learn to recognize land- of debris flow and landslide debris. slide warning signs. 2. Be alert when intense, • Doors or windows Landslides and short bursts of rain follow stick or jam for the debris flows prolonged heavy rains or first time. can cause such damp weather, which increase • New cracks appear in dangers as risks of debris flows. plaster, tile, brick, or broken electrical, 3. Listen for any unusual foundations. water, gas, and sounds that might indicate • Outside walls, walks, sewage lines, moving debris, such as trees or stairs begin pulling and disrupted cracking or boulders knocking away from the build- together. A trickle of flowing ing. roadways and or falling mud or debris may • Slowly developing, railways. precede larger landslides. widening cracks ap- Moving debris can flow quickly pear on the ground or and sometimes without warn- on paved areas such as streets or ing. You may hear a faint rumbling driveways. sound that increases in volume as a • Underground utility lines break. landslide nears. • Bulging ground appears at the base 4. If you are near a stream or channel, be of a slope. alert for sudden increases or decreases • Water breaks through the ground in water flow and for a change from surface in new locations. clear to muddy water. Such changes may indicate landslide activity up- • Fences, retaining walls, utility stream. Be prepared to move quickly. poles, or trees tilt or move. • The ground slopes downward in 5. Be especially alert when driving. one specific direction and may be- Embankments along roadsides are gin shifting in that direction under particularly susceptible to landslides. your feet. Watch for collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks, and other indications of possible debris flows.

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6. Evacuate when ordered by local au- • Look for and report broken util- thorities or if you feel the need. See ity lines to appropriate authorities. the “Evacuation” chapter for more Reporting potential hazards will get information. the utilities turned off as quickly as possible, preventing further hazard and injury. What to do during a • If you smell gas or hear hissing, landslide or debris flow do not enter a building to turn off utilities. If you can turn the gas off 1. Quickly move away from the path of outside the building at the meter, do a landslide or debris flow. so. However, only the gas company 2. Areas generally considered safe or other qualified professionals can include: turn the gas back on. • Areas that have not moved in the • Check the building foundation, past chimney, and surrounding land for • Relatively flat-lying areas away from damage. Damage to foundations, drastic changes in slope chimneys, or surrounding land may • Areas at the top of or along ridges help you assess the safety of the set back from the tops of slopes. area. 3. If escape is not possible, curl into a 6. Watch for flooding, which may occur tight ball and protect your head. after a landslide or debris flow. Floods sometimes follow landslides and debris flows because they may both be started What to do after a by the same event.

landslide or debris flow 7. Replant damaged ground as soon as 1. Stay away from the slide area. There possible since erosion caused by loss of may be danger of additional slides. ground cover can lead to flash flooding and additional landslides in the near 2. Check for injured and trapped persons future. near the slide, without entering the direct slide area. Direct rescuers to 8. Seek the advice of a geotechnical expert their locations. for evaluating landslide hazards or de- signing corrective techniques to reduce 3. Help a neighbor who may require spe- landslide risk. A professional will be cial assistance—large families, chil- able to advise you of the best ways to dren, elderly people, and people with prevent or reduce landslide risk, with- disabilities. out creating further hazard. 4. Listen to local radio or television stations for the latest emergency 9. See the “Recovering From Disaster” information. chapter for more information.

5. Landslides and debris flows can provoke associated dangers such as broken electrical, water, gas, and sewage lines, and disrupt roadways and railways.

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Tsunamis are most often generated by earthquake-induced movement of the Tsunamis ocean floor. Landslides, volcanic eruptions, and even meteorites can also generate tsunamis. If a major earthquake or landslide occurs close to shore, the first wave in a series could reach the beach in a few minutes, even before a warning is issued. Areas are at greater risk if less than 25 feet above sea level and within a mile of the shoreline. Drowning is the most common cause of death associated with a tsunami. Tsunami waves and the receding water are very destructive to structures in the run-up zone. Other hazards include flooding, contamination of drinking water and fires from gas lines or ruptured tanks.

What to do before a tsunami sunamis (pronounced soo-ná-mees), 1. Know the terms used by the West also known as siesmic sea waves Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning T(mistakenly called "tidal waves"), are Center (WC/ATWC—responsible for a series of enormous waves created by an tsunami warnings for California, Or- underwater disturbance such as an earth- egon, Washington, British Columbia, quake. A tsunami can move hundreds and Alaska) and the Pacific Tsunami of miles per hour in the open Warning Center (PTWC—re- ocean and smash into land sponsible for tsunami warnings with waves as high as 100 feet Take tsunami to international authorities, or more, although most waves warnings Hawaii, and the U.S. territories are less than 18 feet high. seriously. within the Pacific basin). From the area where the Follow local • Advisory—An earthquake tsunami originates, waves instructions. has occurred in the Pacific travel outward in all directions basin, which might generate much like the ripples caused a tsunami. WC/ATWC and by throwing a rock into a PTWC will issue hourly bul- pond. In deep water the tsunami wave is letins advising of the situation. not noticeable. Once the wave approaches • Watch—A tsunami was or may the shore it builds in height. All tsunamis have been generated, but is at least are potentially dangerous, even though two hours travel time to the area in they may not damage every coastline they Watch status. strike. A tsunami can strike anywhere • Warning—A tsunami was or may along most of the U.S. coastline. The have been generated, which could most destructive tsunamis have occurred cause damage; therefore, people along the coasts of California, Oregon, in the warned area are strongly Washington, Alaska and Hawaii. advised to evacuate.

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2. Listen to radio or television for more the “Evacuation” and “Emergency information and follow the instruc- Planning and Disaster Supplies” chap- tions of your local authorities. ters for information.

3. Immediate warning of tsunamis sometimes comes in the form of a What to do during a tsunami noticeable recession in water away from the shoreline. This is nature’s 1. If you are advised to evacuate, do so tsunami warning and it should be immediately. heeded by moving inland to higher ground immediately 2. Stay away from the area until local authorities say it is safe. Do not be 4. If you feel an earthquake in a coastal fooled into thinking that the danger area, leave the beach lor low-lying is over after a single wave—a tsunami areas. Then turn on your radio to is not a single wave but a series of learn if there is a tsunami waves that can vary in size. warning. Do not let the 3. Do not go to the shoreline 5. Know that a small tsu- modest size of to watch for a tsunami. When nami at one beach can be one wave allow you can see the wave, it is too a larger wave a few miles you to forget late to escape. away. The topography how dangerous of the coastline and the tsunamis are. ocean floor will influence What to do after a the size of the wave. The next wave in the series tsunami 6. A tsunami may generate may be much 1. Stay away from flooded and more than one wave. Do larger. damaged areas until officials not let the modest size of say it is safe to return. one wave allow you to forget how dangerous a tsunami is. The 2. Stay away from debris in the water, it next wave may be bigger. may pose a safety hazard to boats and people. 7. Prepare for possible evacuation. Learn evacuation routes. Determine where 3. See the “Recovering From Disaster” you would go and how you would get chapter for more information. there if you needed to evacuate. See

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What to do before fire strikes Fire 1. Install smoke alarms. Properly working smoke alarms decrease your chances of dying in a fire by half. • Place smoke alarms on every level of your residence: outside bedrooms on the ceiling or high on the wall (4 to 12 inches from ceiling), at the top of open stairways or at the bottom of enclosed stairs and near (but not in) the kitchen. • Test and clean smoke alarms once a month and replace batteries at least once a year. Replace smoke alarms once every 10 years.

2. With your household, plan two escape routes from every room in the residence. Practice with your household escaping from each room. ach year more than 4000 Ameri- • Make sure windows are not nailed cans die and more than 25,000 or painted shut. Make sure security Eare injured in fires, many of which gratings on windows have a fire safe- could be prevented. Direct property loss ty-opening feature so that they can be due to fires is estimated at $8.6 billion easily opened from the inside. annually. • Consider escape ladders if To protect yourself, it’s im- Working smoke your residence has more than portant to understand the alarms decrease one level and ensure that bur- basic characteristics of fire. your chances of glar bars and other antitheft Fire spreads quickly; there is dying in fire by mechanisms that block outside no time to gather valuables or half. window entry are easily opened make a phone call. In just two from inside. minutes a fire can become life • Teach household members to threatening. In five minutes a stay low to the floor (where the residence can be engulfed in flames. air is safer in a fire) when escaping from a fire. Heat and smoke from fire can be more • Pick a place outside your home for dangerous than the flames. Inhaling the the household to meet after escaping super-hot air can sear your lungs. Fire from a fire. produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy. Instead of being 3. Clean out storage areas. Don’t let awakened by a fire, you may fall into a trash such as old newspapers and deeper sleep. Asphyxiation is the leading magazines accumulate. cause of fire deaths, exceeding burns, by a three-to-one ratio. 4. Check the electrical wiring in your residence.

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• Inspect extension cords for frayed or 8. Be careful when using alternative heat- exposed wires or loose plugs. ing sources, such as wood, coal and • Outlets should have cover plates and kerosene heaters and electrical space no exposed wiring. heaters. • Make sure wiring does not run under • Check with your local fire depart- rugs, over nails, or across high traffic ment on the legality of using kero- areas. sene heaters in your community. Be sure to fill kerosene heaters outside • Do not overload extension cords or and after they have cooled. outlets. If you need to plug in two or three appliances, get a UL-approved • Place heaters at least three feet unit with built-in circuit breakers to away from flammable materials. prevent sparks and short circuits. Make sure the floor and nearby walls are properly insulated. • Make sure home insulation does not touch electrical wiring. • Use only the type of fuel designated for your unit and • Have an electrician Install A-B- follow manufacturer’s instruc- check the electrical wir- tions. ing in your residence. C type fire extinguishers • Store ashes in a metal con- 5. Never use gasoline, ben- in the home tainer outside and away from zine, naptha or similar and teach your residence. flammable liquids indoors. household • Keep open flames away from • Store flammable liquids members how walls, furniture, drapery and in approved containers to use them. flammable items. Keep a in well-ventilated stor- screen in front of the fireplace. age areas. • Have chimneys and wood • Never smoke near flam- stoves inspected annually and mable liquids. cleaned if necessary. • After use, safely discard all rags or • Portable heaters that use flammable materials soaked in flammable ma- fuels should only be used in well- terial outdoors in a metal container. ventilated rooms.

