FEMA

Are You Ready? An In-depth Guide

to

Preface

Thisguidehasbeenpreparedfordirectdisseminationtothegeneralpublicandisbasedonthe
mostreliablehazardawarenessandemergencyeducationinformationavailableatthetimeof
publication,includingadvancesinscientificknowledge,moreaccuratetechnicallanguage,and
thelatestphysicalresearchonwhathappensindisasters.
Thispublicationis,however,toobrieftocovereveryfactor,situation,ordifferenceinbuildings,
infrastructure,orotherenvironmentalfeaturesthatmightbeofinterest.Tohelpyouexplore
yourinterestfurther,additionalsourcesofinformationhavebeenincluded.
Theguidehasbeendesignedtohelpthecitizensofthisnationlearnhowtoprotectthemselves
andtheirfamiliesagainstalltypesofhazards.Itcanbeusedasareferencesourceorasastepby
stepmanual.Thefocusofthecontentisonhowtodevelop,practice,andmaintainemergency
plansthatreflectwhatmustbedonebefore,during,andafteradisastertoprotectpeopleandtheir
property.Alsoincludedisinformationonhowtoassembleadisastersupplieskitthatcontainsthe
food,water,andothersuppliesinsufficientquantityforindividualsandtheirfamiliestosurvive
followingadisasterintheeventtheymustrelyontheirownresources.
AreYou Ready? isjustoneofmanyresourcestheDepartmentofHomelandSecurityprovides
thecitizensofthisnationtohelpthembepreparedagainstalltypesofhazards.TheDepartment
ofHomelandSecuritysReadyCampaignseekstohelpAmericabebetterpreparedforeven
unlikelyemergencyscenarios.Informationonhowthepubliccanbereadyincaseofanational
emergencyincludingapossibleterrorismattackinvolvingbiological,chemical,orradiological
weaponscanbefoundbyloggingontotheDepartmentofHomelandSecurityswebsite,
www.ready.gov,orbycalling1800BEREADYforprintedinformation.
1
2

CERT

Followingadisaster,communitymembersmaybeontheirownforaperiodoftimebecauseof
thesizeoftheareaaffected,lostcommunications,andimpassableroads.
TheCommunityEmergencyResponseTeam(CERT)programsupportslocalresponse
capabilitybytrainingvolunteerstoorganizethemselvesandspontaneousvolunteersatthe
disastersite,toprovideimmediateassistancetovictims,andtocollectdisasterintelligenceto
supportresponderseffortswhentheyarrive.
Intheclassroom,participantslearnaboutthehazardstheyfaceandwaystoprepareforthem.
CERTmembersaretaughtbasicorganizationalskillsthattheycanusetohelpthemselves,their
lovedones,andtheirneighborsuntilhelparrives.
Localgovernment,oroneofitsrepresentatives,sponsorCERTtraininginthecommunity.
Trainingconsistsof20hoursofinstructionontopicsthatincludedisasterpreparedness,fire
safety,disastermedicaloperations,lightsearchandrescue,teamorganization,anddisaster
psychology.Uponcompletionofthetraining,participantsareencouragedtocontinuetheir
involvementbyparticipatingintrainingactivitiesandvolunteeringforprojectsthatsupporttheir

communitysdisasterpreparednessefforts.
ForadditionalinformationonCERT,visittraining.fema.gov/EMIWeb/CERTorcontactyour
localCitizenCorpsCouncil.

Citizen Corps

CitizenCorpsprovidesopportunitiesforpeopleacrossthecountrytoparticipateinarangeof
measurestomaketheirfamilies,theirhomes,andtheircommunitiessaferfromthethreatsof
crime,terrorism,publichealthissues,anddisastersofallkinds.Throughpubliceducation,
trainingopportunities,andvolunteerprograms,everyAmericancandotheirparttobebetter
preparedandbetterprotectedandtohelptheircommunitiesdothesame.
CitizenCorpsismanagedatthelocallevelbyCitizenCorpsCouncils,whichbringtogether
leadersfromlawenforcement,fire,emergencymedicalandotheremergencymanagement,
volunteerorganizations,localelectedofficials,theprivatesector,
andothercommunitystakeholders.TheseCitizenCorpsCouncilswillorganizepubliceducationon
disastermitigationandpreparedness,citizentraining,andvolunteerprogramstogivepeopleof
allagesandbackgroundstheopportunitytosupporttheircommunitysemergencyservicesandto
safeguardthemselvesandtheirproperty.
ByparticipatinginCitizenCorpsprograms,youcanmakeyourhome,yourneighborhoodand
yourcommunityasaferplacetolive.Tofindoutmore,pleasevisittheCitizenCorpsWebsite,
www.citizencorps.gov orvisitwww.fema.gov.
ActivitiesunderCitizenCorpsincludeexistingandnewfederallysponsoredprograms
administeredbytheDepartmentofJustice(NeighborhoodWatchandVolunteersinPolice
Service),FEMA(CommunityEmergencyResponseTeamsCERT),andDepartmentofHealth
andHumanServices(MedicalReserveCorps),aswell
asotheractivitiesthroughCitizenCorpsaffiliateprogramsthatsharethecommongoalof
communityandfamilysafety.
3
4

Certificate of Completion

Asanoption,creditcanbeprovidedtothosewhosuccessfullycompletetheentireguideand
scoreatleast75percentonafinalexamination.Totakethefinalexamination,logonto
training.fema.gov/emiweb/ishome.htmandfollowthelinksforAreYou Ready? An In-depth
Guide to Citizen Preparedness IS-22. Thosewhopasstheexaminationcanexpecttoreceive
acertificateofcompletionwithintwoweeksfromthedatetheexaminationisreceivedatFEMA.
QuestionsaboutthisoptionshouldbedirectedtotheFEMAIndependentStudyProgramby
calling18002382258andaskingfortheIndependentStudyOfficeorwritingto:
FEMAIndependentStudyProgramEmergencyManagementInstitute16825SouthSeton
AvenueEmmitsburg,MD21727

Facilitator Guide

Teachingothersaboutdisasterpreparednessisarewardingexperiencethatresultsfromknowing
youhavehelpedyourfellowcitizensbereadyintheeventadisastershouldstrike.Asatoolto
aidthosewhowanttodeliversuchtraining,FEMAdevelopedaFacilitatorGuidewithan
accompanyingCDROMforusewiththisAre You Ready? guide.Thematerialsareappropriate
foruseintraininggroupssuchasschoolchildren,communityorganizations,scouts,social
groups,andmanyothers.
TheFacilitatorGuideincludesguidelinesonhowtodelivertrainingtovariousaudiences,generic

lessonplansforteachingdisasterpreparedness,andinformationonhowtoobtainotherresources
thatcanbeusedtoaugmentthematerialintheAreYou Ready? guide.TheCDROMcontains
teachingaidssuchaselectronicvisualsthatreflectkeyinformationandhandoutsthatcanbe
printedanddistributedtoreinforcewhatisbeingpresented.ToobtainacopyoftheFacilitator
GuideandCDROM,calltheFEMADistributionCenterat(800)4802520orrequestitby
writingto:
FederalEmergencyManagementAgencyP.O.Box2012Jessup,MD207942012

Table of Contents
Preface ....................................................................................................................1 Why
Prepare ..........................................................................................................7 Part 1 Basic Preparedness
.....................................................................................13
Section 1.1 Getting Informed............................................................................15 Section 1.2
Emergency Planning and Checklists...............................................23 Section 1.3 Assemble a Disaster
Supplies Kit ...................................................31 Section 1.4
Shelter ...........................................................................................37 Section 1.5 Hazard-Specific
Preparedness ........................................................43 Section 1.6 Practicing and Maintaining Your
Plan ............................................45
Part 2 Natural Hazards ..........................................................................................47 Section 2.1
Floods ...........................................................................................49 Section 2.2
Tornadoes .....................................................................................57 Section 2.3
Hurricanes ....................................................................................65 Section 2.4 Thunderstorms and
Lightning ........................................................73 Section 2.5 Winter Storms and Extreme
Cold ..................................................79 Section 2.6 Extreme
Heat ................................................................................85 Section 2.7
Earthquakes ...................................................................................93 Section 2.8
Volcanoes ...................................................................................101 Section 2.9 Landslides and Debris
Flow (Mudslide) .......................................105 Section 2.10
Tsunamis ..................................................................................111 Section 2.11
Fires ..........................................................................................115 Section 2.12
Wildfires ...................................................................................123
Part 3 Technological Hazards ..............................................................................127 Section 3.1
Hazardous Materials Incidents......................................................129 Section 3.2 Household Chemical
Emergencies ...............................................133 Section 3.3 Nuclear Power
Plants...................................................................139
Part 4 Terrorism ..................................................................................................145 Section 4.1 General
Information about Terrorism ...........................................147 Section 4.2
Explosions ...................................................................................151 Section 4.3 Biological
Threats........................................................................155 Section 4.4 Chemical
Threats .........................................................................159 Section 4.5 Nuclear
Blast ...............................................................................163 Section 4.6 Radiological Dispersion
Device (RDD)........................................169 Section 4.7 Homeland Security Advisory
System ........................................... 173
Part 5 Recovering from Disaster ..........................................................................179 Appendix A: Water
Conservation Tips ................................................................191 Appendix B: Disaster Supplies
Checklist.............................................................195 Appendix C: Family Communications
Plan .........................................................201
5
6

AreYouReady? Why Prepare

Therearerealbenefitstobeingprepared.

Beingpreparedcanreducefear,anxiety,andlossesthataccompanydisasters.

Communities,families,andindividualsshouldknowwhattodointheeventofafireandwhere
toseekshelterduringatornado.Theyshouldbereadytoevacuatetheirhomesandtakerefugein
publicsheltersandknowhowtocarefortheirbasicmedicalneeds.

Peoplealsocanreducetheimpactofdisasters(floodproofing,elevatingahomeormoving
ahomeoutofharmsway,andsecuringitemsthatcouldshakelooseinanearthquake)and
sometimesavoidthedangercompletely.
Theneedtoprepareisreal.

Disastersdisrupthundredsofthousandsofliveseveryyear.Eachdisasterhaslasting
effects,bothtopeopleandproperty.

Ifadisasteroccursinyourcommunity,localgovernmentanddisasterrelieforganizations
willtrytohelpyou,butyouneedtobereadyaswell.Localrespondersmaynotbeabletoreach
youimmediately,ortheymayneedtofocustheireffortselsewhere.

Youshouldknowhowtorespondtosevereweatheroranydisasterthatcouldoccurinyour
areahurricanes,earthquakes,extremecold,flooding,orterrorism.

Youshouldalsobereadytobeselfsufficientforatleastthreedays.Thismaymean
providingforyourownshelter,firstaid,food,water,andsanitation.
Usingthisguidemakespreparationpractical.

ThisguidewasdevelopedbytheFederalEmergencyManagementAgency(FEMA),which
istheagencyresponsibleforrespondingtonationaldisastersandforhelpingstateandlocal
governmentsandindividualsprepareforemergencies.Itcontainsstepbystepadviceonhowto
preparefor,respondto,andrecoverfromdisasters.

Usedinconjunctionwithinformationandinstructionsfromlocalemergencymanagement
officesandtheAmericanRedCross,AreYou Ready? willgiveyouwhatyouneedtobe
prepared.

Why Prepare
7
8

Using Are You Ready? to Prepare

Themainreasontousethisguideistohelpprotectyourselfandyourfamilyintheeventofan
emergency.Throughapplyingwhatyouhavelearnedinthisguide,youaretakingthenecessary
stepstobereadywhenaneventoccurs.
Everycitizeninthiscountryispartofanationalemergencymanagementsystemthatisallabout
protectionprotectingpeopleandpropertyfromalltypesofhazards.Thinkofthenational
emergencymanagementsystemasapyramidwithyou,thecitizen,formingthebaseofthe
structure.Atthislevel,youhavearesponsibilitytoprotectyourselfandyourfamilybyknowing
whattodobefore,during,andafteranevent.Someexamplesofwhatyoucandofollow:
Before

Purchaseinsurance,includingfloodinsurance,whichisnot
partofyourhomeownerspolicy. Developplansforwhattodo. Assembleadisaster
supplieskit.
Volunteertohelpothers.
During

Helpothers.
Knowtherisksanddangersigns.
Putyourplanintoaction.

Followtheadviceandguidanceofofficialsinchargeoftheevent.
After
Takestepstopreventorreducefutureloss.
Youwilllearnmoreabouttheseandotheractionsyoushouldtakeasyouprogressthroughthis
guide.

Itissometimesnecessarytoturntootherswithinthelocalcommunityforhelp.Thelocallevelis
thesecondtierofthepyramid,andismadeupofpaidemployeesandvolunteersfromtheprivate
andpublicsectors.Theseindividualsareengagedinpreventingemergenciesfromhappeningand
inbeingpreparedtorespondifsomethingdoesoccur. Mostemergenciesarehandledatthe
locallevel,whichputsatremendousresponsibilityonthecommunityfortakingcareofits
citizens.Amongtheresponsibilitiesfacedbylocalofficialsare:

Identifyinghazardsandassessingpotentialrisktothecommunity.

Enforcingbuildingcodes,zoningordinances,andlandusemanagementprograms.

Coordinatingemergencyplanstoensureaquickandeffectiveresponse. Fightingfires
andrespondingtohazardousmaterialsincidents. Establishingwarningsystems.
Stockingemergencysuppliesandequipment.
Repairdamagedproperty.

Assessingdamageandidentifyingneeds.
Why Prepare AreYouReady?
AreYouReady? Why Prepare

Evacuatingthecommunitytosaferlocations.
Takingcareoftheinjured.
Shelteringthosewhocannotremainintheirhomes.
Aidingrecoveryefforts.
Ifsupportandresourcesareneededbeyondwhatthelocallevelcanprovide,thecommunitycan
requestassistancefromthestate.Thestatemaybeabletoprovidesupplementalresourcessuchas
money,equipment,andpersonneltoclosethegapbetweenwhatisneededandwhatisavailable
atthelocallevel.Thestatealsocoordinatestheplansofthevariousjurisdictionssothatactivities
donotinterfereorconflictwitheachother.Toensurepersonnelknowwhattodoandeffortsare
inagreement,thestatemayofferaprogramthatprovidesjurisdictionstheopportunitytotrain
andexercisetogether.
Atthetopofthepyramidisthefederalgovernment,whichcanprovideresourcestoaugment
stateandlocalefforts.Theseresourcescanbeintheformof:

Publiceducationalmaterials,suchasthisguide,thatcanbeusedtopreparethepublicfor
protectingitselffromhazards.

Financialgrantsforequipment,training,exercises,personnel,andprograms.

Grantsandloanstohelpcommunitiesrespondtoandrecoverfromdisasterssoseverethat
thePresidentoftheUnitedStateshasdeemedthembeyondstateandlocalcapabilities.

Researchfindingsthatcanhelpreducelossesfromdisaster. Technicalassistancetohelp
buildstrongerprograms.
Thenationalemergencymanagementsystemisbuiltonsharedresponsibilitiesandactive
participationatalllevelsofthepyramid.Thewholesystembeginswithyou,thecitizen,andyour
abilitytofollowgoodemergencymanagementpracticeswhetherathome,work,orother
locations.
AreYou Ready? An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness isorganizedtohelpyou
throughtheprocess.BeginbyreadingPart1whichisthecoreoftheguide.Thispartprovides
basicinformationthatiscommontoallhazardsonhowtocreateandmaintainanemergencyplan
anddisastersupplieskit.
Part1:BasicPreparedness

Aseriesofworksheetstohelpyouobtaininformationfromthecommunitythatwillform
thefoundationofyourplan.Youwillneedtofindoutabouthazardsthatthreatenthecommunity,
howthepopulationwillbewarned,evacuationroutestobeusedintimesofdisaster,andthe
emergencyplansofthecommunityandothersthatwillimpactyourplan.

Guidanceonspecificcontentthatyouandyourfamilywillneedtodevelopandincludein
yourplanonhowtoescapefromyourresidence,communicatewithoneanotherduringtimesof

disaster,shutoffhouseholdutilities,insureagainstfinancialloss,acquirebasicsafetyskills,
addressspecialneedssuchasdisabilities,takecareofanimals,andseekshelter.
9
10

Checklistsofitemstoconsiderincludinginyourdisastersupplieskitthatwillmeetyour
familysneedsfollowingadisasterwhetheryouareathomeoratotherlocations.
Part1isalsothegatewaytothespecifichazardsandrecoveryinformationcontainedinParts2,
3,4,and5.Informationfromthesesectionsshouldbereadcarefullyandintegratedinyour
emergencyplananddisastersupplieskitbasedonthehazardsthatposeathreattoyouandyour
family.
Part2:NaturalHazards
FloodsHurricanes ThunderstormsandlightningTornadoes Winterstormsandextreme
cold ExtremeheatEarthquakesVolcanoes LandslidesanddebrisflowTsunamisFires
Wildfires
Part3:TechnologicalHazards

HazardousmaterialsincidentsHouseholdchemicalemergencies Nuclearpowerplant
emergencies
Part4:Terrorism
Explosions
Biologicalthreats
Chemicalthreats Nuclearblasts Radiological
dispersiondeviceevents
Part5:RecoveringfromDisaster

Healthandsafetyguidelines Returninghome Seekingdisasterassistance

Coping
withdisaster

Helpingothers
Why Prepare AreYouReady?
AreYouReady? Why Prepare

References

Asyouworkthroughindividualsections,youwillseereferencepoints.Theseareremindersto
refertoprevioussectionsforrelatedinformationonthetopicbeingdiscussed.
ThroughouttheguidearelistsofpublicationsavailablefromFEMAthatcanhelpyoulearnmore
aboutthetopicscovered.Toobtainthesepublications,calltheFEMADistributionCenterat1
8004802520orrequestthembymailfrom:
FederalEmergencyManagementAgencyP.O.Box2012Jessup,MD207942012
Otherpublicationscitedthroughoutthisguidecanbeobtainedbycontactingtheorganizations
below:
AmericanRedCrossNationalHeadquarters2025EStreet,NWWashington,DC20006Phone:
(202)3034498www.redcross.org/pubs/dspubs/cde.html
NationalWeatherService1325EastWestHighway
SilverSpring,MD20910www.nws.noaa.gov/education.html
CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention1600CliftonRd,Atlanta,GA30333,U.S.APublic
Inquiries:(404)6393534/(800)3113435www.cdc.gov
U.S.GeologicalSurveyInformationServicesP.O.Box25286Denver,CO80225
1(888)2758747www.usgs.gov
FEMA Publications
Other Publications
11

Why Prepare

AreYouReady?

Disaster Public Education Web sites

Youcanbroadenyourknowledgeofdisasterpreparednesstopicspresentedinthisguideby
reviewinginformationprovidedatvariousgovernmentandnongovernmentWebsites.
Providedbelowisalistofrecommendedsites.TheWebaddressforeachsitereflectsitshome
address.Searchesconductedfromeachhomesitespageresultinthemostcurrentandextensive
listofavailablematerialforthesite.
Government Sites
BeReadyCampaign
www.ready.gov
AgencyforToxicSubstancesandDiseaseRegistry
www.atsdr.cdc.gov
CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention
www.cdc.gov
CitizenCorps
www.citizencorps.gov
DepartmentofCommerce
www.doc.gov
DepartmentofEducation
www.ed.gov
DepartmentofEnergy
www.energy.gov
DepartmentofHealthandHumanServices
www.hhs.gov/disasters
DepartmentofHomelandSecurity
www.dhs.gov
DepartmentofInterior
www.doi.gov
DepartmentofJustice
www.justice.gov
EnvironmentalProtectionAgency
www.epa.gov
FederalEmergencyManagementAgency
www.fema.gov
FoodandDrugAdministration
www.fda.gov
NationalOceanicandAtmosphericAdministration
www.noaa.gov
NationalWeatherService
www.nws.noaa.gov
NuclearRegulatoryCommission
www.nrc.gov
TheCriticalInfrastructureAssuranceOffice
www.ciao.gov
TheWhiteHouse
www.whitehouse.gov/response
U.S.DepartmentofAgriculture
www.usda.gov

U.S.FireAdministration
www.usfa.fema.gov
U.S.FireAdministrationKidsPage
www.usfa.fema.gov/kids
U.S.GeologicalSurvey
www.usgs.gov
U.S.OfficeofPersonnelManagement
www.opm.gov/emergency
U.S.PostalService
www.usps.gov
USDAForestServiceSouthernResearchStation
www.wildfireprograms.com
Non-government Sites
AmericanRedCross
www.redcross.org
InstituteforBusinessandHomeSafety
www.ibhs.org
NationalFireProtectionAssociation
www.nfpa.org
NationalMassFatalitiesInstitute
www.nmfi.org
NationalSafetyCompliance
www.oshasafetytraining.net
TheMiddleEastSeismologicalForum
www.meieisforum.net
ThePanAmericanHealthOrganization
www.disasterinfo.net/SUMA
12

Basic
Preparedness
1

Inthispartoftheguide,youwilllearnpreparednessstrategiesthatarecommontoalldisasters.
Youplanonlyonce,andareabletoapplyyourplantoalltypesofhazards.
WhenyoucompletePart1,youwillbeableto: Getinformedabouthazardsandemergencies
thatmayaffectyouandyour
family.
Developanemergencyplan. Collectandassembledisastersupplieskit. Learn
wheretoseekshelterfromalltypesofhazards. Identifythecommunitywarningsystemsand
evacuationroutes.
Includeinyourplanrequiredinformationfromcommunityandschool
plans.
Learnwhattodoforspecifichazards.
Practiceandmaintainyourplan.
13
14

1.1 Getting
Informed
15

1.1

Getting Informed
AreYouReady?
Learnaboutthehazardsthatmaystrikeyourcommunity,therisksyoufacefromthesehazards,
andyourcommunitysplansforwarningandevacuation.Youcanobtainthisinformationfrom
yourlocalemergencymanagementofficeoryourlocalchapteroftheAmericanRedCross.Space
hasbeenprovidedheretorecordyouranswers.

Hazards

Asklocalauthoritiesabouteachpossiblehazardoremergencyandusetheworksheetthat
followstorecordyourfindingsandsuggestionsforreducingyourfamilysrisk.
Possible Hazards and Emergencies
Risk Level (None, Low, Moderate, or High)
How can I reduce my risk?

Natural Hazards
1.Floods
2.Hurricanes
3.
ThunderstormsandLightning
4.Tornadoes
5.
WinterStormsandExtremeCold
6.
ExtremeHeat
7.Earthquakes
8.Volcanoes
9.
LandslidesandDebrisFlow
10.Tsunamis
11.Fires
12.Wildfires
16

AreYouReady? Getting Informed

1.1
Technological Hazards
1.
HazardousMaterialsIncidents
2.
NuclearPowerPlants
Terrorism
1.Explosions
2.
BiologicalThreats
3.
ChemicalThreats
4.
NuclearBlasts
5.
RadiologicalDispersionDevice(RDD)
YoualsocanconsultFEMAforhazardmapsforyourarea.Gotowww.fema.gov,selectmaps,
andfollowthedirections.Nationalhazardmapshavebeenincludedwitheachnaturalhazardin
Part2ofthisguide.
17

Basic Preparedness
1.1 Getting Informed

AreYouReady?