6. Check heating sources. Many residen- 9. Keep matches and lighters up high, tial fires are started by faulty furnaces or away from children, and if possible, in a stoves, cracked or rusted furnace parts locked cabinet. and chimneys with creosote build-up. Have chimneys, wood stoves and all resi- 10. Do not smoke in bed, or when drowsy or dential heating systems inspected and medicated. Provide smokers with deep, cleaned annually by a certified specialist. sturdy ashtrays. Douse cigarette and cigar butts with water before disposal. 7. Insulate chimneys and place spark arresters on top. The chimney should 11. Safety experts recommend that you be at least three feet higher than the sleep with your door closed. roof. Remove branches hanging above 12. Know the locations of the gas valve and and around the chimney. electric fuse or circuit breaker box and how to turn them off in an emergency. If you shut off your main gas line for

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any reason, allow only a gas company 3. Smother oil and grease fires in the representative to turn it on again. kitchen with baking soda or salt, or put a lid over the flame if it is burning 13. Install A-B-C type fire extinguishers in a pan. Do not attempt to take the in the residence and teach house- pan outside. hold members how to use them (Type A—wood or papers fires only;Type 4. If your clothes catch on fire,stop, B—flammable liquid or grease fires; drop and roll until the fire is extin- Type C—electrical fires;Type A-B-C— guished. Running only makes the fire rated for all fires and recommended for burn faster. the residence). 5. If you are escaping through a closed 14. Consider installing an automatic fire door, use the back of your hand to sprinkler system in your residence. feel the top of the door, the doorknob, and the crack between the door and 15. Ask your local fire de- door frame before you open partment to inspect your it. Never use the palm of residence for fire safety If your clothes your hand or fingers to test and prevention. are on fire, for heat—burning those areas 16. Teach children how to stop, drop, and could impair your ability to report a fire and when to roll until the fire escape a fire (i.e., ladders and call 911. is extinguished. crawling). • If the door is cool, open 17. To support insurance slowly and ensure fire and/or claims in case you do smoke is not blocking your have a fire, conduct an escape route. If your escape route is inventory of your property and pos- blocked, shut the door immediately sessions and keep the list in a separate and use an alternate escape route, location. Photographs are also helpful. such as a window. If clear, leave 18. See the “Emergency Planning and Di- immediately through the door. Be saster Supplies” chapter for additional prepared to crawl. Smoke and heat information. rise. The air is clearer and cooler near the floor. • If the door is warm or hot, do not What to do during a fire open. Escape through a window. If you cannot escape, hang a white 1. Use water or a fire extinguisher to put or light-colored sheet outside the out small fires. Do not try to put out window, alerting fire fighters to your a fire that is getting out of control. If presence. you’re not sure if you can control it, get everyone out of the residence and call 6. If you must exit through smoke, crawl the fire department from a neighbor’s low under the smoke to your exit— residence. heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling. 2. Never use water on an electrical fire. Use only a fire extinguisher approved 7. Close doors behind you as you escape to for electrical fires. delay the spread of the fire.

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8. Once you are safely out, stay out. Call has been taken. Your insurance 911. company takes all damages into consideration. What to do after a fire 9. If you are a tenant, contact the land- lord. It’s the property owner’s respon- 1. Give first aid where needed. After call- sibility to prevent further loss or dam- ing 911 or your local emergency num- age to the site. ber, cool and cover burns to reduce 10. Secure personal belongings or move chance of further injury or infection. them to another location. 2. Do not enter a fire-damaged building 11. Discard food, beverages and medicines unless authorities say it is safe. that have been exposed to heat, smoke 3. If you must enter a fire-damaged build- or soot. Refrigerators and freezers left ing, be alert for heat and smoke. If you closed hold their temperature for a detect either, evacuate immediately. short time. Do not attempt to refreeze food that has thawed. 4. Have an electrician check your residence's wiring before the current 12. If you have a safe or strong box, do not (power) is turned on. try to open it. It can hold intense heat for several hours. If the door is opened 5. Do not attempt to reconnect any before the box has cooled, the contents utilities yourself. Leave this to the fire could burst into flames. department and other authorities. 13. If a building inspector says the build- 6. Beware of structural damage. Roofs ing is unsafe and you must leave your and floors may be weakened and need home: repair. • Ask local police to watch the prop- 7. Contact your local disaster relief erty during your absence. service, such as the American Red • Pack identification, medicines, Cross or Salvation Army, if you need glasses, jewelry, credit cards, housing, food, or a place to stay. checkbooks, insurance policies and 8. Call your insurance agent. financial records if you can reach them safely. • Make a list of damage and losses. Pictures are helpful. • Notify friends, relatives, police and fire departments, your insurance • Keep records of clean-up and re- agent, the mortgage company, utility pair costs. Receipts are important companies, delivery services, em- for both insurance and income tax ployers, schools and the post office claims. of your whereabouts. • Do not throw away any damaged goods until an official inventory 14. See the “Shelter” and “Recovering From Disaster” chapters for more information.

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3. Be prepared and have a fire safety and Wildland fires evacuation plan: • Practice fire escape and evacuation plans. • Mark the entrance to your property with address signs that are clearly visible from the road. • Know which local emergency services are available and have those numbers posted near telephones. • Provide emergency vehicle access through roads and driveways at least 12 feet wide with adequate turn- around space. 4. Tips for making your property fire resistant: • Keep lawns trimmed, leaves raked, and the roof and rain-gutters free from debris such as dead limbs and leaves. • Stack firewood at least 30 feet away f you live on a remote hillside, or in a from your residence. Ivalley, prairie or forest where flammable • Store flammable materials, liquids vegetation is abundant, your residence and solvents in metal containers out- could be vulnerable to wildland fire. These side the residence at least 30 feet away fires are usually triggered by lightning or from structures and wooden fences. accidents. • Create defensible space by thin- 1. Fire facts about rural living: ning trees and brush within 30 feet • Once a fire starts outdoors in a ru- around your residence. Beyond 30 ral area, it is often hard to control. feet, remove dead wood, debris and Wildland firefighters are trained to low tree branches. protect natural resources, not homes • Landscape your property with fire and buildings. resistant plants and vegetation to • Many homes are located far from fire prevent fire from spreading quickly. stations. The result is longer emer- For example, hardwood trees are gency response times. Within a mat- more fire-resistant than pine, ever- ter of minutes, an entire home may green, eucalyptus, or fir trees. be destroyed by fire. • Make sure water sources, such as • Limited water supply in rural areas hydrants, ponds, swimming pools can make fire suppression difficult. and wells, are accessible to the fire • Homes may be secluded and sur- department. rounded by woods, dense brush and 5. Protect your residence: combustible vegetation that fuel fires. • Use fire resistant, protective roof- ing and materials like stone, brick 2. Ask fire authorities for information and metal to protect your residence. about wildland fires in your area. Re- Avoid using wood materials. They quest that they inspect your residence offer the least fire protection. and property for hazards.

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• Cover all exterior vents, attics and • Close windows, vents, doors, blinds eaves with metal mesh screens no or noncombustible window cover- larger than 6 millimeters or 1/4 inch ings, and heavy drapes. Remove to prevent debris from collecting and flammable drapes and curtains. to help keep sparks out. • Move flammable furniture into the • Install multi-pane windows, tem- center of the residence away from pered safety glass or fireproof shut- windows and sliding-glass doors. ters to protect large windows from • Close all interior doors and windows radiant heat. to prevent drafts. • Use fire-resistant draperies for added • Place valuables that will not be dam- window protection. aged by water in a pool or pond. • Have chimneys, wood stoves and • Gather pets into one room. Make all home heating systems inspected plans to care for your pets if you and cleaned annually by a certified must evacuate. specialist. • Back your car into the garage or park • Insulate chimneys and place spark it in an open space facing the direc- arresters on top. Chimney should be tion of escape. Shut doors and roll at least three feet above the roof. up windows. Leave the key in the • Remove branches hanging above and ignition and the car doors unlocked. around the chimney. Close garage windows and doors, but 6. Follow local burning laws: leave them unlocked. Disconnect automatic garage door openers. • Do not burn trash or other debris without proper knowledge of local Outside burning laws, techniques and the • Seal attic and ground vents with pre- safest times of day and year to burn. cut plywood or commercial seals. • Before burning debris in a wooded • Turn off propane tanks. area, make sure you notify local au- • Place combustible patio furniture thorities and obtain a burning permit. inside. • Use an approved incinerator with a • Connect garden hose to outside taps. safety lid or covering with holes no Place lawn sprinklers on the roof and larger than 3/4 inches. near above-ground fuel tanks. Wet • Create at least a 10-foot clearing the roof. around the incinerator before burn- • Wet or remove shrubs within 15 feet ing debris. of the home. • Have a fire extinguisher or garden • Gather fire tools such as a rake, axe, hose on hand when burning debris. handsaw or chainsaw, bucket, and shovel. 7. If wildfire threatens your residence and time permits, consider the following: 8. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Choose a route away from the Inside fire hazard. Watch for changes in the • Shut off gas at the meter. Do not speed and direction of fire and smoke. actually shut off the gas to see how it works or to show others. Only the 9. See the “Evacuation” chapter for gas company can safely turn the gas detailed information about evacuation back on. preparedness. Also see the “Recover- • Open fireplace damper. Close fire- ing from Disaster” and “Shelters” place screens. chapters for additional information.