Warning Systems and Signals

TheEmergencyAlertSystem(EAS)canaddresstheentirenationonveryshortnoticeincaseof
agravethreatornationalemergency.AskifyourlocalradioandTVstationsparticipateinthe
EAS.
NationalOceanic&AtmosphericAdministration(NOAA)WeatherRadio(NWR)isa
nationwidenetworkofradiostationsbroadcastingcontinuousweatherinformationdirectlyfrom
anearbyNationalWeatherServiceofficetospeciallyconfiguredNOAAweatherradioreceivers.
DetermineifNOAAWeatherRadioisavailablewhereyoulive.Ifso,considerpurchasinga
NOAAweatherradioreceiver.
Asklocalauthoritiesaboutmethodsusedtowarnyourcommunity.
Warning System
What should we do?
EAS
NOAAWeatherRadio
18

AreYouReady? Getting Informed

1.1

Evacuating Yourself and Your Family

Whencommunityevacuationsbecomenecessary,localofficialsprovideinformationtothe
publicthroughthemedia.Insomecircumstances,otherwarningmethods,suchassirensor
telephonecalls,alsoareused.Additionally,theremaybecircumstancesunderwhichyouand
yourfamilyfeelthreatenedorendangeredandyouneedtoleaveyourhome,school,orworkplace
toavoidthesesituations.
Theamountoftimeyouhavetoleavewilldependonthehazard.Iftheeventisaweather
condition,suchasahurricanethatcanbemonitored,youmighthaveadayortwotogetready.
However,manydisastersallownotimeforpeopletogathereventhemostbasicnecessities,
whichiswhyplanningaheadisessential.
Evacuation: More Common than You Realize
Evacuationsaremorecommonthanmanypeoplerealize.Hundredsoftimeseachyear,
transportationandindustrialaccidentsreleaseharmfulsubstances,forcingthousandsofpeopleto
leavetheirhomes.Firesandfloodscauseevacuationsevenmorefrequently.Almosteveryyear,
peoplealongtheGulfandAtlanticcoastsevacuateinthefaceofapproachinghurricanes.
Asklocalauthoritiesaboutemergencyevacuationroutes.Recordyourspecificevacuationroute
directionsinthespaceprovided.
Isthereamapavailablewithevacuationroutesmarked? Yes No
19

Basic Preparedness
1.1 Getting Informed AreYouReady?
Evacuation Guidelines
AAlways:
IIf time permits:
KKeepafulltankofgasinyourcarifanevacuationseemslikely.Gasstationsmaybeclosed
duringemergenciesandunabletopumpgasduringpoweroutages.Plantotakeonecarper
familytoreducecongestionanddelay.
GGatheryourdisastersupplieskit.

MMaketransportationarrangementswithfriendsoryourlocalgovernmentifyoudonotowna
car.
WWearsturdyshoesandclothingthatprovidessomeprotection,suchaslongpants,longsleeved
shirts,andacap.
LListentoabatterypoweredradioandfollowlocalevacuationinstructions.
SSecureyourhome: Closeandlockdoorsand
windows. Unplugelectricalequipment,
suchasradiosandtelevisions,andsmallappliances,suchastoastersandmicrowaves.Leave
freezersandrefrigeratorspluggedinunlessthereisariskofflooding.
GGatheryourfamilyandgoifyouareinstructedtoevacuateimmediately.
LLetothersknowwhereyouaregoing.
LLeaveearlyenoughtoavoidbeingtrappedbysevereweather.
FFollowrecommendedevacuationroutes.Donottakeshortcuts;theymaybeblocked.
BBealertforwashedoutroadsandbridges.Donotdriveintofloodedareas.
SStayawayfromdownedpowerlines.
220

AreYouReady? Getting Informed

1.1

Community and Other Plans

Asklocalofficialsthefollowingquestionsaboutyourcommunitysdisaster/emergencyplans.
Doesmycommunityhaveaplan?CanIobtainacopy?
Whatdoestheplancontain?
Howoftenisitupdated?WhatshouldIknowabouttheplan?
Whathazardsdoesitcover?
YYes NoYes
No
IInadditiontofindingoutaboutyourcommunitysplan,itisimportantthatyouknowwhatplans
areinplaceforyourworkplaceandyourchildrensschoolordaycarecenter.
1.Askyouremployeraboutworkplacepoliciesregardingdisastersandemergencies,including
understandinghowyouwillbeprovidedemergencyandwarninginformation.
2.Contactyourchildrensschoolordaycarecentertodiscusstheirdisasterprocedures.

School Emergency Plans

Knowyourchildrensschoolemergencyplan:

AAskhowtheschoolwillcommunicatewithfamiliesduringacrisis.Askiftheschoolstores
adequatefood,water,andotherbasicsupplies.
Findoutiftheschoolispreparedtoshelterinplaceifneedbe,andwheretheyplantogoifthey
mustgetaway.
IIncaseswhereschoolsinstituteprocedurestoshelterinplace,youmaynotbepermittedtodrive
totheschooltopickupyourchildren.Evenifyougototheschool,thedoorswilllikelybe
lockedtokeepyourchildrensafe.Monitorlocalmediaoutletsforannouncementsaboutchanges
inschoolopeningsandclosings,andfollowthedirectionsoflocalemergencyofficials.
Formoreinformationondevelopingemergencypreparednessplansforschools,pleaselogonto
theU.S.DepartmentofEducationatwww.ed.gov/emergencyplan.
221

Basic Preparedness

Workplace Plans

Ifyouareanemployer,makesureyourworkplacehasabuildingevacuationplanthatisregularly
practiced.

Takeacriticallookatyourheating,ventilationandairconditioningsystemtodetermineif
itissecureorifitcouldfeasiblybeupgradedtobetterfilterpotentialcontaminants,andbesure
youknowhowtoturnitoffifyouneedto.

Thinkaboutwhattodoifyouremployeescantgohome.
Makesureyouhave
appropriatesuppliesonhand.
22

1.1

Getting Informed

AreYouReady?

1.2 Emergency
Planning
and Checklists
1.2

Emergency Planning and Checklists

AreYouReady?
Where to Meet
Nowthatyouvelearnedaboutwhatcanhappenandhowyourcommunityispreparedto
respondtoemergencies,prepareyourfamilybycreatingafamilydisasterplan.Youcanbegin
thisprocessbygatheringfamilymembersandreviewingtheinformationyouobtainedinSection
1.1(hazards,warningsystems,evacuationroutesandcommunityandotherplans).Discusswith
themwhatyouwoulddoiffamilymembersarenothomewhenawarningisissued.Additionally,
yourfamilyplanshouldaddressthefollowing:
Escaperoutes.Familycommunications. Utilityshutoffandsafety.
Insuranceandvital
records.Specialneeds.Caringforanimals.SafteySkills
Informationonthesefamilyplanningconsiderationsarecoveredinthefollowingsections.

Escape Routes

Drawafloorplanofyourhome.Useablanksheetofpaperforeachfloor.Marktwoescape
routesfromeachroom.Makesurechildrenunderstandthedrawings.Postacopyofthedrawings
ateyelevelineachchildsroom.
Establishaplacetomeetintheeventofanemergency,suchasafire.Recordthelocationsbelow:
Where to meet..Near the home
For example, the next door neighbors telephone pole
Outside the immediate area
For example, the neighborhood grocery store parking lot
24

AreYouReady? Emergency Planning and Checklists

Family Communications

1.2

Yourfamilymaynotbetogetherwhendisasterstrikes,soplanhowyouwillcontactone
another.Thinkabouthowyouwillcommunicateindifferentsituations.
Completeacontactcardforeachfamilymember.Havefamilymemberskeepthesecardshandy
inawallet,purse,backpack,etc.Youmaywanttosendonetoschoolwitheachchildtokeepon
file.Pickafriendorrelativewholivesoutofstateforhouseholdmemberstonotifytheyaresafe.
Belowisasamplecontactcard.CopiestofilloutcanbefoundinAppendixC.AlsoinAppendix
CisamoredetailedFamilyCommunicationsPlanwhichshouldbecompletedandpostedsothe
contactinformationisreadilyaccessibletoallfamilymembers.Acopyshouldalsobeincluded
inyourfamilydisastersupplieskit.

Utility Shut-off and Safety

Intheeventofadisaster,youmaybeinstructedtoshutofftheutilityserviceatyourhome.
Belowissomegeneralguidanceforshuttingoffutilityservice:
Modifytheinformationprovidedtoreflectyourshutoffrequirementsasdirectedbyyourutility
company(ies).
25

Basic Preparedness
1.2 Emergency Planning and Checklists
AreYouReady?
Natural Gas
Water
Naturalgasleaksandexplosionsareresponsibleforasignificantnumberoffiresfollowing
disasters.Itisvitalthatallhouseholdmembersknowhowtoshutoffnaturalgas.
Becausetherearedifferentgasshutoffproceduresfordifferentgasmeterconfigurations,itis
importanttocontactyourlocalgascompanyforguidanceonpreparationandresponseregarding
gasappliancesandgasservicetoyourhome.
Whenyoulearnthepropershutoffprocedureforyourmeter,sharetheinformationwith
everyoneinyourhousehold.Besurenottoactuallyturnoffthegaswhenpracticingtheproper
gasshutoffprocedure.
Ifyousmellgasorhearablowingorhissingnoise,openawindowandgeteveryoneout
quickly.Turnoffthegas,usingtheoutsidemainvalveifyoucan,andcallthegascompanyfrom
aneighborshome.
Waterquicklybecomesapreciousresourcefollowingmanydisasters.Itisvitalthatallhousehold
memberslearnhowtoshutoffthewateratthemainhousevalve.

Crackedlinesmaypollutethewatersupplytoyourhouse.Itiswisetoshutoffyourwater
untilyouhearfromauthoritiesthatitissafefordrinking.

Theeffectsofgravitymaydrainthewaterinyourhotwaterheaterandtoilettanksunless
youtrapitinyourhousebyshuttingoffthemainhousevalve(notthestreetvalveinthecement
boxatthecurbthisvalveisextremelydifficulttoturnandrequiresaspecialtool).
PreparingtoShutOffWater

Locatetheshutoffvalveforthewaterlinethatentersyourhouse.Itmaylooklikethis:

Makesurethisvalvecanbecompletelyshutoff.Yourvalvemayberustedopen,oritmay
onlypartiallyclose.Replaceitifnecessary.
CAUTIONIfyouturnoffthegasforanyreason,aqualifiedprofessionalmustturnitbackon.
NEVERattempttoturnthegasbackonyourself.
26

AreYouReady? Emergency Planning and Checklists

1.2

Labelthisvalvewithatagforeasyidentification,andmakesureallhouseholdmembers
knowwhereitislocated.

Electricalsparkshavethepotentialofignitingnaturalgasifitisleaking.Itiswisetoteachall
responsiblehouseholdmemberswhereandhowtoshutofftheelectricity.
PreparingtoShutOffElectricity

Locateyourelectricitycircuitbox.

Teachallresponsiblehouseholdmembershowtoshutofftheelectricitytotheentirehouse.

Insurance and Vital Records

Obtainproperty,health,andlifeinsuranceifyoudonothavethem.Reviewexistingpoliciesfor
theamountandextentofcoveragetoensurethatwhatyouhaveinplaceiswhatisrequiredfor
youandyourfamilyforallpossiblehazards.
Flood Insurance

Ifyouliveinafloodpronearea,considerpurchasingfloodinsurancetoreduceyour
riskoffloodloss.Buyingfloodinsurancetocoverthevalueofabuildinganditscontents
willnotonlyprovidegreaterpeaceofmind,butwillspeedtherecoveryifafloodoccurs.
Youcancall1(888)FLOOD29tolearnmoreaboutfloodinsurance.
Electricity
FORYOURSAFETY:Alwaysshutoffalltheindividualcircuitsbeforeshuttingoffthemain
circuitbreaker.
27

Basic Preparedness
1.2 Emergency Planning and Checklists
AreYouReady?
Inventory Home Possessions
Important Documents
Money
Planning for Special Needs
Makearecordofyourpersonalproperty,forinsurancepurposes.Takephotosoravideoofthe
interiorandexteriorofyourhome.Includepersonalbelongingsinyourinventory.
YoumayalsowanttodownloadthefreeHousehold and Personal Property Inven- tory Book
fromtheUniversityofIllinoisatwww.ag.uiuc.edu/~vista/abstracts/ahouseinv.htmltohelpyou
recordyourpossessions.
Storeimportantdocumentssuchasinsurancepolicies,deeds,propertyrecords,andother
importantpapersinasafeplace,suchasasafetydepositboxawayfromyourhome.Makecopies
ofimportantdocumentsforyourdisastersupplieskit.(Informationaboutthedisastersupplieskit
iscoveredlater.)
Considersavingmoneyinanemergencysavingsaccountthatcouldbeusedinanycrisis.Itis
advisabletokeepasmallamountofcashortravelerschecksathomeinasafeplacewhereyou
canquicklyaccessthemincaseofevacuation.