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 72 ARE YOU READY? ARE YOU READY? 73 Technological Hazards

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS

HOUSEHOLD CHEMICAL EMERGENCIES

NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

NATIONAL SECURITY EMERGENCIES

TERRORISM

CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS

NUCLEAR AND RADIOLOGICAL ATTACK

HOMELAND SECURITY ADVISORY SYSTEM

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Your local service station stores gasoline and diesel fuel, hospitals store a range of Hazardous radioactive and flammable materials, and there are about 30,000 hazardous materi- Materials als waste sites in the country. Many communities have Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) that identify Incidents industrial hazardous materials and keep the community informed of the potential risk. All companies that have hazardous chemicals must report annually to the LEPC. The public is encouraged to participate in the process. Contact your local emergency management office to find out if your community has an LEPC and how you can participate.

What to do before a hazardous materials incident 1. Ask your local emergency management office (or fire or police department) about warning procedures. These could include: hemicals are found everywhere: • Outdoor warning sirens or horns. they purify drinking water, increase • Emergency Alert System (EAS)— Ccrop production, and simplify Information provided via radio and household chore. But the television. same chemical properties that can help us can also be If you witness • “All-Call” telephoning— hazardous to humans or the a hazardous An automated system for environment if chemicals are materials sending recorded messages. used or released improperly accident, call • News media—Radio, tele- or accidentally. Hazards can 911, your local vision and cable. occur during production, emergency • Residential route alert- storage, transportation, us notification ing—Messages announced to or disposal. You, your fam- number or the fire neighborhoods from vehicles ily members, neighbors, and department. equipped with public address your local community are systems. the ones at risk if a chemical is used unsafely or relased in harmful 2. Ask your LEPC or emergency man- amounts into the environment where you agement office about community plans live, work or play. for responding to a hazardous materials accident at a plant or other facility, Chemical plants are one source of hazard- or a transportation accident involving ous materials, but there are many others. hazardous materials.

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3. Ask your LEPC about storage and us- What to do during a hazardous age of hazardous chemicals in your local area. materials incident

4. Use the information gathered from 1. If you witness a hazardous materials LEPC and local emergency manage- accident where smoke or fumes are be- ment offices to evaluate risks to your ing released, call 911, your local emer- household. Determine how close you gency notification number or the fire are to factories, freeways, or railroads department as soon as safely possible. that may produce or transport toxic 2. If you hear a warning signal, listen to waste. local radio or television stations for 5. Be prepared to evacuate. An evacua- further information. Follow instruction could last for a few hours or sev- tions carefully. eral days. See the “Evac- 3. Stay away from the inci- uation” and “Emergency dent site to minimize the risk Planning and Disaster An evacuation of contamination. Remember Supplies” chapters for due to a that some toxic chemicals are important information. odorless. hazardous 6. Be prepared to shelter- materials incident 4. If you are caught outside in-place; that is, to seek could last for during an incident, remem- safety in your home or ber that gases and mists are any other building you a few hours or generally heavier than air. Try might be in at the time several days. to stay upstream, uphill and of a chemical release. At Be prepared in upwind—hazardous materials home you should select advance. can quickly be transported by a room to be used as water and wind. In general, a shelter. The shelter try to go at least one-half mile room for use in case of (8 –10 city blocks) from the a hazardous material incident should danger area; for many incidents you will be above ground, large enough to ac- need to go much further. commodate all household members 5. If you are in a motor vehicle, stop and and pets, and should have the fewest seek shelter in a permanent build- possible exterior doors and windows. ing if possible. If you must remain in When selecting a shelter-in-place, your car, keep car windows and vents avoid the furnace or utility room. You closed and shut off the air conditioner should also assemble a shelter kit to and heater. be used to seal the shelter room during a chemical release. The kit should 6. If asked to evacuate your home, do so include plastic sheeting, duct tape, immediately. scissors, and modeling clay or other • If authorities indicate there is material to stuff into cracks. enough time, close all windows, shut vents and turn off attic, heating and air conditioning fans to minimize contamination. • See the “Evacuation” chapter for more information.

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7. If you are requested to stay indoors your shelter. (shelter-in-place) rather than evacuate: • If authorities warn of the possibil- • Follow all instructions given by ity of an outdoor explosion, close all emergency authorities. drapes, curtains, and shades in the • Get household members and pets room. Stay away from windows to inside as quickly as possible. prevent injury from breaking glass. • Close and lock all exterior doors • When authorities advise people in and windows. Close vents, fireplace your area to leave their shelters, dampers and as many interior doors open all doors and windows and as possible. turn on air conditioning and venti- • Turn off air conditioners and ventilation systems. These measures will lation systems. In large buildings, flush out any chemicals that infil- building superintendents should set trated into the building. all ventilation systems to 100 per- • See the “Shelter” chapter for more cent recirculation so that no outside information. air is drawn into the building. If this 8. Schools and other public buildings is not possible, ventilation systems may institute procedures to shelter should be turned off. in place. If there is a hazardous • Go into the pre-selected shelter room materials incident and your children (the above-ground room with the are at school, you will probably not fewest openings to the outside). Take be permitted to drive to the school to a battery-powered radio, water, sani- pick up your children. Even if you go tary supplies, a flashlight, and the to the school, the doors will probably shelter kit containing plastic sheet- be locked to keep your children safe. ing, duct tape, scissors, and model- Follow the directions of your local ing clay or other materials to stuff emergency officials. into cracks. 9. If you cannot escape from the vicin- • Close doors and windows in the ity of the release, avoid contact with room. Tape around the sides, bot- spilled liquids, airborne mists or tom, and top of the door. Cover each condensed solid chemical deposits. window and vent in the room with Keep your body fully covered to provide a single piece of plastic sheeting, some protection. Wear gloves, socks, taping all around the edges of the shoes, pants and long sleeved shirts. sheeting to provide a continuous 10. Do not eat or drink food or water that seal. If there are any cracks or holes may have been contaminated. in the room, such as those around pipes entering a bathroom, fill them 11. If indoors, fill the bathtub and large with modeling clay or other similar containers with water for drinking, material. cooking, and dishwashing. (NOTE: • Do not use any major appliances before using the bathtub or other con- located in your shelter-in-place such tainers to hold potable water, sterilize as the furnace, oven/range, clothes them with a diluted bleach solution dryer or washing machine. — one part bleach to ten parts water). Be prepared to turn off the main water • Remain in the room, listening to intake valve in case authorities advise emergency broadcasts on the radio, you to do so. until authorities advise you to leave

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What to do after an incident 5. Report any lingering vapors or other hazards to your local emergency 1. Do not return home until local authori- services office. ties say it is safe. 6. See the “Recovering from Disaster” and 2. Upon returning home, open windows, “Shelter” chapters for more information. vents and turn on fans to provide ventilation. 3. A person or item that has been exposed to a hazardous chemical may be con- Household Chemical taminated and could contaminate other people or items. If you have come in Emergencies contact with or have been exposed to early every household uses products hazardous chemicals, you should: Ncontaining hazardous materials. Al- • Follow decontamination though the risk of a chemical instructions from local accident is slight, knowing how authorities. (Depending If you spill a to handle these products and on the chemical, you chemical, clean how to react during an emer- may be advised to take it up immediately gency can reduce the risk of a thorough shower, or with rags. Be injury. you may be advised to careful to protect stay away from water your eyes with How to prepare for and follow another pro- cedure.) eyeglasses or household chemical • Seek medical treatment goggles and your emergencies skin with gloves. for unusual symptoms 1. Contact agencies with ex- as soon as possible. pertise on hazardous household • If medical help is not materials, such as your local immediately available and you think public health department, fire depart- you might be contaminated, remove ment, or the Environmental Protection all of your clothing and shower thor- Agency, for information about potentially oughly (unless local authorities say dangerous household products. the chemical is water reactive and advise you to do otherwise). Change 2. It is important that you always use, into fresh, loose clothing and seek store, and dispose of hazardous materi- medical help as soon as possible. als safely: • Place exposed clothing and shoes • Follow the instructions for storage, in tightly sealed containers. Do not use, and disposal provided on the allow them to contact other mate- label. rials. Call local authorities to find • Use and store products containing out about proper disposal. hazardous substances carefully to • Advise everyone who comes in prevent accidents at home. Never contact with you that you may have store hazardous products in food been exposed to a toxic substance. containers. Keep products containing hazardous materials in their original 4. Find out from local authorities how to containers and never remove the la- clean up your land and property. bels. Corroding containers, however,

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should be repackaged and clearly exchanges where household hazardous labeled. This will prevent accidental chemicals and waste can be swapped ingestion and also can help protect or given away. Storing hazardous sanitation workers. chemicals increases risk of chemical • Never mix household hazard- emergencies. ous chemicals or waste with other 6. Keep an A-B-C-rated fire extinguisher products. Incompatibles, such as in the home and car, and get training chlorine bleach and ammonia, may from your local fire department on how react, ignite, or explode; contaminat- to use it. ed household hazardous waste may become unrecyclable. 7. Learn to detect hazardous materials. Many hazardous materials do not have • Take household hazardous waste to a a taste or an odor, and some can be local collection program. Check with detected because they cause physi- your county, or state environmental cal reactions such as watering eyes or or solid waste agency to learn if there nausea. Other hazardous materials is a household hazardous waste col- exist beneath the ground and can be lection program in your area. recognized by an oil or foam-like ap- 3. Never smoke while using household pearance. chemicals. Do not use hair spray, 8. Learn to recognize the symptoms of cleaning solutions, paint products, or toxic poisoning: pesticides near an open flame, pilot light, lighted candle, fireplace, wood • Difficulty breathing burning stove, etc. Although you may • Irritation of the eyes, skin, throat or not be able to see or smell them, vapor respiratory tract particles in the air could catch fire or • Changes in skin color explode. • Headache or blurred vision 4. If you spill a chemical, clean it up • Dizziness immediately with rags. Be careful to • Clumsiness or lack of coordination protect your eyes and skin (wear gloves • Cramps or diarrhea and eye protection). Allow the fumes in the rags to evaporate outdoors, then 9. Post the number of the nearest poison dispose of the rags by wrapping them control center by all telephones. In an in a newspaper and placing them in a emergency situation you may not have sealed plastic bag in your trash can. time to look up critical phone numbers. The national poison control number is 5. Buy only as much of a chemical as 1-800-222-1222. you think you will use. Leftover material can be shared with neighbors 10. Keep Syrup of Ipecac and Activated or donated to a business, charity, or Charcoal on hand in case of accidental government agency. Excess pesticide poisoning. DO NOT administer these could be offered to a greenhouse or antidotes until a poison control center garden center, for example, and theater or another medical professional advises groups often need surplus paint. Some you to do so. communities have organized waste