Special Needs

Ifyouorsomeoneclosetoyouhasadisabilityoraspecialneed,youmayhavetotakeadditional
stepstoprotectyourselfandyourfamilyinanemergency.
Ifyouhavespecialneeds:

Findoutaboutspecialassistancethatmaybeavailableinyourcommunity.Registerwith
theofficeofemergencyservicesorthelocalfiredepartmentforassistancesoneededhelpcanbe
provided.
Disability/Special Need
Additional Steps
Hearingimpaired

Mayneedtomakespecialarrangementstoreceivewarnings.
Mobilityimpaired
Mayneedspecialassistancetogettoashelter.
Singleworkingparent
Mayneedhelptoplanfordisastersandemergencies.
NonEnglishspeakingpersons
Mayneedassistanceplanningforandrespondingtoemergencies.Communityandcultural
groupsmaybeabletohelpkeeppeopleinformed.
Peoplewithoutvehicles
Mayneedtomakearrangementsfortransportation.
Peoplewithspecialdietaryneeds
Shouldtakespecialprecautionstohaveanadequateemergencyfoodsupply.
28

AreYouReady? Emergency Planning and Checklists

1.2

Createanetworkofneighbors,relatives,friends,andcoworkerstoaidyouinan
emergency.Discussyourneedsandmakesureeveryoneknowshowtooperatenecessary
equipment.

Discussyourneedswithyouremployer.

Ifyouaremobilityimpairedandliveorworkinahighrisebuilding,haveanescapechair.

Ifyouliveinanapartmentbuilding,askthemanagementtomarkaccessibleexitsclearly
andtomakearrangementstohelpyouleavethebuilding.

Keepspecializeditemsready,includingextrawheelchairbatteries,oxygen,catheters,
medication,foodforserviceanimals,andanyotheritemsyoumightneed.

Besuretomakeprovisionsformedicationsthatrequirerefrigeration.
Keepalistof
thetypeandmodelnumbersofthemedicaldevicesyourequire.

Caring for Animals

Animalsalsoareaffectedbydisasters.Usetheguidelinesbelowtoprepareaplanforcaringfor
petsandlargeanimals.
Planforpetdisasterneedsby:Identifyingshelter.
Gatheringpetsupplies.
EnsuringyourpethasproperIDanduptodateveterinarianrecords.
Providingapet
carrierandleash.
Takethefollowingstepstopreparetoshelteryourpet:

Callyourlocalemergencymanagementoffice,animalshelter,oranimalcontrolofficeto
getadviceandinformation.

Keepveterinaryrecordstoprovevaccinationsarecurrent.

Findoutwhichlocalhotelsandmotelsallowpetsandwherepetboardingfacilitiesare
located.Besuretoresearchsomeoutsideyourlocalareaincaselocalfacilitiesclose.

Knowthat,withtheexceptionofserviceanimals,petsarenottypicallypermittedin
emergencysheltersastheymayaffectthehealthandsafetyofotheroccupants.
Guidelines for Pets
29

Basic Preparedness
Guidelines for Large Animals
Learn First Aid and CPR
Learn How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Ifyouhavelargeanimalssuchashorses,cattle,sheep,goats,orpigsonyourproperty,besure
topreparebeforeadisaster.
Usethefollowingguidelines:

1.Ensureallanimalshavesomeformofidentification.
2.Evacuateanimalswheneverpossible.Mapoutprimaryandsecondaryroutesinadvance.
3.Makeavailablevehiclesandtrailersneededfortransportingandsupportingeachtypeof
animal.Alsomakeavailableexperiencedhandlersanddrivers.
Note:Itisbesttoallowanimalsachancetobecomeaccustomedtovehiculartravelsotheyare
lessfrightenedandeasiertomove.
4.Ensuredestinationshavefood,water,veterinarycare,andhandlingequipment.
5.Ifevacuationisnotpossible,animalownersmustdecidewhethertomovelargeanimalsto
shelterorturnthemoutside.

Safety Skills

ItisimportantthatfamilymembersknowhowtoadministerfirstaidandCPRandhowtousea
fireextinguisher.
TakeafirstaidandCPRclass.LocalAmericanRedCrosschapterscanprovideinformation
aboutthistypeoftraining.OfficialcertificationbytheAmericanRedCrossprovides,underthe
goodSamaritanlaw,protectionforthosegivingfirstaid.
Besureeveryoneknowshowtouseyourfireextinguisher(s)andwhereitiskept.Youshould
have,ataminimum,anABCtype.
30

1.2

Emergency Planning and Checklists

AreYouReady?

1.3 Assemble a
Disaster
Supplies Kit
1.3

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit AreYouReady?

Youmayneedtosurviveonyourownafteradisaster.Thismeanshavingyourownfood,water,
andothersuppliesinsufficientquantitytolastforatleastthreedays.Localofficialsandrelief
workerswillbeonthesceneafteradisaster,buttheycannotreacheveryoneimmediately.You
couldgethelpinhours,oritmighttakedays.
Basicservicessuchaselectricity,gas,water,sewagetreatment,andtelephonesmaybecutofffor
days,orevenaweekorlonger.Or,youmayhavetoevacuateatamomentsnoticeandtake
essentialswithyou.Youprobablywillnothavetheopportunitytoshoporsearchforthe
suppliesyouneed.
Adisastersupplieskitisacollectionofbasicitemsthatmembersofahouseholdmayneedinthe
eventofadisaster.

Kit Locations

Sinceyoudonotknowwhereyouwillbewhenanemergencyoccurs,preparesuppliesforhome,
work,andvehicles.

Home
Work
Car
Yourdisastersupplieskitshouldcontainessentialfood,water,andsuppliesforatleastthree
days.
Keepthiskitinadesignatedplaceandhaveitreadyincaseyouhavetoleaveyourhome
quickly.Makesureallfamilymembersknowwherethekitiskept.
Additionally,youmaywanttoconsiderhavingsuppliesforshelteringforuptotwoweeks.
Thiskitshouldbeinonecontainer,andreadytograbandgoincaseyouareevacuatedfrom
yourworkplace.
Makesureyouhavefoodandwaterinthekit.Also,besuretohavecomfortablewalkingshoes
atyourworkplaceincaseanevacuationrequireswalkinglongdistances.
Incaseyouarestranded,keepakitofemergencysuppliesinyourcar.
Thiskitshouldcontainfood,water,firstaidsupplies,flares,jumpercables,andseasonalsupplies.
32

AreYouReady? Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit

Water

1.3

Youshouldstoreatleastonegallonofwaterperpersonperday.Anormallyactivepersonneeds
atleastonehalfgallonofwaterdailyjustfordrinking.
Additionally,indeterminingadequatequantities,takethefollowingintoaccount:

Individualneedsvary,dependingonage,physicalcondition,activity,diet,andclimate.

Children,nursingmothers,andillpeopleneedmorewater. Veryhottemperaturescan
doubletheamountofwaterneeded. Amedicalemergencymightrequireadditionalwater.
Topreparesafestandmostreliableemergencysupplyofwater,itisrecommendedyoupurchase
commerciallybottledwater.Keepbottledwaterinitsoriginalcontaineranddonotopenituntil
youneedtouseit.
Observetheexpirationorusebydate.
Itisrecommendedyoupurchasefoodgradewaterstoragecontainersfromsurplusorcamping
suppliesstorestouseforwaterstorage.Beforefillingwithwater,thoroughlycleanthecontainers
withdishwashingsoapandwater,andrinsecompletelysothereisnoresidualsoap.Follow
directionsbelowonfillingthecontainerwithwater.
Ifyouchoosetouseyourownstoragecontainers,choosetwoliterplasticsoftdrinkbottlesnot
plasticjugsorcardboardcontainersthathavehadmilkorfruitjuiceinthem.Milkproteinand
fruitsugarscannotbeadequatelyremovedfromthesecontainersandprovideanenvironmentfor
bacterialgrowthwhenwaterisstoredinthem.Cardboardcontainersalsoleakeasilyandarenot
designedforlongtermstorageofliquids.Also,donotuseglasscontainers,becausetheycan
breakandareheavy.
Thoroughlycleanthebottleswithdishwashingsoapandwater,andrinsecompletelysothereis
noresidualsoap.
Sanitizethebottlesbyaddingasolutionof1teaspoonofnonscentedliquidhouseholdchlorine
bleachtoaquartofwater.Swishthesanitizingsolutioninthebottlesothatittouchesallsurfaces.
Aftersanitizingthebottle,thoroughlyrinseoutthesanitizingsolutionwithcleanwater.
How Much Water do I Need?
How Should I Store Water?
If you are preparing your own containers of water
If storing water in plastic soda bottles, follow these steps
Filling water containers
33

Basic Preparedness
34

1.3

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit AreYouReady?

Fillthebottletothetopwithregulartapwater.Ifthetapwaterhasbeencommerciallytreated
fromawaterutilitywithchlorine,youdonotneedtoaddanythingelsetothewatertokeepit
clean.Ifthewateryouareusingcomesfromawellorwatersourcethatisnottreatedwith
chlorine,addtwodropsofnonscentedliquidhouseholdchlorinebleachtothewater.
Tightlyclosethecontainerusingtheoriginalcap.Becarefulnottocontaminatethecapby
touchingtheinsideofitwithyourfinger.Placeadateontheoutsideofthecontainersothatyou
knowwhenyoufilledit.Storeinacool,darkplace.
Replacethewatereverysixmonthsifnotusingcommerciallybottledwater.

Food

Thefollowingarethingstoconsiderwhenputtingtogetheryourfoodsupplies:

Avoidfoodsthatwillmakeyouthirsty.Choosesaltfreecrackers,wholegraincereals,and
cannedfoodswithhighliquidcontent.

Stockcannedfoods,drymixes,andotherstaplesthatdonotrequirerefrigeration,
cooking,water,orspecialpreparation.Youmayalreadyhavemanyoftheseonhand.Note:Be
suretoincludeamanualcanopener.

Includespecialdietaryneeds.
AreYouReady? Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit

1.3

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

Thefollowingitemsarerecommendedforinclusioninyourbasicdisastersupplieskit:

Threedaysupplyofnonperishablefood.

Threedaysupplyofwateronegallonofwaterperperson,perday.

Portable,batterypoweredradioortelevisionandextrabatteries.

Flashlightandextrabatteries.

Firstaidkitandmanual.

Sanitationandhygieneitems(moisttowelettesandtoiletpaper).

Matchesandwaterproofcontainer.
Whistle.
Extraclothing.

Kitchenaccessoriesandcookingutensils,includingacanopener.

Photocopiesofcreditandidentificationcards.
Cashandcoins.

Specialneedsitems,suchasprescriptionmedications,eyeglasses,contactlenssolutions,
andhearingaidbatteries.

Itemsforinfants,suchasformula,diapers,bottles,andpacifiers.
Otheritemstomeet
youruniquefamilyneeds.
Ifyouliveinacoldclimate,youmustthinkaboutwarmth.Itispossiblethatyouwillnothave
heat.Thinkaboutyourclothingandbeddingsupplies.Besuretoincludeonecompletechangeof
clothingandshoesperperson,including:

Jacketorcoat.Longpants. Longsleeveshirt.Sturdyshoes.
Hat,mittens,and
scarf.
Sleepingbagorwarmblanket(perperson).
Besuretoaccountforgrowingchildrenandotherfamilychanges.SeeAppendixBforadetailed
checklistofdisastersupplies.Youmaywanttoaddsomeoftheitemslistedtoyourbasicdisaster
supplieskitdependingonthespecificneedsofyourfamily.

35

Basic Preparedness
36

1.3

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit

AreYouReady?

Maintaining Your Disaster Supplies

Kit

Justasimportantasputtingyoursuppliestogetherismaintainingthemsotheyaresafetouse
whenneeded.Herearesometipstokeepyoursuppliesreadyandingoodcondition:

Keepcannedfoodsinadryplacewherethetemperatureiscool.

Storeboxedfoodintightlyclosedplasticormetalcontainerstoprotectfrompestsandto
extenditsshelflife.

Throwoutanycannedgoodthatbecomesswollen,dented,orcorroded.

Usefoodsbeforetheygobad,andreplacethemwithfreshsupplies.

Placenewitemsatthebackofthestorageareaandolderonesinthefront.

Changestoredfoodandwatersupplieseverysixmonths.Besuretowritethedateyou
storeitonallcontainers.

Rethinkyourneedseveryyearandupdateyourkitasyourfamilyneedschange.

Keepitemsinairtightplasticbagsandputyourentiredisastersupplieskitinoneortwo
easytocarrycontainers,suchasanunusedtrashcan,campingbackpack,orduffelbag.

1.4 Shelter

Essentials
Takingshelteriscriticalintimesofdisaster.Shelteringisappropriatewhenconditionsrequire
thatyouseekprotectioninyourhome,placeofemployment,orotherlocationwhereyouare
whendisasterstrikes.Shelteringoutsidethehazardareawouldincludestayingwithfriendsand
relatives,seekingcommerciallodging,orstayinginamasscarefacilityoperatedbydisasterrelief
groupsinconjunctionwithlocalauthorities.
Toeffectivelyshelter,youmustfirstconsiderthehazardandthenchooseaplaceinyourhomeor
otherbuildingthatissafeforthathazard.Forexample,foratornado,aroomshouldbeselected
thatisinabasementoraninteriorroomonthelowestlevelawayfromcorners,windows,doors
andoutsidewalls.Becausethesafestlocationstoseeksheltervarybyhazard,shelteringis
discussedinthevarioushazardsections.Thesediscussionsincluderecommendationsforsealing
theshelterifthehazardswarrantsthistypeofprotection.
Eventhoughmasscaresheltersoftenprovidewater,food,medicine,andbasicsanitary
facilities,youshouldplantotakeyourdisastersupplieskitwithyousoyouwillhavethesupplies
yourequire.Masscareshelteringcaninvolvelivingwithmanypeopleinaconfinedspace,which
canbedifficultandunpleasant.Toavoidconflictsinthisstressfulsituation,itisimportantto
cooperatewithsheltermanagersandothersassistingthem.Keepinmindthatalcoholic
beveragesandweaponsareforbiddeninemergencysheltersandsmokingisrestricted.
Thelengthoftimeyouarerequiredtosheltermaybeshort,suchasduringatornadowarning,or
long,suchasduringawinterstorm.Itisimportantthatyoustayinshelteruntillocalauthorities
sayitissafetoleave.
Additionally,youshouldtaketurnslisteningtoradiobroadcastsand
maintaina24hoursafetywatch.
Duringextendedperiodsofsheltering,youwillneedtomanagewaterandfoodsuppliestoensure

youandyourfamilyhavetherequiredsuppliesandquantities.Guidanceonhowtoaccomplish
thisfollows.

Managing Water

1.Allowpeopletodrinkaccordingtotheirneeds.Manypeopleneedevenmorethantheaverage
ofonehalfgallon,perday.Theindividualamountneededdependsonage,physicalactivity,
physicalcondition,andtimeofyear.
38

1.4

Shelter

AreYou

Ready?

AreYou
Ready?
Shelter
1.4
2.
Neverrationwaterunlessorderedtodosobyauthorities.Drinktheamountyouneedtoday
andtrytofindmorefortomorrow.Undernocircumstancesshouldapersondrinklessthanone
quart(fourcups)ofwatereachday.Youcanminimizetheamountofwateryourbodyneedsby
reducingactivityandstayingcool.
3.Drinkwaterthatyouknowisnotcontaminatedfirst.Ifnecessary,suspiciouswater,suchas
cloudywaterfromregularfaucetsorwaterfromstreamsorponds,canbeusedafterithasbeen
treated.Ifwatertreatmentisnotpossible,putoffdrinkingsuspiciouswateraslongaspossible,
butdonotbecomedehydrated.
4.
Donotdrinkcarbonatedbeveragesinsteadofdrinkingwater.Carbonatedbeveragesdonot
meetdrinkingwaterrequirements.Caffeinateddrinksandalcoholdehydratethebody,which
increasestheneedfordrinkingwater.
5.Turnoffthemainwatervalves.Youwillneedtoprotectthewatersourcesalreadyinyour
homefromcontaminationifyouhearreportsofbrokenwaterorsewagelines,oriflocalofficials
adviseyouofaproblem.Toclosetheincomingwatersource,locatetheincomingvalveandturn
ittotheclosedposition.Besureyouandotherfamilymembersknowhowtoperformthis
importantprocedure.

Tousethewaterinyourpipes,letairintotheplumbingbyturningonthefaucetinyour
homeatthehighestlevel.Asmallamountofwaterwilltrickleout.Thenobtainwaterfromthe
lowestfaucetinthehome.

Tousethewaterinyourhotwatertank,besuretheelectricityorgasisoff,andopenthe
drainatthebottomofthetank.Startthewaterflowingbyturningoffthewaterintakevalveatthe
tankandturningonthehotwaterfaucet.Refillthetankbeforeturningthegasorelectricityback
on.Ifthegasisturnedoff,aprofessionalwillbeneededtoturnitbackon.
Review
Section1.2:EmergencyPlanningandChecklists
Water Sources
Safe Sources
Unsafe Sources
Meltedicecubes
Radiators
Waterdrainedfromthewaterheater(ifthewaterheaterhasnotbeendamaged)
Hotwaterboilers(homeheatingsystem)
Liquidsfromcannedgoodssuchasfruitorvegetablejuices
Waterbeds(fungicidesaddedtothewaterorchemicalsinthevinylmaymakewaterunsafeto
use)
Waterdrainedfrompipes
Waterfromthetoiletbowlorflushtank
Swimmingpoolsandspas(chemicalsusedtokillgermsaretooconcentratedforsafedrinkingbut

canbeusedforpersonalhygiene,cleaning,andrelateduses)
39

Basic Preparedness
Water Treatment
Review
HowIShouldStoreWater,Section1.3
Treatallwaterofuncertainqualitybeforeusingitfordrinking,foodwashingorpreparation,
washingdishes,brushingteeth,ormakingice.Inadditiontohavingabadodorandtaste,
contaminatedwatercancontainmicroorganisms(germs)thatcausediseasessuchasdysentery,
cholera,typhoid,andhepatitis.
Therearemanywaystotreatwater.Noneisperfect.Oftenthebestsolutionisacombinationof
methods.Beforetreating,letanysuspendedparticlessettletothebottomorstrainthemthrough
coffeefiltersorlayersofcleancloth.
Makesureyouhavethenecessarymaterialsinyourdisastersupplieskitforthechosenwater
treatmentmethod.
Therearethreewatertreatmentmethods.Theyareasfollows:BoilingChlorination
Distillation
Theseinstructionsarefortreatingwaterofuncertainqualityinanemergencysituation,whenno
otherreliablecleanwatersourceisavailable,oryouhaveusedallofyourstoredwater.
Boiling
Boilingisthesafestmethodoftreatingwater.Inalargepotorkettle,bringwatertoarollingboil
for1fullminute,keepinginmindthatsomewaterwillevaporate.Letthewatercoolbefore
drinking.
Boiledwaterwilltastebetterifyouputoxygenbackintoitbypouringthewaterbackandforth
betweentwocleancontainers.Thisalsowillimprovethetasteofstoredwater.
Chlorination
Youcanusehouseholdliquidbleachtokillmicroorganisms.Useonlyregularhouseholdliquid
bleachthatcontains5.25to6.0percentsodiumhypochlorite.Donotusescentedbleaches,color
safebleaches,orbleacheswithaddedcleaners.Becausethepotencyofbleachdiminisheswith
time,usebleachfromanewlyopenedorunopenedbottle.
Add16drops(1/8teaspoon)ofbleachpergallonofwater,stir,andletstandfor30minutes.The
watershouldhaveaslightbleachodor.Ifitdoesnt,thenrepeatthedosageandletstandanother
15minutes.Ifitstilldoesnotsmellofchlorine,discarditandfindanothersourceofwater.
Otherchemicals,suchasiodineorwatertreatmentproductssoldincampingorsurplusstoresthat
donotcontain5.25to6.0percentsodiumhypochloriteastheonlyactiveingredient,arenot
recommendedandshouldnotbeused.
Distillation
Whilethetwomethodsdescribedabovewillkillmostmicrobesinwater,distillationwill
removemicrobes(germs)thatresistthesemethods,aswellasheavymetals,salts,andmostother
chemicals.
40

1.4

Shelter

AreYou

Ready?

AreYou
Ready?
Shelter
1.4
Distillationinvolvesboilingwaterandthencollectingonlythevaporthatcondenses.The
condensedvaporwillnotincludesaltormostotherimpurities.Todistill,fillapothalfwaywith
water.Tieacuptothehandleonthepotslidsothatthecupwillhangrightsideupwhenthelid
isupsidedown(makesurethecupisnotdanglingintothewater)andboilthewaterfor20
minutes.Thewaterthatdripsfromthelidintothecupisdistilled.

Managing Food Supplies

Note:Thawedfoodusuallycanbeeatenifitisstillrefrigeratorcold.Itcanberefrozenifit
stillcontainsicecrystals.Tobesafe,remember,Whenindoubt,throwitout.
Effectiveness of Water Treatment Methods
Safety and Sanitation
Methods
Kills Microbes
Removes other contaminants (heavy met- als, salts, and most other chemicals)
Boiling

Chlorination

Distillation

Do:
Dont:

Keepfoodincoveredcontainers
Keepcookingandeatingutensils
clean
Keepgarbageinclosedcontain
ersanddisposeoutside,burying
garbageifnecessary Keepyourhandscleanbywash
ingthemfrequentlywithsoapandwaterthathasbeenboiledordisinfected

Useonlyprepreparedcannedbabyformulaforinfants

Discardanyfoodthathascomeintocontactwithcontaminatedfloodwater

Discardanyfoodthathasbeenatroomtemperaturefortwohoursormore

Discardanyfoodthathasanunusualodor,color,ortexture

Eatfoodsfromcansthatareswollen,dented,orcorroded,eventhoughtheproductmay
looksafetoeat

Eatanyfoodthatlooksorsmellsabnormal,evenifthecanlooksnormal

Usepowderedformulaswithtreatedwater

Letgarbageaccumulateinside,bothforfireandsanitationreasons
41

Basic Preparedness
Cooking
Managing without Power

Alternativecookingsourcesintimesofemergencyincludecandlewarmers,chafingdishes,
fonduepots,orafireplace.

Charcoalgrillsandcampstovesareforoutdooruseonly.
Commerciallycannedfood
maybeeatenoutofthecanwithoutwarming. Toheatfoodinacan:
1.Removethelabel.
2.Thoroughlywashanddisinfectthecan.(Useadilutedsolutionofonepartbleachtotenparts
water.)
3.Openthecanbeforeheating.
Herearetwooptionsforkeepingfoodsafeifyouarewithoutpowerforalongperiod:

Lookforalternatestoragespaceforyourperishablefood.

Usedryice.Twentyfivepoundsofdryicewillkeepa10cubicfootfreezerbelow
freezingfor34days.Usecarewhenhandlingdryice,andweardry,heavyglovestoavoid

injury.
42

1.4

Shelter

AreYou

Ready?