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5. Get out of the residence immediately What to do during a household if there is danger of a fire or explosion. chemical emergency Do not waste time collecting items or calling the fire department when you 1. If your child should eat or drink a non- are in danger. food substance, find any containers immediately and take them with you to 6. If there is a fire or explosion, call the the phone. Medical professionals may fire department from outside (a cellu- need specific information from the con- lar phone or a neighbor’s phone) once tainer to give you the best emergency you are safely away from danger. advice. 7. Stay upwind and away from the resi- 2. Call the poison control center, emer- dence to avoid breathing toxic fumes. gency medical services (EMS), 911, 8. Wash hands, arms, or other body hospital emergency room, county parts that may have been exposed to health department, fire department or the chemical. Chemicals may con- your local pharmacy. They will give tinue to irritate the skin until they are you emergency advice while you wait washed off. for emergency services to arrive. You should have such numbers on hand 9. Discard clothing that may have been for easy access and use. contaminated. Some chemicals may not wash out completely. Discarding 3. Follow the emergency operator or clothes will prevent potential future dispatcher’s instructions carefully. exposure. The first aid advice found on containers may not be appropriate. Do not 10. Administer first aid treatment to vic- give anything by mouth until medical tims of chemical burns. professionals have advised you. • Call 911 for emergency help. 4. Take immediate action if the chemical • Remove clothing and jewelry from gets into the eyes. Delaying first aid around the injury. can greatly increase the likelihood of • Pour clean, cool water over the burn injury. Flush the eye with clear, water for 15 to 30 minutes. for a minimum of 15 minutes, unless authorities instruct you not to use wa- • Loosely cover the burn with a sterile ter on the particular chemical involved. or clean dressing. Be sure that the Continue the cleansing process even dressing will not stick to the burn. if the victim indicates he or she is no • Refer victim to a medical profes- longer feeling any pain, and then seek sional for further treatment. medical attention.

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tion exposure. The second zone covers a broader area, usually up to a 50-mile Nuclear Power radius from the plant, where radioactive materials could contaminate water sup- Plants plies, food crops and livestock. Understanding radiation Radioactive materials are composed of atoms that are unstable. An unstable atom gives off its excess energy until it becomes stable. The energy emitted is radiation.

Each of us is exposed to radiation daily from natural sources, including the sun and earth. Small traces of radiation are present in food and water. Radiation also is released from man-made sources such as x-ray machines, television sets and microwave ovens. Nuclear power plants use the heat generated from nuclear fission in a contained environment to convert water to steam, which powers generators to produce electricity. uclear power plants operate in Radiation has a cumulative effect. The most states in the country and longer a person is exposed to radiation, the produce about 20 percent of the N greater the effect. A high exposure to ra- nation’s power. Nearly three million Amer- diation can cause serious illness or death. icans live within 10 miles of an operating The potential danger from an accident at a nuclear power plant. nuclear power plant is exposure to radia- Although the construction and operation tion. This exposure could come from the of these facilities are closely monitored and release of radioactive material from the regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Com- plant into the environment, usually char- mission (NRC), accidents at these plants acterized by a plume (cloud-like) formation are possible. An accident could result in of radioactive gases and particles. The dangerous levels of radiation that could area the radioactive release may affect is affect the health and safety of the public determined by the amount released from living near the nuclear power plant. the plant, wind direction and speed, and weather conditions. The major hazards to Local and state governments, federal people in the vicinity of the plume are radi- agencies and the electric utilities have ation exposure to the body from the cloud emergency response plans in the event of and particles deposited on the ground, a nuclear power plant incident. The plans inhalation of radioactive materials, and define two “emergency planning zones.” ingestion of radioactive materials. One covers an area within a ten-mile radius of the plant where it is possible that If an accident at a nuclear power plant people could be harmed by direct radia- were to release radiation in your area,

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 80 ARE YOU READY? ARE YOU READY? 81 local authorities would activate warning will be told right away. No action sirens or another approved alerting meth- on your part will be necessary. od. They would also instruct you through • Alert—A small problem has oc- the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on local curred, and small amounts of ra- television and radio stations on how to diation could leak inside the plant. protect yourself. This will not affect you. You should The three ways to minimize radiation ex- not have to do anything. posure are: distance, shielding and time: • Site Area Emergency—A more • Distance. The more distance between serious problem. Small amounts of you and the source of the radiation the radiation could leak from the plant. better. In a serious nuclear power plant If necessary, state and county offi- accident, local authorities will call for cials will act to assure public safety. an evacuation to increase the distance Area sirens may be sounded. Listen between you and the radia- to your radio or television for tion. safety information. • Shielding. Like distance, The three ways • General Emergency—The the more heavy, dense to minimize most serious problem. Radia- material between you and radiation tion could leak outside the the source of the radiation plant and off the plant site. exposure The sirens will sound. Tune the better. This is why are distance, local authorities could ad- to your local radio or television vise you to remain indoors shielding and station for reports. State and if an accident occurs at time. county officials will act to a nearby nuclear power protect the public. Be pre- plant. In some cases, the pared to follow instructions walls in your home would promptly. be sufficient shielding to 2. Learn your community’s protect you. warning system. Nuclear power plants • Time. Most radioactivity loses its are required to install sirens and other strength fairly quickly. In a nuclear warning systems (flash warning lights) power plant accident, local authorities to cover a ten-mile area around the will monitor any release of radiation plant. and determine when the threat has • Find out when the warning systems passed. will be tested next. • When tested in your area, determine What to do before a nuclear power whether you can hear and/or see sirens and flash warning lights from plant emergency your home.

1. Know the terms used 3. Obtain public emergency information to describe a nuclear emergency: materials from the power company • Notification of Unusual Event—A that operates your local nuclear power small problem has occurred at the plant or your local emergency services plant. No radiation leak is expected. office. If you live within 10 miles of the Federal, state and county officials power plant, you should receive these materials yearly from the power com-

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pany or your state or local government. rials you received from the power company or government officials. 4. Learn the emergency plans for schools, day care centers, nursing homes and 3. Evacuate if you are advised to do so. other places where members of your • Close and lock doors and windows. household frequent. Learn where people would go in case of evacuation. • Keep car windows and vents closed; Stay tuned to your local radio and tele- use re-circulating air. vision stations. • Listen to radio for evacuation routes and other instructions. 5. Be prepared to evacuate. • See the “Evacuation” chapter for • Prepare a disaster supplies kit (see important details. the “Emergency Planning and Disas- ter Supplies” chapter). 4. If you are not advised to evacuate, re- • Consider your trans- main indoors. portation options. If Learn your • Close doors and windows. you do not own or drive • Turn off the air conditioner, a car, ask your local community’s warning system ventilation fans, furnace and emergency manager other air intakes. about plans for people and the emergency without private ve- plans for schools, • Go to a basement or other hicles. (See the “Evac- day care centers, underground area if possible. uation” chapter for nursing homes • Keep a battery-powered important details.) and other places radio with you at all times. your household 5. Shelter livestock and give What to do during a frequents. them stored feed, if time nuclear power plant permits. 6. Do not use the emergency telephone unless absolutely necessary. 1. Listen to the warning. Not all incidents Lines will be needed for emergency result in the release of radiation. The calls. incident could be contained inside the 7. If you suspect exposure, take a thor- plant and pose no danger to the public. ough shower. 2. Stay tuned to local radio or television. • Change clothes and shoes. Local authorities will provide specific • Put exposed clothing in a plastic information and instructions. bag. • The advice given will depend on • Seal the bag and place it out of the the nature of the emergency, how way. quickly it is evolving and how much radiation, if any, is likely to be re- 8. Put food in covered containers or in leased. the refrigerator. Food not previously • Local instructions should take pre- covered should be washed before being cedence over any advice given in this put in containers. handbook. • Review the public information mate-

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What to do after a nuclear power plant emergency 1. If you evacuated, do not return home until local authorities say it is safe.

2. If you were advised to stay in your home, do not go outside until local authorities indicate it is safe.

3. Seek medical treatment for any unusual symptoms, like nausea, that may be related to radiation exposure.

4. See the “Shelter” and “Recovering from Disaster” chapters for more information.

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coercion or ransom. Terrorists often use threats to create fear among the public, to National try to convince citizens that their government is powerless to prevent terrorism, Security and to get immediate publicity for their causes.

Acts of terrorism range from threats of Emergencies terrorism, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings, bomb scares and bombings, cyber attacks (computer-based), to the use of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons.

High-risk targets include military and civilian government facilities, international airports, large cities and high-profile land- marks. Terrorists might also target large public gatherings, water and food supplies, utilities, and corporate centers. Further, they are capable of spreading fear by sending explosives or chemical and biological agents through the mail.