1.5 HazardSpecific
Preparedness
44

1.5

Hazard-Specific
Preparedness AreYou
Ready?
Thereareactionsthatshouldbetakenbefore,during,andafteraneventthatareuniquetoeach
hazard.Forexample:

Seekingasafeshelterduringatornado. Reducingpropertylossfromahurricane.
InformationaboutthespecifichazardsandwhattodoforeachisprovidedinParts2,3,and4.
StudythematerialforthosehazardsthatyouidentifiedinSection1.1astheonesthathave
happenedorcouldhappen.Sharethehazardspecificinformationwithfamilymembersand
includepertinentmaterialfromthesepartsinyourfamilydisasterplan.

1.6 Practicing
and
Maintaining Your
Plan
FEMA Publications
American Red Cross Publications
Onceyouhavedevelopedyourplan,youneedtopracticeandmaintainit.Forexample,ask
questionstomakesureyourfamilyremembersmeetingplaces,phonenumbers,andsafetyrules.
Conductdrillssuchasdrop,cover,andholdonforearthquakes.Testfirealarms.Replaceand
updatedisastersupplies.

For More Information

Ifyourequiremoreinformationaboutanyofthesetopics,thefollowingareresourcesthatmaybe
helpful.
Disaster Preparedness Coloring Book.FEMA243.Coloringbookforages310.Alsoavail
ableinSpanish.
Before Disaster Strikes.FEMAA291.Containsinformationabouthowtomakesureyouare
financiallypreparedtodealwithanaturaldisaster.AlsoavailableinSpanish.
The Adventures of Julia and Robbie: Disaster Twins.FEMA344.Acollectionofdisaster
relatedstories.Includesinformationonpreparednessandhowtomitigateagainstdisasters.
FEMA for Kids.L229.ProvidesinformationaboutwhatFEMA(specificallyfema.gov)hasto
offerchildren.
Community Shelter.FEMA361.Containsguidelinesforconstructingmasssheltersforpublic
refugeinschools,hospitals,andotherplaces.
Food andWater in an Emergency.L210Ifanearthquake,hurricane,winterstorm,orother
disasterstrikesyourcommunity,youmightnothaveaccesstofood,water,andelectricityfor
days,orevenweeks.Bytakingsometimenowtostoreemergencyfoodandwatersupplies,you
canprovideforyourentirefamily.Alsoavailableonlineat
www.fema.gov/pdf/library/f&web.pdf.
Helping Children Cope with Disaster.FEMAL196.Helpsfamiliesunderstandhowtohelp
childrencopewithdisasteranditsaftermath.
Assisting People with Disabilities in a Disaster.Informationabouthelpingpeoplewith
disabilitiesinadisasterandresourcesforindividualswithdisabilities.Availableonlineat
www.fema.gov/rrr/assistf.shtm.
Facing Fear:HelpingYoung People Deal withTerrorism andTragic Events.Aschool
curriculumdesignedtohelpalleviateworriesandclearupconfusionaboutperceivedandactual
threatstosafety.Availableonlineatwww.redcross.org/disaster/masters/facingfear,orcontact
yourlocalRedCrosschapter.
46

1.6

Practicing and Maintaining Your Plan

AreYouReady?

Natural
Hazards
2

Part2includesinformationaboutmanytypesofnaturalhazards.Naturalhazardsarenatural
eventsthatthreatenlives,property,andotherassets.Often,naturalhazardscanbepredicted.
Theytendtooccurrepeatedlyinthesamegeographicallocationsbecausetheyarerelatedto
weatherpatternsorphysicalcharacteristicsofanarea.
Naturalhazardssuchasflood,fire,earthquake,tornado,andwindstormsaffectthousandsof

peopleeveryyear.Weneedtoknowwhatourrisksarefromnatrualhazardsandtakesensible
precautionstoprotectourselves,ourfamilies,andourcommunities.
UsePart2tolearnaboutthehazardsthatposearisktoyou.Includethepertinentinformationin
yourfamilydisasterplan.Specificcontentoneachhazardconsistsofthecharacteristicsofthat
hazard,termsassociatedwiththehazard,measuresthatcanbetakenbeforehandtoavoidor
lessentheimpactoftheseevents,andwhatindividualsneedtododuringandaftertheeventto
protectthemselves.
WhenyoucompletePart2,youwillbeableto:

Knowimportantterms.Takeprotectivemeasuresfornaturalhazards.Identifyresourcesformore
informationaboutnaturalhazards.
47
48

2.1 Floods
2.1

Floods
AreYou
Ready?
FloodsareoneofthemostcommonhazardsintheUnitedStates.Floodeffectscanbelocal,
impactinganeighborhoodorcommunity,orverylarge,affectingentireriverbasinsandmultiple
states.
However,allfloodsarenotalike.Somefloodsdevelopslowly,sometimesoveraperiodofdays.
Butflashfloodscandevelopquickly,sometimesinjustafewminutesandwithoutanyvisible
signsofrain.Flashfloodsoftenhaveadangerouswallofroaringwaterthatcarriesrocks,mud,
andotherdebrisandcansweepawaymostthingsinitspath.Overlandfloodingoccursoutsidea
definedriverorstream,suchaswhenaleveeisbreached,butstillcanbedestructive.Flooding
canalsooccurwhenadambreaks,producingeffectssimilartoflashfloods.
Beawareoffloodhazardsnomatterwhereyoulive,butespeciallyifyouliveinalowlyingarea,
nearwaterordownstreamfromadam.Evenverysmallstreams,gullies,creeks,culverts,dry
streambeds,orlowlyinggroundthatappearharmlessindryweathercanflood.Everystateisat
riskfromthishazard.
50

AreYou

Ready?

Floods

2.1

What Would You Do?

YouandyourfamilymovedfromacityneighborhoodinSanFrancisco,CA,toasuburbof
Phoenix,AZ.Sinceearthquakeswereathreatinyourarea,youalwayskeptsomeextrafood,
water,andothersuppliesonhandandmaintainedanearthquakeinsurancepolicy,justincase
somethinghappened.Youthinkthiskindofpreparationisnolongernecessarybasedonwhat
yourneighborshavetoldyou.Accordingtothem,thebiggestthreattheyfaceislackofwater
causedbytheverydryweather.Youcontinuetoseepublicserviceannouncementsfromthe
federalgovernmentaboutfloodinsuranceandtheneedtoprotectyourselffromflooddamage.
Surely,therewouldbenoneedforfloodinsurancewhereyoulivewithitsbarehills,deep
canyons,anddryland.

Areyouatriskforflooding,oristhismoreofarisktopeoplewholiveelsewhere?
Yes No

Isthereaneedtohaveadisasterplanandadisastersupplieskit?Yes No
Shouldyouconsiderpurchasingfloodinsurance?Yes No
Know the Terms
Familiarizeyourselfwiththesetermstohelpidentifyafloodhazard:
Flood Watch
Floodingispossible.TuneintoNOAAWeatherRadio,commercialradio,ortelevisionfor
information.
Flash Flood Watch
Flashfloodingispossible.Bepreparedtomovetohigherground;listentoNOAAWeather
Radio,commercialradio,ortelevisionforinformation.
Flood Warning
Floodingisoccurringorwilloccursoon;ifadvisedtoevacuate,dosoimmediately.
Flash Flood Warning
Aflashfloodisoccurring;seekhighergroundonfootimmediately.
51

Answerkey1.Yes2.Yes3.Yes

Natural Hazards

Before a Flood
During a Flood
Review
SeeSection1.1:GettingInformed

Take Protective Measures

Toprepareforaflood,youshould:

Avoidbuildinginafloodplainunlessyouelevateandreinforceyourhome.

Elevatethefurnace,waterheater,andelectricpanelifsusceptibletoflooding.

Installcheckvalvesinsewertrapstopreventfloodwaterfrombackingupintothedrains
ofyourhome.

Constructbarriers(levees,beams,floodwalls)tostopfloodwaterfromenteringthe
building.

Sealwallsinbasementswithwaterproofingcompoundstoavoidseepage.
Ifafloodislikelyinyourarea,youshould:

Listentotheradioortelevisionforinformation.

Beawarethatflashfloodingcanoccur.Ifthereisanypossibilityofaflashflood,move
immediatelytohigherground.Donotwaitforinstructionstomove.

Beawareofstreams,drainagechannels,canyons,andotherareasknowntofloodsuddenly.
Flashfloodscanoccurintheseareaswithorwithoutsuchtypicalwarningsasraincloudsor
heavyrain.
Ifyoumustpreparetoevacuate,youshoulddothefollowing:

Secureyourhome.Ifyouhavetime,bringinoutdoorfurniture.Moveessentialitemsto
anupperfloor.

Turnoffutilitiesatthemainswitchesorvalvesifinstructedtodoso.Disconnect
electricalappliances.Donottouchelectricalequipmentifyouarewetorstandinginwater.
52

2.1

Floods

AreYou

Ready?

AreYou
Ready?
Floods
2.1
Ifyouhavetoleaveyourhome,remembertheseevacuationtips:


Donotwalkthroughmovingwater.Sixinchesofmovingwatercanmakeyoufall.Ifyou
havetowalkinwater,walkwherethewaterisnotmoving.Useasticktocheckthefirmnessof
thegroundinfrontofyou.

Donotdriveintofloodedareas.Iffloodwatersrisearoundyourcar,abandonthecarand
movetohighergroundifyoucandososafely.Youandthevehiclecanbequicklysweptaway.
Driving: Flood Facts
Thefollowingareimportantpointstorememberwhendrivinginfloodconditions:

Sixinchesofwaterwillreachthebottomofmostpassengercarscausinglossofcontrol
andpossiblestalling.

Afootofwaterwillfloatmanyvehicles. Twofeetofrushingwatercancarryawaymost
vehiclesincluding
sportutilityvehicles(SUVs)andpickups.
Thefollowingareguidelinesfortheperiodfollowingaflood:

Listenfornewsreportstolearnwhetherthecommunityswatersupplyissafetodrink.
Avoidfloodwaters;watermaybecontaminatedbyoil,gasoline,orrawsewage.Watermay
alsobeelectricallychargedfromundergroundordownedpowerlines.

Avoidmovingwater.

Beawareofareaswherefloodwatershavereceded.Roadsmayhaveweakenedandcould
collapseundertheweightofacar.

Stayawayfromdownedpowerlines,andreportthemtothepowercompany.

Returnhomeonlywhenauthoritiesindicateitissafe.

Stayoutofanybuildingifitissurroundedbyfloodwaters.

Useextremecautionwhenenteringbuildings;theremaybehiddendamage,particularlyin
foundations.

Servicedamagedseptictanks,cesspools,pits,andleachingsystemsassoonaspossible.
Damagedsewagesystemsareserioushealthhazards.

Cleananddisinfecteverythingthatgotwet.Mudleftfromfloodwatercancontainsewage
andchemicals.
After a Flood
53

Natural Hazards

2.1

Floods

AreYou

Ready?

Additional Information

Considerthefollowingfacts:
Floodlossesarenotcoveredunderhomeownersinsurancepolicies.

FEMAmanagestheNationalFloodInsuranceProgram,whichmakesfederallybacked
floodinsuranceavailableincommunitiesthatagreetoadoptandenforcefloodplainmanagement
ordinancestoreducefutureflooddamage.

Floodinsuranceisavailableinmostcommunitiesthroughinsuranceagents.

Thereisa30daywaitingperiodbeforefloodinsurancegoesintoeffect,sodontdelay.

Floodinsuranceisavailablewhetherthebuildingisinoroutoftheidentifiedfloodprone
area.

Knowledge Check
Decide whether the following statements are true or false. Check the appropriate column.
When you have finished, check your answers using the answer key below.

TF Statement
Flood Insurance

1.
Floodemergenciesoccurinonly12states.2.
Afloodwatchannouncementonthe
radioindicatesthatfloodingispossible.3. Flashfloodsmayoccurwithlittlewarning.4.
Floodriskvariesfromoneregiontoanother.5. Nationalfloodinsuranceisavailable
onlyforbuildingswithinanidentifiedfloodpronearea.6.
Itissafetowalkthrough
floodwaterifyoucanseethegroundunderit.7. Ittakesatleast3feetoffloodwatertomakea
motorizedvehiclefloat.8.
Afterfloodwatersrecedefromaroadway,theroadcouldstillbe
dangerous.
9.
Toprepareforafloodemergency,youshouldhaveaNOAAWeatherRadioaswellasa
commercialradio.
54

Answerkey1.False
AreYou
Ready?