In the immediate area of a terrorist event, you would need to rely on police, fire and other officials for instructions. However, you can prepare in much the same way n addition to the natural and tech- you would prepare for other crisis events. nological hazards described in this Ipublication, Americans face threats posed by hostile governments or extremist Preparing for terrorism groups. These threats to national security include acts of terrorism and acts of war. 1. Wherever you are, be aware of your surroundings. The very nature of The following is general information about terrorism suggests there may be little national security emergencies. For more or no warning. information about how to prepare for them, including volunteering in a Citizen 2. Take precautions when traveling. Be Corps program, see the “For More Infor- aware of conspicuous or unusual be- mation” chapter at the end of this guide. havior. Do not accept packages from strangers. Do not leave luggage unattended. Unusual behavior, suspicious or unattended packages and strange Terrorism devices should be promptly reported to the police or security personnel. errorism is the use of force or violence Tagainst persons or property in viola- 3. Do not be afraid to move or leave if you tion of the criminal laws of the United feel uncomfortable or if something does States for purposes of intimidation, not seem right.

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4. Learn where emergency exits are lo- shelter-in-place, because of hazardous cated in buildings you frequent. No- materials releases, nuclear power plant tice where exits are when you enter incident, dam or flood control system unfamiliar buildings. Plan how to get failures. out of a building, subway or congested public area or traffic. Note where staircases are located. Notice heavy or Preparing for a breakable objects that could move, fall building explosion or break in an explosion. Explosions can collapse buildings and 5. Assemble a disaster supplies kit at cause fires. People who live or work in a home and learn first aid. Separate the multi-level building can do the following: supplies you would take if you had to evacuate quickly, and put them in a 1. Review emergency evacuation proce- backpack or container, ready to go. dures. Know where emergency exits are located. 6. Be familiar with different types of fire extinguishers and how to locate them. 2. Keep fire extinguishers in working Know the location and availability of order. Know where they are located, hard hats in buildings in which you and learn how to use them. spend a lot of time. 3. Learn first aid. Contact the local chapter of the American Red Cross for infor- Protection against cyber attacks mation and training. Cyber attacks target computer or tele- 4. Building owners should keep the communication networks of critical infra- following items in a designated place structures such as power systems, traffic on each floor of the building. control systems, or financial systems. • Portable, battery-operated radio and Cyber attacks target information tech- extra batteries nologies (IT) in three different ways. First, • Several flashlights and extra batteries is a direct attack against an information • First aid kit and manual system “through the wires” alone (hack- • Several hard hats ing). Second, the attack can be a physical • Fluorescent tape to rope off dan- assault against a critical IT element. Third, gerous areas the attack can be from the inside as a result of compromising a trusted party with access to the system. Bomb threats

1. Be prepared to do without services you If you receive a bomb threat, get as much normally depend on that could be dis- information from the caller as possible. rupted—electricity, telephone, natural Keep the caller on the line and record gas, gasoline pumps, cash registers, everything that is said. Then notify the ATM machines, and internet transac- police and the building management. tions. If you are notified of a bomb threat, do not 2. Be prepared to respond to official touch any suspicious packages. Clear the instructions if a cyber attack triggers area around suspicious packages and no- other hazards, for example, general tify the police immediately. In evacuating evacuation, evacuation to shelter, or a building, don’t stand in front of windows,

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glass doors or other potentially hazardous • Have incorrect titles or title without a areas. Do not block sidewalk or streets to name. be used by emergency officials or others • Are not addressed to a specific person. still exiting the building. • Have handwritten or poorly typed addresses.

Suspicious parcels and letters With suspicious envelopes and packages Be wary of suspicious packages and let- other than those that might contain explo- ters. They can contain explosives, chemi- sives, take these additional steps against cal or biological agents. Be particularly possible biological and chemical agents. cautious at your place of employment. • Refrain from eating or drinking in a designated mail handling area. Some typical characteristics postal inspectors have detected over the • Place suspicious envelopes or packages years, which ought to trigger in a plastic bag or some other suspicion, include parcels type of container to prevent that— In the immediate leakage of contents. Never area of a sniff or smell suspect mail. • Are unexpected or from someone unfamiliar to you. terrorist event, • If you do not have a con- leave quickly tainer, then cover the enve- • Have no return address, or lope or package with anything have one that can’t be veri- and orderly. Listen to police, available (e.g., clothing, paper, fied as legitimate. trash can, etc.) and do not • Are marked with restric- fire, and other remove the cover. officials for tive endorsements, such as • Leave the room and close “Personal,” “Confidential” instructions. the door, or section off the or “Do not x-ray.” area to prevent others from • Have protruding wires or entering. aluminum foil, strange odors or stains. • Wash your hands with soap and wa- • Show a city or state in the postmark ter to prevent spreading any powder to that doesn’t match the return address. your face. • Are of unusual weight, given their size, • If you are at work, report the incident or are lopsided or oddly shaped. to your building security official or an • Are marked with any threatening available supervisor, who should notify language. police and other authorities without delay. • Have inappropriate or unusual labeling. • List all people who were in the room • Have excessive postage or excessive or area when this suspicious letter or packaging material such as masking package was recognized. Give a copy tape and string. of this list to both the local public • Have misspellings of common words. health authorities and law enforcement • Are addressed to someone no longer officials for follow-up investigations and with your organization or are otherwise advice. outdated. • If you are at home, report the incident to local police.

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What to do if there is an explosion 2. If you are trapped in debris: • Do not light a match. Leave the building as quickly as possible. • Do not move about or kick up dust. Do not stop to retrieve personal posses- Cover your mouth with a handker- sions or make phone calls. If things are chief or clothing. falling around you, get under a sturdy • Rhythmically tap on a pipe or wall table or desk until they stop falling. Then so that rescuers can hear where you leave quickly, watching for obviously weak- are. Use a whistle if one is available. ened floors and stairways. As you exit, be Shout only as a last resort when expecially watchful of falling debris. you hear sounds and think someone 1. If there is a fire: will hear you—shouting can cause a person to inhale dangerous amounts • Stay low to the floor and exit the of dust. building as quickly as possible. • Cover your nose and mouth with a wet cloth. • When approaching a closed door, Chemical and use the back of your hand to feel the lower, middle and upper parts Biological Weapons of the door. Never use the palm of n case of a chemical or biological weap- your hand or fingers to test for heat: Ion attack near you, authorities will burning those areas could impair instruct you on the best course of action. your ability to escape a fire (i.e., lad- This may be to evacuate the area immedi- ders and crawling). ately, to seek shelter at a designated loca- – If the door is NOT hot, open slowly tion, or to take immediate shelter where and ensure fire and/or smoke is you are and seal the premises. The best not blocking your escape route. If way to protect yourself is to take emer- your escape route is blocked, shut gency preparedness measures ahead of the door immediately and use an time and to get medical attention as soon alternate escape route, such as a as possible, if needed. window. If clear, leave immediately through the door. Be prepared to crawl. Smoke and heat Chemical rise. The air is clearer and cooler Chemical warfare agents are poisonous near the floor. vapors, aerosols, liquids or solids that – If the door is hot, do not open have toxic effects on people, animals or it. Escape through a window. If plants. They can be released by bombs, you cannot escape, hang a white sprayed from aircraft, boats, or vehicles, or light-colored sheet outside the or used as a liquid to create a hazard to window, alerting fire fighters to people and the environment. Some chemi- your presence. cal agents may be odorless and tasteless. • Heavy smoke and poisonous gases They can have an immediate effect (a few collect first along the ceiling. Stay seconds to a few minutes) or a delayed ef- below the smoke at all times. fect (several hours to several days). While potentially lethal, chemical agents are difficult to deliver in lethal concentrations.

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Outdoors, the agents often dissipate rap- duced or altered by chemical means. idly. Chemical agents are also difficult to Some toxins can be treated with spe- produce. cific antitoxins and selected drugs.

There are six types of agents: Most biological agents are difficult to grow and maintain. Many break down quickly • Lung-damaging (pulmonary) agents when exposed to sunlight and other en- such as phosgene, vironmental factors, while others such as • Cyanide, anthrax spores are very long lived. They • Vesicants or blister agents such as can be dispersed by spraying them in the mustard, air, or infecting animals which carry the disease to humans as well through food • Nerve agents such as GA (tabun), GB and water contamination. (sarin), GD (soman), GF, and VX, • Aerosols—Biological agents are dis- • Incapacitating agents such persed into the air, forming as BZ, and a fine mist that may drift for • Riot-control agents (similar Be aware miles. Inhaling the agent may to MACE). of your cause disease in people or surroundings. animals. Biological The very nature • Animals—Some diseases of terrorism are spread by insects and Biological agents are organ- suggests that animals, such as fleas, mice, isms or toxins that can kill or there may flies, and mosquitoes. Delib- incapacitate people, livestock erately spreading diseases and crops. The three basic be little or no through livestock is also groups of biological agents warning. referred to as agroterrorism. which would likely be used as • Food and water contami- weapons are bacteria, virus- nation—Some pathogenic or- es, and toxins. ganisms and toxins may persist in food 1. Bacteria. Bacteria are small free-living and water supplies. Most microbes can organisms that reproduce by simple be killed, and toxins deactivated, by division and are easy to grow. The cooking food and boiling water. diseases they produce often respond to Anthrax spores formulated as a white treatment with antibiotics. powder were mailed to individuals in the government and media in the fall of Viruses. 2. Viruses are organisms which 2001. Postal sorting machines and the require living cells in which to repro- opening of letters dispersed the spores duce and are intimately dependent as aerosols. Several deaths resulted. upon the body they infect. Viruses The effect was to disrupt mail service produce diseases which generally do and to cause a widespread fear of han- not respond to antibiotics. However, dling delivered mail among the public. antiviral drugs are sometimes effective. Person-to-person spread of a few 3. Toxins. Toxins are poisonous infectious agents is also possible. substances found in, and extracted Humans have been the source of from, living plants, animals, or micro- infection for smallpox, plague, and organisms; some toxins can be pro- the Lassa viruses.