2.True 3.True 4.True 5.False

Floods

6.False

7.False

8.True 9.True

2.1

For More Information

Ifyourequiremoreinformationaboutanyofthesetopics,thefollowingareresourcesthatmaybe
helpful.

After a Flood:The First Steps.L198.Informationforhomeownersonpreparedness,

safety,andrecoveryfromaflood.

Homeowners Guide to Retrofitting:SixWays to ProtectYour House from Flooding.

L235.Abrochureaboutobtaininginformationabouthowtoprotectyourhomefromflooding.

Homeowners Guide to Retrofitting:SixWays to ProtectYour House from Flooding.

FEMA312.Adetailedmanualonhowtoprotectyourhomefromflooding.

About the Flood:ElevatingYour Floodprone House.FEMA347.Thispublicationisin

tendedforbuilders,codeofficialsandhomeowners.

Protecting Building Utilities From Flood Damage. FEMA348.Thispublicationis

intendedfordevelopers,architects,engineers,builders,codeofficialsandhomeowners.
AmericanRedCross

RepairingYour Flooded Home.sixtypagebookletabouthowtoperformsimplehome

repairsafterflooding,includingcleaning,sanitation,anddeterminingwhichprofessionalsto
involveforvariousneededservices.LocalRedCrosschapterscanorderinpackagesof10as
stocknumberA4477foranominalfee.Alsoavailableonlineat
www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_570_,00.html
NationalWeather Service

Hurricane Flooding: A Deadly Inland Danger. 20052.Brochuredescribingtheimpact

ofhurricanefloodingandprecautionstotake.Availableonlineat
www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/InlandFlooding.pdf

The Hidden Danger: LowWater Crossing.96074E.Brochuredescribingthehazardsof

drivingyourvehicleinfloodconditions.Availableonlineat
www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/TheHiddenDangerEnglish.pdf
FEMA Publications
Other Publications
55

Natural Hazards
56

2.2 Tornadoes
2.2

TornadoesAreYou
Ready?
Tornadoesarenaturesmostviolentstorms.Spawnedfrompowerfulthunderstorms,tornadoes
cancausefatalitiesanddevastateaneighborhoodinseconds.Atornadoappearsasarotating,
funnelshapedcloudthatextendsfromathunderstormtothegroundwithwhirlingwindsthat
canreach300milesperhour.Damagepathscanbeinexcessofonemilewideand50mileslong.
Everystateisatsomeriskfromthishazard.
Sometornadoesareclearlyvisible,whilerainornearbylowhangingcloudsobscureothers.
Occasionally,tornadoesdevelopsorapidlythatlittle,ifany,advancewarningispossible.
Beforeatornadohits,thewindmaydiedownandtheairmaybecomeverystill.Acloudof
debriscanmarkthelocationofatornadoevenifafunnelisnotvisible.Tornadoesgenerally
occurnearthetrailingedgeofathunderstorm.Itisnotuncommontoseeclear,sunlitskies
behindatornado.
58

AreYou
Ready?
Tornadoes2.2
Thefollowingarefactsabouttornadoes:

Theymaystrikequickly,withlittleornowarning.

Theymayappearnearlytransparentuntildustanddebrisarepickeduporacloudformsin
thefunnel.

TheaveragetornadomovesSouthwesttoNortheast,buttornadoeshavebeenknownto
moveinanydirection.

Theaverageforwardspeedofatornadois30MPH,butmayvaryfromstationaryto70
MPH.

Tornadoescanaccompanytropicalstormsandhurricanesastheymoveontoland.

Waterspoutsaretornadoesthatformoverwater.

TornadoesaremostfrequentlyreportedeastoftheRockyMountainsduringspringand
summermonths.

PeaktornadoseasoninthesouthernstatesisMarchthroughMay;inthenorthernstates,it
islatespringthroughearlysummer.

Tornadoesaremostlikelytooccurbetween3p.m.and9p.m.,butcanoccuratanytime.
Know the Terms
Familiarizeyourselfwiththesetermstohelpidentifyatornadohazard:
Tornado Watch
Tornadoesarepossible.Remainalertforapproachingstorms.Watchtheskyandstaytunedto
NOAAWeatherRadio,commercialradio,ortelevisionforinformation.
Tornado Warning
Atornadohasbeensightedorindicatedbyweatherradar.Takeshelterimmediately.

Take Protective Measures

Bealerttochangingweatherconditions.

ListentoNOAAWeatherRadioortocommercialradioortelevisionnewscastsforthe
latestinformation.

Lookforapproachingstorms.
Before a Tornado
59

Natural Hazards

2.2

TornadoesAreYou
Ready?
During a Tornado

Lookforthefollowingdangersigns:
Dark,oftengreenishsky
Largehail
Alarge,dark,lowlyingcloud(particularlyifrotating) Loudroar,similartoafreight
train.
Ifyouseeapproachingstormsoranyofthedangersigns,bepreparedtotakeshelter
immediately.
IfyouareunderatornadoWARNING,seekshelterimmediately!
If you are in:
Then:
Astructure(e.g.residence,smallbuilding,school,nursinghome,hospital,factory,shopping
center,highrisebuilding)
Gotoapredesignatedshelterareasuchasasaferoom,basement,stormcellar,orthelowest
buildinglevel.
Ifthereisnobasement,gotothecenterofaninteriorroomonthelowestlevel(closet,interior
hallway)awayfromcorners,windows,doors,andoutsidewalls.Putasmanywallsaspossible
betweenyouandtheoutside.Getunderasturdytableanduseyourarmstoprotectyourheadand
neck.
Donotopenwindows.
Avehicle,trailer,ormobilehome
Getoutimmediatelyandgotothelowestfloorofasturdy,nearbybuildingorastormshelter.
Mobilehomes,eveniftieddown,offerlittleprotectionfromtornadoes.
Theoutsidewithnoshelter

Lieflatinanearbyditchordepressionandcoveryourheadwithyourhands.Beawareof
thepotentialforflooding.

Donotgetunderanoverpassorbridge.Youaresaferinalow,flatlocation.

Nevertrytooutrunatornadoinurbanorcongestedareasinacarortruck.Instead,leave
thevehicleimmediatelyforsafeshelter.

Watchoutforflyingdebris.Flyingdebrisfromtornadoescausesmostfatalitiesand
injuries.
60

AreYou
Ready?
Tornadoes2.2
PreparingaSafeRoom
Extremewindstormsinmanypartsofthecountryposeaseriousthreattobuildingsandtheir
occupants.Yourresidencemaybebuilttocode,butthatdoesnotmeanitcanwithstandwinds
fromextremeeventssuchastornadoesandmajorhurricanes.Thepurposeofasaferoomora
windshelteristoprovideaspacewhereyouandyourfamilycanseekrefugethatprovidesahigh
levelofprotection.Youcanbuildasaferoominoneofseveralplacesinyourhome:

Yourbasement. Atopaconcreteslabongradefoundationorgaragefloor.
An
interiorroomonthefirstfloor.
Saferoomsbuiltbelowgroundlevelprovidethegreatestprotection,butasaferoombuiltina
firstfloorinteriorroomalsocanprovidethenecessaryprotection.Belowgroundsaferoomsmust
bedesignedtoavoidaccumulatingwaterduringtheheavyrainsthatoftenaccompanysevere
windstorms.
Toprotectitsoccupants,asaferoommustbebuilttowithstandhighwindsandflyingdebris,
eveniftherestoftheresidenceisseverelydamagedordestroyed.Considerthefollowingwhen
buildingasaferoom:


Thesaferoommustbeadequatelyanchoredtoresistoverturninganduplift.

Thewalls,ceiling,anddoorofthesheltermustwithstandwindpressureandresist
penetrationbywindborneobjectsandfallingdebris.

Theconnectionsbetweenallpartsofthesaferoommustbestrongenoughtoresistthe
wind.

Sectionsofeitherinteriororexteriorresidencewallsthatareusedaswallsofthesafe
room,mustbeseparatedfromthestructureoftheresidencesothatdamagetotheresidencewill
notcausedamagetothesaferoom.
AdditionalinformationaboutSafeRoomsavaliablefromFEMA
Taking Shelter from the Storm:Building a Safe Room InsideYour House.L233.
Brochureprovidingdetailsaboutobtaininginformationabouthowtobuildawindsafe
roomtowithstandtornado,hurricane,andotherhighwinds
Taking Shelter from the Storm:Building a Safe Room InsideYour House.FEMA320.
Manualwithdetailedinformationabouthowtobuildawindsaferoomtowithstand
tornado,hurricane,andotherhighwinds
61

Natural Hazards

2.2

TornadoesAreYou
Ready?
LocatetheSafestPlace
Onthefollowinghomelayoutdiagrams,locatethesafestplacetoseeksheltershouldyounotbe
abletoevacuate.
Apartment
OneStoryHome
Bedroom
Kitchen
Dining Room
Living Room
DW Kitchen
Living Room
Veranda
Bath
Bedroom
Master Bedroom
Bath
Bath
Bedroom
Dining Room
W.I.C.
WD

62

AreYou
Ready?
TwoStoryHome

First Floor
Kitchen
Bedroom
DW

Bath
Dining Room
Garage

Tornadoes2.2

Living Room
Veranda

Second Floor
Bedroom
Master Bedroom
Bath
Bath
63

Natural Hazards
AnswerkeyApartment:Bathroom,OneStoryHome:WIC(walkinCloset),TwoStoryHome:
Firstfloorbathroom
After a Tornado
FEMA Publications
FollowtheinstructionsforrecoveringfromadisasterinPart5.

For More Information

Ifyourequiremoreinformationaboutanyofthesetopics,thefollowingareresourcesthatmaybe
helpful.
Tornado Fact Sheet.L148.Providessafetytipsforbefore,during,andafteratornado
Tornado ProtectionSelecting Refuge Areas in Buildings.FEMA431.Intendedprimarily
tohelpbuildingadministrators,architects,andengineersselectthebestavailablerefugeareasin
existingschools
64

2.2

TornadoesAreYou

Ready?

2.3 Hurricanes
2.3

Hurricanes
AreYou
Ready?
Ahurricaneisatypeoftropicalcyclone,thegenerictermforalowpressuresystemthatgenerally
formsinthetropics.Atypicalcycloneisaccompaniedbythunderstorms,andintheNorthern
Hemisphere,acounterclockwisecirculationofwindsneartheearthssurface.
AllAtlanticandGulfofMexicocoastalareasaresubjecttohurricanesortropicalstorms.Partsof
theSouthwestUnitedStatesandthePacificCoastexperienceheavyrainsandfloodseachyear
fromhurricanesspawnedoffMexico.TheAtlantichurricaneseasonlastsfromJuneto
November,withthepeakseasonfrommidAugusttolateOctober.
Hurricanescancausecatastrophicdamagetocoastlinesandseveralhundredmilesinland.Winds
canexceed155milesperhour.Hurricanesandtropicalstormscanalsospawntornadoesand
microbursts,createstormsurgesalongthecoast,andcauseextensivedamagefromheavyrainfall.
Hurricanesareclassifiedintofivecategoriesbasedontheirwindspeed,centralpressure,and
damagepotential(seechart).CategoryThreeandhigherhurricanesareconsideredmajor
hurricanes,thoughCategoriesOneandTwoarestillextremelydangerousandwarrantyourfull
attention.
Hurricanescanproducewidespreadtorrentialrains.Floodsarethedeadlyanddestructiveresult.
Slowmovingstormsandtropicalstormsmovingintomountainousregionstendtoproduce
especiallyheavyrain.Excessiveraincantriggerlandslidesormudslides,especiallyin
mountainousregions.Flashfloodingcanoccurduetointenserainfall.Floodingonriversand

streamsmaypersistforseveraldaysormoreafterthestorm.
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
ScaleNumber(Category)
SustainedWinds(MPH)
Damage
StormSurge
1
7495
Minimal:Unanchoredmobilehomes,vegetation,andsigns
45feet
2
96110
Moderate:Allmobilehomes,roofs,smallcraft;flooding
68feet
3
111130
Extensive:Smallbuildings;lowlyingroadscutoff
912feet
4
131155
Extreme:Roofsdestroyed,treesdown,roadscutoff,mobilehomesdestroyed,beachhomes
flooded
1318feet
5
Morethan155
Catastrophic:Mostbuildingsdestroyed,vegetationdestroyed,majorroadscutoff,homesflooded
Greaterthan18feet
66

AreYou
Ready?
Hurricanes
2.3
Between1970and1999,morepeoplelosttheirlivesfromfreshwaterinlandfloodingassociated
withlandfallingtropicalcyclonesthanfromanyotherweatherhazardrelatedtotropical
cyclones.
Naming the Hurricane
Since1953,AtlantictropicalstormshavebeennamedfromlistsoriginatedbytheNational
HurricaneCenterandnowmaintainedandupdatedbyaninternationalcommitteeoftheWorld
MeteorologicalOrganization.Thelistsfeaturedonlywomensnamesuntil1979.Afterthat,
mensandwomensnameswerealternated.Sixlistsareusedinrotation.Thus,the2001listswill
beusedagainin2007.
Theonlytimethereisachangeinthelistisifastormissodeadlyorcostlythatthecontinueduse
ofthenamewouldbeinappropriateforreasonsofsensitivity.Whenthisoccurs,thenameis
strickenfromthelistandanothernameisselectedtoreplaceit.
Sometimesnamesarechanged.LorenzoreplacedLuisandMichellereplacedMarilyn.The
completelistscanbefoundatwww.nhc.noaa.govunderStormNames.
67

Natural Hazards
68

Know the Terms

Familiarizeyourselfwiththesetermstohelpidentifyahurricanehazard:
Tropical Depression

Anorganizedsystemofcloudsandthunderstormswithadefinedsurfacecirculationand
maximumsustainedwindsof38MPH(33knots)orless.Sustainedwindsaredefinedasone
minuteaveragewindmeasuredatabout33ft(10meters)abovethesurface.
Tropical Storm
Anorganizedsystemofstrongthunderstormswithadefinedsurfacecirculationandmaximum
sustainedwindsof3973MPH(3463knots).
Hurricane
Anintensetropicalweathersystemofstrongthunderstormswithawelldefinedsurface
circulationandmaximumsustainedwindsof74MPH(64knots)orhigher.
Storm Surge
Adomeofwaterpushedonshorebyhurricaneandtropicalstormwinds.Stormsurgescanreach
25feethighandbe50100mileswide.
Storm Tide
Acombinationofstormsurgeandthenormaltide(i.e.,a15footstormsurgecombinedwitha2
footnormalhightideoverthemeansealevelcreatesa17footstormtide).
Hurricane/Tropical Storm Watch
Hurricane/tropicalstormconditionsarepossibleinthespecifiedarea,usuallywithin36hours.
TuneintoNOAAWeatherRadio,commercialradio,ortelevisionforinformation.
Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning
Hurricane/tropicalstormconditionsareexpectedinthespecifiedarea,usuallywithin24hours.
Short Term Watches and Warnings
Thesewarningsprovidedetailedinformationaboutspecifichurricanethreats,suchasflashfloods
andtornadoes.
2.3 Hurricanes
AreYou
Ready?
AreYou

Ready?

Hurricanes

2.3

Take Protective Measures

Toprepareforahurricane,youshouldtakethefollowingmeasures:

Makeplanstosecureyourproperty.Permanentstormshuttersofferthebestprotectionfor
windows.Asecondoptionistoboardupwindowswith5/8marineplywood,cuttofitandready
toinstall.Tapedoesnotpreventwindowsfrombreaking.

Installstrapsoradditionalclipstosecurelyfastenyourrooftotheframestructure.This
willreduceroofdamage.

Besuretreesandshrubsaroundyourhomearewelltrimmed. Clearlooseandclogged
rainguttersanddownspouts. Determinehowandwheretosecureyourboat. Consider
buildingasaferoom.
Ifahurricaneislikelyinyourarea,youshould:

ListentotheradioorTVforinformation.

Secureyourhome,closestormshutters,andsecureoutdoorobjectsorbringthemindoors.

Turnoffutilitiesifinstructedtodoso.Otherwise,turntherefrigeratorthermostattoits
coldestsettingandkeepitsdoorsclosed.

Turnoffpropanetanks. Avoidusingthephone,exceptforseriousemergencies. Moor

yourboatiftimepermits.

Ensureasupplyofwaterforsanitarypurposessuchascleaningandflushingtoilets.Fillthe
bathtubandotherlargecontainerswithwater.
Before a Hurricane

Review
FormoreinformationonsaferoomsSeeSection2.2:Tornadoes
During a Hurricane
69

Natural Hazards
Review
GuidelinesforshelteringSeeSection1.4:Shelter
After a Hurricane
Youshouldevacuateunderthefollowingconditions:

Ifyouaredirectedbylocalauthoritiestodoso.Besuretofollowtheirinstructions.

Ifyouliveinamobilehomeortemporarystructuresuchsheltersareparticularly
hazardousduringhurricanesnomatterhowwellfastenedtotheground.

Ifyouliveinahighrisebuildinghurricanewindsarestrongerathigherelevations.

Ifyouliveonthecoast,onafloodplain,nearariver,oronaninlandwaterway.

Ifyoufeelyouareindanger.
Ifyouareunabletoevacuate,gotoyourwindsaferoom.Ifyoudonothaveone,followthese
guidelines:

Stayindoorsduringthehurricaneandawayfromwindowsandglassdoors.

Closeallinteriordoorssecureandbraceexternaldoors.

Keepcurtainsandblindsclosed.Donotbefooledifthereisalull;itcouldbetheeyeofthe
stormwindswillpickupagain.

Takerefugeinasmallinteriorroom,closet,orhallwayonthelowestlevel.
Lieonthefloorunderatableoranothersturdyobject.
FollowtheinstructionsforrecoveringfromadisasterinPart5.
70

2.3

Hurricanes

AreYou

Ready?

AreYou

Ready?

Hurricanes

Knowledge Check

2.3

You Make the Call

Readthefollowingandrespondtothequestionbelow.Seetheanswerkeybelowtocheckyour
answer.
Yourneighborsaidthatintheeventahurricanethreatens,thehouseholdwouldgetreadyby
closingthewindowsanddoorsonthestormsideofthehouseandopeningtheonesontheside
awayfromthewind.Theyalsowilltapethewindowstopreventdamagetotheglass.
Isthisagoodidea?
71

AnswerKeyNo!Allofthedoorsandwindowsshouldbeclosed(andshuttered)throughoutthe
durationofthehurricane.Thewindsinahurricanearehighlyturbulentandanyopenwindowor
doorcanbeanopentargetforflyingdebris.
Asforthetape,itisawasteofeffort,time,andtape.Itoffersnostrengthtotheglassandno
protectionagainstflyingdebris.

Natural Hazards

FEMA Publications
Other Publications

For More Information

Ifyourequiremoreinformationaboutanyofthesetopics,thefollowingareresourcesthatmaybe
helpful.

Against theWind:ProtectingYour Home from Hurricane andWind Damage.FEMA247.A

guidetohurricanepreparedness.Availableonlineatwww.fema.gov/txt/hazards/
hurricanes/survivingthestormhurricane.txt
Community Hurricane Preparedness.IS324.CDROMorWebbasedtrainingcoursefor
federal,state,andlocalemergencymanagers.Webbasedversionavailableonlineat
http://meted.ucar.edu/hurrican/chp/index.htm
Safety Tips for Hurricanes.L105.Publicationforteachersandparentsforpresentationto
children.Toorder,call1(800)4802520.
Protect Your Home against Hurricane Damage, Institute for Business and Home Safety.
110WilliamStreet,NewYork,NY20038
72

2.3

Hurricanes

AreYou

Ready?

2.4
Thunderstorms
and Lightning
2.4

Thunderstorms and Lightning AreYouReady?

Allthunderstormsaredangerous.Everythunderstormproduceslightning.IntheUnitedStates,an
averageof300peopleareinjuredand80peoplearekilledeachyearbylightning.Althoughmost
lightningvictimssurvive,peoplestruckbylightningoftenreportavarietyoflongterm,
debilitatingsymptoms.
Otherassociateddangersofthunderstormsincludetornadoes,strongwinds,hail,andflash
flooding.Flashfloodingisresponsibleformorefatalitiesmorethan140annuallythanany
otherthunderstormassociatedhazard.
Drythunderstormsthatdonotproducerainthatreachesthegroundaremostprevalentinthe
westernUnitedStates.Fallingraindropsevaporate,butlightningcanstillreachthegroundand
canstartwildfires.
74

AreYouReady? Thunderstorms and Lightning 2.4

Thefollowingarefactsaboutthunderstorms:

Theymayoccursingly,inclusters,orinlines.

Someofthemostsevereoccurwhenasinglethunderstormaffectsonelocationforan
extendedtime.

Thunderstormstypicallyproduceheavyrainforabriefperiod,anywherefrom30minutes
toanhour.

Warm,humidconditionsarehighlyfavorableforthunderstormdevelopment.

About10percentofthunderstormsareclassifiedassevereonethatproduceshailat
leastthreequartersofaninchindiameter,haswindsof58milesperhourorhigher,orproducesa
tornado.

Thefollowingarefactsaboutlightning:

Lightningsunpredictabilityincreasestherisktoindividualsandproperty.

Lightningoftenstrikesoutsideofheavyrainandmayoccurasfaras10milesawayfrom
anyrainfall.

Heatlightningisactuallylightningfromathunderstormtoofarawayforthundertobe
heard.However,thestormmaybemovinginyourdirection!

Mostlightningdeathsandinjuriesoccurwhenpeoplearecaughtoutdoorsinthesummer
monthsduringtheafternoonandevening.

Yourchancesofbeingstruckbylightningareestimatedtobe1in600,000,butcouldbe
reducedevenfurtherbyfollowingsafetyprecautions.

Lightningstrikevictimscarrynoelectricalchargeandshouldbeattendedtoimmediately.
Know the Terms
Familiarizeyourselfwiththesetermstohelpidentifyathunderstormhazard:
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Tellsyouwhenandwhereseverethunderstormsarelikelytooccur.Watchtheskyandstaytuned
toNOAAWeatherRadio,commercialradio,ortelevisionforinformation.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Issuedwhensevereweatherhasbeenreportedbyspottersorindicatedbyradar.Warnings
indicateimminentdangertolifeandpropertytothoseinthepathofthestorm.
75

Natural Hazards

2.4

Thunderstorms and Lightning AreYouReady?

Before Thunderstorms and Lightning

Take Protective Measures

Toprepareforathunderstorm,youshoulddothefollowing:

Removedeadorrottingtreesandbranchesthatcouldfallandcauseinjuryordamage
duringaseverethunderstorm.

Rememberthe30/30lightningsafetyrule:Goindoorsif,afterseeinglightning,you
cannotcountto30beforehearingthunder.Stayindoorsfor30minutesafterhearingthelastclap
ofthunder.
Thunderstorms
Thefollowingareguidelinesforwhatyoushoulddoifathunderstormislikelyinyourarea:

Postponeoutdooractivities.

Getinsideahome,building,orhardtopautomobile(notaconvertible).Althoughyoumay
beinjurediflightningstrikesyourcar,youaremuchsaferinsideavehiclethanoutside.

Remember,rubbersoledshoesandrubbertiresprovideNOprotectionfromlightning.
However,thesteelframeofahardtoppedvehicleprovidesincreasedprotectionifyouarenot
touchingmetal.