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What to do to prepare for a • Seek shelter in an internal room, preferably one without windows. chemical or biological attack Seal the room with duct tape and • Talk to your doctor to ensure all re- plastic sheeting. Ten square feet of quired or suggested immunizations are floor space per person will provide up to date. sufficient air to prevent carbon di- • Assemble a disaster supplies kit (see oxide build-up for up to five hours. the “Emergency Planning and Disas- (See “Shelter” chapter.) ter Supplies” chapter for more infor- • When selecting a shelter-in-place, mation) and be sure to include: avoid the furnace or utility room. • Battery-powered commercial radio with • Do not use any major appliances extra batteries. located in your shelter-in-place such • Non-perishable food and as the furnace, oven/range, drinking water. clothes dryer or washing ma- The best chine. • Roll of duct tape and scis- protection sors. • Remain in protected areas against a where toxic vapors are re- • Plastic for doors, windows chemical or duced or eliminated, and be and vents for the room in sure to take your battery-op- which you will shelter in biological attack erated radio with you. place—this should be an would come from internal room where you being prepared 3. If you are caught in an un- can block out air that may and getting protected area, you should: contain hazardous chemi- quick medical • Attempt to get up-wind of cal or biological agents. To attention. the contaminated area. save critical time during • Attempt to find shelter in- an emergency, sheeting side a building as quickly as should be pre-measured and cut for possible. each opening. • Listen to your radio for official in- • First aid kit. structions. • Sanitation supplies including soap, 4. If you are in a vehicle and are unable water and bleach. to go inside a building, stay in the ver- hicle, roll up the windows, turn off the What to do during a chemical or engine and shut all vents. biological attack What to do after a chemical attack 1. Listen to your radio for instructions from authorities such as whether to Immediate symptoms of exposure to chem- remain inside or to evacuate. ical agents may include blurred vision, eye irritation, difficulty breathing and nausea. 2. If you are instructed to remain in your A person affected by a chemical or biologi- home, the building where you are, or cal agent requires immediate attention by other shelter during a chemical or bio- professional medical personnel. If medical logical attack: help is not immediately available, decon- • Turn off all ventilation, including fur- taminate yourself and assist in decontami- naces, air conditioners, vents and fans. nating others. Decontamination is needed

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within minutes of exposure to minimize exposure, and you should seek immediate health consequences. Use extreme cau- medical attention for treatment. tion when helping others who have been In some situations, like the anthrax let- exposed to chemical agents. (However, you ters sent in 2001, people may be alerted should not leave the safety of a shelter to to a potential exposure. If this is the case, go outdoors to help others until authorities pay close attention to all official warnings announce it is safe to do so.) and instructions on how to proceed. The To decontaminate, follow these proce- delivery of medical services for a biologi- dures: cal event may be handled differently to 1. Remove items in contact with the body, respond to increased demand. Again, it including jewelry (rings, watches, etc) will be important for you to pay attention and other items such as hair clips. to official instructions via radio, television, Contaminated clothing normally re- and emergency alert systems. moved over the head should be cut off If your skin or clothing comes in contact to avoid contact with the eyes, nose, with a visible, potentially infectious sub- and mouth. Put into a plastic bag if stance, you should remove and bag your possible. Decontaminate hands using clothes and personal items and wash soap and water. Remove eyeglasses or yourself with warm soapy water immedi- contact lenses. Put glasses in a pan of ately. Put on clean clothes and seek medi- household bleach to decontaminate. cal assistance. 2. Remove all items in contact with the body. For more information, visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Pre- 3. Flush eyes with lots of water. vention, www.bt.cdc.gov. 4. Gently wash face and hair with soap and water; then thoroughly rinse with water. 5. Decontaminate other body areas Nuclear and likely to have been contaminated. Blot (do not swab or scrape) with a cloth Radiological Attack soaked in soapy water and rinse with uclear explosions can cause deadly clear water. Neffects—blinding light, intense heat (thermal radiation), initial nuclear 6. Change into uncontaminated clothes. radiation, blast, fires started by the heat Clothing stored in drawers or closets is pulse, and secondary fires caused by the likely to be uncontaminated. destruction. Surface level explosions also 7. If possible, proceed to a medical facility produce radioactive particles called fallout for screening. that can be carried by wind for hundreds of miles. What to do after a biological attack Terrorist use of a radiological dispersion device (RDD)—often called ”dirty nuke” In many biological attacks, people will not or “dirty bomb”—is considered far more know they have been exposed to an agent. likely than use of a nuclear device. These In such situations, the first evidence of radiological weapons are a combination of an attack may be when you notice symp- conventional explosives and radioactive toms of the disease caused by an agent material designed to scatter dangerous

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 90 ARE YOU READY? ARE YOU READY? 91 and sub-lethal amounts of radio- ac- • Strategic missile sites and military tive material over a general area. Such bases. radiological weapons appeal to terrorists • Centers of government such as Wash- because they require very little technical ington, D.C., and state capitals. knowledge to build and deploy compared • Important transportation and commu- to that of a nuclear device. Also, these ra- nication centers. dioactive materials, used widely in med- • Manufacturing, industrial, technology icine, agriculture, industry and research, and financial centers. are much more readily available and easy • Petroleum refineries, electrical power to obtain compared to weapons grade ura- plants and chemical plants. nium or plutonium. • Major ports and airfields.

Terrorist use of a nuclear device would Taking shelter during a nuclear attack is probably be limited to a single smaller absolutely necessary. There are two kinds “suitcase” weapon. The strength of such of shelters—blast and fallout. a weapon would be in the Blast shelters offer some pro- range of the bombs used Most electronic tection against blast pressure, during World War II. The equipment initial radiation, heat and fire, nature of the effects would be but even a blast shelter could the same as a weapon deliv- within 1,000 not withstand a direct hit from ered by an inter-continental miles of a high- a nuclear detonation. missile, but the area and altitude nuclear Fallout shelters do not need severity of the effects would detonation could be significantly more limited. to be specially constructed for be damaged by that purpose. They can be There is no way of knowing EMP. any protected space, provided how much warning time there that the walls and roof are would be before an attack by thick and dense enough to a terrorist using a nuclear or radiological absorb the radiation given off by fallout weapon. A surprise attack remains a pos- particles. The three protective factors of a sibility. fallout shelter are shielding, distance, and time. The danger of a massive strategic nuclear attack on the United States involving • Shielding. The more heavy, dense ma- many weapons receded with the end of terials—thick walls, concrete, bricks, the Cold War. However, some terrorists books and earth—between you and the have been supported by nations that have fallout particles, the better. nuclear weapons programs. • Distance. The more distance between you and the fallout particles, the better. If there were threat of an attack from a An underground area, such as a home hostile nation, people living near potential or office building basement, offers more targets could be advised to evacuate or protection than the first floor of a build- they could decide on their own to evacuate ing. A floor near the middle of a high- to an area not considered a likely target. rise may be better, depending on what is Protection from radioactive fallout would nearby at that level on which significant require taking shelter in an underground fallout particles would collect. Flat roofs area, or in the middle of a large building. collect fallout particles so the top floor is In general, potential targets include: not a good choice, nor is a floor adjacent to a neighboring flat roof.

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• Time. Fallout radiation loses its inten- 2. Assemble and maintain a disaster sup- sity fairly rapidly. In time, you will be plies kit with food, water, medications, able to leave the fallout shelter. Radio- fuel and personal items adequate for active fallout poses the greatest threat up to 2 weeks—the more the better. to people during the first two weeks, by (See the “Emergency Planning and which time it has declined to about 1% Disaster Supplies” chapter for more of its initial radiation level. information). Remember that any protection, however 3. Find out what public buildings in your temporary, is better than none at all, and community may have been designated the more shielding, distance and time you as fallout shelters. It may have been can take advantage of, the better. years ago, but start there, and learn which buildings are still in use and could be designated as shelters again. Electromagnetic pulse • Call your local emergency manage- In addition to other effects, a nuclear ment office. weapon detonated in or above the earth’s • Look for yellow and black fallout atmosphere can create an electromagnetic shelter signs on public buildings. pulse (EMP), a high-density electrical field. Note: With the end of the Cold War, EMP acts like a stroke of lightning but many of the signs have been is stronger, faster and briefer. EMP can removed from the buildings previ- seriously damage electronic devices con- ously designated. nected to power sources or antennas. This • If no noticeable or official designa- include communication systems, comput- tions have been made, make your ers, electrical appliances, and automobile own list of potential shelters near or aircraft ignition systems. The damage your home, workplace and school: could range from a minor interruption basements, or the windowless center to actual burnout of components. Most area of middle floors in high-rise electronic equipment within 1,000 miles of buildings, as well as subways and a high-altitude nuclear detonation could tunnels. be affected. Battery powered radios with • Give your household clear instruc- short antennas generally would not be af- tions about where fallout shelters fected. are located and what actions to take Although EMP is unlikely to harm most in case of attack. people, it could harm those with pacemak- 4. If you live in an apartment building or ers or other implanted electronic devices. high-rise, talk to the manager about the safest place in the building for What to do before a nuclear or sheltering, and about providing for building occupants until it is safe to radiological attack go out. 1. Learn the warning signals and all 5. There are few public shelters in many sources of warning used in your com- suburban and rural areas. If you are munity. Make sure you know what the considering building a fallout shelter at signals are, what they mean, how they home, keep the following in mind. will be used, and what you should do if • A basement, or any underground you hear them. area, is the best place to shelter from

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fallout. Often, few major changes are 2. If you hear an attack warning: needed, especially if the structure has • Take cover as quickly as you can, two or more stories and its basement— BELOW GROUND IF POSSIBLE, and or one corner of it—is below ground. stay there unless instructed to do • Fallout shelters can be used for otherwise. storage during non-emergency peri- • If you are caught outside, unable to ods, but only store things there that get inside immediately, take cover can be very quickly removed. (When behind anything that might offer they are removed, dense, heavy protection. Lie flat on the ground items may be used to add to the and cover your head. shielding.) • If the explosion is some distance 5. There are few public shelters in away, it could take 30 seconds or many suburban and rural areas. If more for the blast wave to hit. you are considering building a fall- 3. Protect yourself from radioactive fallout shelter at home, keep the follow- out. If you are close enough to see ing in mind. the brilliant flash of a nuclear explo- • See the “Tornadoes” section in the sion, the fallout will arrive in about “Thunderstorms” chapter for infor- 20 minutes. Take shelter, even if you mation on the “Wind Safe Room,” are many miles from ground zero—ra- which could be used as shelter in dioactive fallout can be carried by the the event of a nuclear detonation or winds for hundreds of miles. Remem- for fallout protection, especially in a ber the three protective factors: shield- home without a basement. ing, distance and time. • All the items you will need for your 4. Keep a battery-powered radio with stay need not be stocked inside you, and listen for official information. the shelter itself but can be stored Follow the instructions given. Local elsewhere, as long as you can move instructions should always take pre- them quickly to the shelter. cedence: officials on the ground know 6. Learn about your community’s evac- the local situation best. uation plans. Such plans may include evacuation routes, relocation sites, how the public will be notified and What to do after a nuclear or transportation options for people who radiological attack do not own cars and those who have special needs. See the “Evacuation” In a public or home shelter: chapter for more information. 1. Do not leave the shelter until officials 7. Acquire other emergency preparedness say it is safe. Follow their instructions booklets that you may need. See the when leaving. “For More Information” chapter at the 2. If in a fallout shelter, stay in your shel- end of this guide. ter until local authorities tell you it is permissible or advisable to leave. The length of your stay can range from a What to do during a nuclear or day or two to four weeks. radiological attack • Contamination from a radiological 1. Do not look at the flash or fireball— dispersion device could affect a wide it can blind you. area, depending on the amount of

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conventional explosives used, the ing with many people in confined space quantity of radioactive material and can be difficult and unpleasant. atmospheric conditions. • A “suitcase” terrorist nuclear device Returning to your home detonated at or near ground level would produce heavy fallout from 1. Keep listening to the radio for news the dirt and debris sucked up into about what to do, where to go, and the mushroom cloud. places to avoid. • A missile-delivered nuclear weapon 2. If your home was within the range of from a hostile nation would probably a bomb’s shock wave, or you live in cause an explosion many times more a high-rise or other apartment build- powerful than a suitcase bomb, and ing that experienced a non-nuclear provide a greater cloud of radioactive explosion, check first for any sign of fallout. collapse or damage, such as: • The decay rate of the • toppling chimneys, falling radioactive fallout Learn how bricks, collapsing walls, plas- would be the same, to build a ter falling from ceilings. making it necessary for temporary • fallen light fixtures, pictures those in the areas with fallout shelter to and mirrors. highest radiation levels • broken glass from windows. to remain in shelter for protect yourself • overturned bookcases, wall up to a month. from radioactive units or other fixtures. • The heaviest fallout fallout even if • fires from broken chimneys. would be limited to the you do not live area at or downwind near a potential • ruptured gas and electric lines. from the explosion, nuclear target. and 80% of the fallout 3. Immediately clean up would occur during the spilled medicines, drugs, flam- first 24 hours. mable liquids, and other potentially • Because of these facts and the very hazardous materials. limited number of weapons terrorists 4. Listen to your radio for instructions could detonate, most of the country and information about community would not be affected by fallout. services. • People in most of the areas that 5. Monitor the radio and your television would be affected could be allowed for information on assistance that may to come out of shelter and, if neces- be provided. Local, state and federal sary, evacuate to unaffected areas governments and other organizations within a few days. will help meet emergency needs and 3. Although it may be difficult, make ev- help you recover from damage and ery effort to maintain sanitary condi- losses. tions in your shelter space. 6. The danger may be aggravated by 4. Water and food may be scarce. Use broken water mains and fallen power them prudently but do not impose se- lines. vere rationing, especially for children, 7. If you turned gas, water and electric- the ill or elderly. ity off at the main valves and switch 5. Cooperate with shelter managers. Liv- before you went to shelter:

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• Do not turn the gas back on. The gas company will turn it back on for you Homeland Security or you will receive other instructions. • Turn the water back on at the main Advisory System valve only after you know the water system is working and water is not contaminated. he Homeland Security Advisory Sys- tem was designed to provide a nation- • Do not turn the gas back on. T al framework and comprehensive means The gas company will turn it back to disseminate information regarding the on for you or you will receive other risk of terrorist acts to federal, state, and instructions. local authorities and to the American • Turn the water back on at the main people. This system provides warnings valve only after you know the water in the form of a set of graduated “threat system is working and water is not conditions” that increase as the risk of the contaminated. threat increases. At each threat condition, • Turn electricity back on at the main government entities and the private sec- switch only after you know the wir- tor, including businesses and schools, ing is undamaged in your home and would implement a corresponding set of the community electrical system is “protective measures” to further reduce functioning. vulnerability or increase response capa- • Check to see that sewage lines bility during a period of heightened alert. are intact before using sanitary facilities. 8. Stay away from damaged areas. 9. Stay away from areas marked “radia- Red tion hazard” or “HAZMAT.” Orange For more information relevant to terrorism consult the following chapters: Yellow • The “Earthquakes” chapter for information about protecting yourself when a Blue building is shaking or unsafe and the Fire chapter for tips on fire safety. Green • The “Hazardous Materials Incidents” chapter for information about sealing a home. Although the Homeland Security Advi- • The “Emergency Planning and Disaster sory System is binding on the executive Supplies” chapter for information about branch, it is voluntary to other levels of preparing a disaster supplies kit. government and the private sector. There • The “Shelter” chapter for measures are five threat conditions, each identified regarding water purification. by a description and corresponding color. • The “Evacuation” chapter for informa- The greater the risk of a terrorist attack, tion about evacuation procedures. the higher the threat condition. Risk • The “Recovering from Disaster” chapter includes both the probability of an at- for information about crisis counseling. tack occurring and its potential gravity.

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Threat conditions may be assigned for Guarded Condition (Blue). This condi- the entire nation, or they may be set for tion is declared when there is a general a particular geographic area or industrial risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to sector. Assigned threat conditions will be the measures taken in the previous reviewed at regular intervals to determine threat condition, government entities whether adjustments are warranted. and the private sector, including businesses and schools, should consider Threat Conditions and Associated the following protective measures: Protective Measures • Check communications with designated emergency response or com- There is always a risk of a terrorist mand locations; threat. Each threat condition assigns a level of alert appropriate to the increas- • Review and update emergency re- ing risk of terrorist attacks. Beneath sponse procedures; and each threat condition are some suggested • Provide the public with any infor- protective measures that the govern- mation that would strengthen its abil- ment, the private sector, and the public ity to act appropriately. can take, recognizing that the heads of Members of the public, in addition to federal departments and agencies are re- the actions taken for the previous threat sponsible for developing and implement- condition, can: ing appropriate agency-specific protective • Update their disaster supplies kit; measures: • Review their household disaster plan; Low Condition (Green). This condition is • Hold a household meeting to discuss declared when there is a low risk of ter- what members would do and how they rorist attacks. Government entities and would communicate in the event of an the private sector, including businesses incident; and schools, should consider the follow- • Develop a more detailed household ing protective measures: communication plan; • Refine and exercise prearranged pro- • Apartment residents should discuss tective measures; with building managers steps to be • Ensure personnel receive proper taken during an emergency; and training on the Homeland Security • People with special needs should Advisory System and specific prear- discuss their emergency plans with ranged department or agency protec- friends, family or employers. tive measures; and An Elevated • Institute a process to assure that all Elevated Condition (Yellow). Condition is declared when there is a sig- facilities and regulated sectors are nificant risk of terrorist attacks. In addi- regularly assessed for vulnerabilities tion to the measures taken in the previous to terrorist attacks, and all reason- threat conditions, government entities and able measures are taken to mitigate the private sector, including businesses these vulnerabilities. and schools, should consider the following Members of the public can: protective measures: • Develop a household disaster plan • Increase surveillance of critical and assemble a disaster supplies kit. locations; (See “Emergency Planning and Disas- • Coordinate emergency plans with ter Supplies” chapter). nearby jurisdictions as appropriate;

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96 ARE YOU READY? ARE YOU READY? 97

• Assess whether the precise characteri- • Review preparedness measures (in- stics of the threat require the further cluding evacuation and sheltering) for refinement of prearranged protective potential terrorist actions including measures; and chemical, biological, and radiological • Implement, as appropriate, contin- attacks; gency and emergency response plans. • Avoid high profile or symbolic locations; and Members of the public, in addition to • Exercise caution when traveling. the actions taken for the previous threat condition, can: Severe Condition (Red). A Severe Con- dition reflects a severe risk of terrorist • Be observant of any suspicious activity attacks. Under most circumstances, the and report it to authorities; protective measures for a Severe Condi- • Contact neighbors to discuss their tion are not intended to be sustained for plans and needs; substantial periods of time. In addition to • Check with school officials to deter- the protective measures in the previous mine their plans for an emergency and threat conditions, government entities and procedures to reunite children with the private sector, including businesses parents and caregivers; and and schools, should consider the following • Update the household communication protective measures: plan. • Increase or redirect personnel to ad- High Condition (Orange). A High Condi- dress critical emergency needs; tion is declared when there is a high risk • Assign emergency response personnel of terrorist attacks. In addition to the and pre-position and mobilize special- measures taken in the previous threat ly trained teams or resources; conditions, federal departments and agen- • Monitor, redirect, or constrain trans- cies will congovernment entities and the portation systems; and private sector, including businesses and • Close public and government facilities schools, should consider the following not critical for continuity of essential protective measures: operations, especially public safety. • Coordinate necessary security efforts Members of the public, in addition to the with federal, state, and local law en- actions taken for the previous threat con- forcement agencies, National Guard or ditions, can: other security and armed forces; • Avoid public gathering places such as • Take additional precautions at public sports arenas, holiday gatherings, or events, possibly considering alterna- other high risk locations; tive venues or even cancellation; • Follow official instructions about re- • Prepare to execute contingency proce- strictions to normal activities; dures, such as moving to an alternate site or dispersing the workforce; and • Contact employer to determine status of work; • Restrict access to a threatened facility to essential personnel only. • Listen to the radio and TV for possible advisories or warnings; and Members of the public, in addition to the • Prepare to take protective actions such actions taken for the previous threat con- as sheltering-in-place or evacuation if ditions, can: instructed to do so by public officials.

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 96 ARE YOU READY? ARE YOU READY? 97

to people with limited mobility including children, people with disabilities, and the For More elderly.

Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit (L- Information 189). Provides a checklist of emergency supplies that should be kept in the home and contained in a Disaster Supplies Kit. Also available in Spanish.

Your Family Disaster Plan (L-191). Provides guidelines and instructions to help families develop a disaster plan. Also available in Spanish.

Emergency Food and Water Supplies (L-210). Explains how to choose food for an emergency kit, emergency cooking, water purification, where to locate emergency water, and how to store emergency food and water supplies in the home.

Helping Children Cope with Disaster (L-196). Provides information on how to prep children prior to disaster and how to lessen the emotional effects of disaster. o obtain the following publications, Also available in Spanish. visit FEMA online at http:// Twww.fema.gov/library or by calling Disaster Preparedness Coloring Book FEMA’s Distribution Center at 1-800-480- (FEMA-243). For ages 3-10. Also avail- 2520. FEMA can be reached via mail at able in Spanish. Federal Emergency Management Agency, P.O. Box 2012, Jessup, MD 20794-2012. Adventures of the Disaster Dudes Local emergency management offices are (FEMA-242). Includes a video and pre- also good sources for emergency manage- senters guide for use by an adult with ment publications. children ages 9-11.

This is FEMA (L-135). Provides an over- Before Disaster Strikes (FEMA-291). view of FEMA. Contains information on how to make sure you are financially prepared to deal with a Are You Ready? A Guide to Citizen natural disaster. Also available in Span- Preparedness (H-34). ish.

Emergency Preparedness Checklist After Disaster Strikes (FEMA-292). (L-154). Provides a checklist of suggested Contains information on how to recover disaster preparedness steps and activities. financially from a natural disaster. Also Also available in Spanish. available in Spanish.

Preparing for Emergencies: A Check- Emergency Management Guide for Busi- list, for People with Mobility Problems ness and Industry (FEMA-141). (L-154M). Provides information specific

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 98 ARE YOU READY? ARE YOU READY? 99

When Disaster Strikes… (L-217). Pro- Taking Shelter from the Storm: Build- vides information on donations and volun- ing a Safe Room Inside Your House teer organizations. (FEMA-320). This manual provides detailed information on how to build a Wind The Adventures of Julia and Robbie: Safe Room to withstand tornado, hurri- The Disaster Twins (FEMA-344). A col- cane and other high winds. lection of disaster related stories. Includes information on preparedness and how to Tornado Fact Sheet (L-148). Provides mitigate against disasters. safety tips for before, during and after a tornado. FEMA for Kids (L-229). Provides information about what FEMA (specifically Against the Wind: Protecting Your FEMA.gov) has to offer children. Home from Hurricane and Wind Dam- age (FEMA-247). After a Flood: The First Steps (L-198). Information for homeowners on prepared- Avoiding Earthquake Damage: A Check- ness, safety and recovery from a flood. list for Homeowners. Safety tips for before, during and after an earthquake. Community Shelter (FEMA-361). Con- tains guidance for constructing mass shel- Preparedness in High-Rise Buildings ters for public refuge in schools, hospitals (FEMA-76). Earthquake safety tips for and other places of assembly. high-rise dwellers.

Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting: Six Learning to Live in Earthquake Coun- Ways to Protect Your House from Flood- try: Preparedness in Apartments and ing (L-235). A brochure about obtaining Mobile Homes (L-143). Safety tips on information on how to protect your home earthquake preparation for residents of from flooding. apartments and mobile homes.

Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting: Six Family Earthquake Safety Home Haz- Ways to Protect Your House from Flood- ard Hunt and Drill (FEMA-113). How ing (FEMA-312). A detailed manual on to identify home hazards; how to conduct how to protect your home from flooding. earthquake drills.

Taking Shelter from the Storm: Build- Wildfire: Are You Prepared? (L-203). ing a Safe Room Inside Your House Wildfire safety tips, preparedness and (L-233). This brochure provides details mitigation techniques. about obtaining information on how to build a Wind Safe Room to withstand tornado, hurricane and other high winds.

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 98 ARE YOU READY? ARE YOU READY? 99 Citizen Corps CERT Citizen Corps provides opportunities for The Community Emergency Response Team people across the country to participate in (CERT) program helps train volunteers a range of measures to make their fami- to assist first responders in emergency lies, their homes, and their communities situations in their communities. CERT safer from the threats of crime, terrorism, members give critical support to first and disasters of all kinds. Through public responders in emergencies, provide education, training opportunities, and vol- immediate assistance to victims, organize unteer programs, every American can do spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site, their part to be better prepared and better and collect disaster intelligence to support protected. first responder efforts. The role of a CERT Citizen Corps is managed at the local level volunteer is self-help/neighbor-help by Citizen Corps Councils, which bring until such time as trained first-response together existing crime prevention, natural personnel arrive. disaster preparedness, and public health response networks with the volunteer com- The CERT course is taught in the munity and other groups. These Citizen community by a trained team of first Corps Councils will organize public educa- responders who have completed a CERT tion on disaster mitigation and prepared- Train-the-Trainer course conducted by ness, citizen training, and volunteer pro- their state training office for emergency grams to give people of all ages and back- management, or FEMA’s Emergency grounds the opportunity to support their Management Institute (EMI), located community’s emergency services and to in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Training of safeguard themselves and their property. CERT volunteers consists of 20 hours of instruction on topics that include disaster By participating in Citizen Corps pro- preparedness, disaster fire suppression, grams, you can make your home, you basic disaster medical operations, and light neighborhood and your community a search and rescue operations. safer place to live. To find out more, please visit the Citizen Corps web- For additional information on CERT, visit site, www.citizencorps.gov or visit www.training.fema.gov. www.fema.gov.

Activities under Citizen Corps include existing and new federally sponsored programs administered under the Department of Justice (Neighborhood Watch, Volun- teers in Police Service, FEMA (Community Emergency Response Teams - CERT), and DHHS (Medical Reserve Corps), as well as other activities that share the common goal of community and family safety.

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 100 ARE YOU READY? ARE YOU READY? 101 Disaster Public Education Websites

Federal Emergency Management Agency ...... www.fema.gov

U.S. Fire Administration ...... www.usfa.fema.gov

Citizen Corps...... www.citizencorps.gov

Department of Commerce ...... www.doc.gov

Department of Health and Human Services ...... www.hhs.gov

Department of Energy...... www.energy.gov

U.S. Department of Agriculture...... www.usda.gov

Department of Justice ...... www.justice.gov

Department of Interior...... www.doi.gov

Environmental Protection Agency ...... www.epa.gov

U.S. Postal Service...... www.usps.gov

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ...... www.noaa.gov

National Weather Service...... www.nws.noaa.gov

U.S. Geological Survey ...... www.usgs.gov

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ...... www.cdc.gov

Food and Drug Administration ...... www.fda.gov

Nuclear Regulatory Commission ...... www.nrc.gov

American Red Cross ...... www.redcross.org

National Fire Protection Association ...... www.nfpa.org

Institute for Business and Home Safety ...... www.ibhs.org

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 100 ARE YOU READY? ARE YOU READY? 101 Independent Study Courses

To obtain the following Independent Study Courses from FEMA, Write to: Independent Study Program Emergency Management Institute 16825 South Seton Avenue Emmitsburg, MD 21727

Online: www.training.fema.gov • IS-1 Emergency Program Manager: An Orientation to the Position • IS-2 Emergency Preparedness, USA • IS-3 Radiological Emergency Management • IS-5 Hazardous Materials: A Citizen’s Orientation • IS-7 A Citizen’s Guide to Disaster Assistance • IS-8 Building for the Earthquakes of Tomorrow: Complying with Execu- tive Order 12699 • IS-9 Managing Floodplain Development Through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) • IS-10 Animals in Disaster—Module A, Awareness and Preparedness • IS-11 Animals in Disaster—Module B, Community Planning • IS-120 An Orientation to Community Disaster Exercises • IS-195 Basic Incident Command System • IS-275 The EOC’s Role in Community Preparedness, Response and Re- covery Activities • IS-279 Engineering Principles and Practices for Retrofitting Flood-Prone Residential Structures • IS-288 The Role of Voluntary Agencies in Emergency Management • IS-301 Radiological Emergency Response • IS-324 Community Hurricane Preparedness • IS-346 An Orientation to Hazardous Materials for Medical Personnel • IS-393 Introduction to Mitigation • IS-394 Mitigation for Homeowners • IS-513 The Professional in Emergency Management • IS-600 Special Considerations for FEMA Public Assistance Projects • IS-630 Introduction to the Public Assistance Process • SS-534 Emergency Response to Terrorism (presented by the National Fire Academy–12 hours).

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 102 ARE YOU READY?

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY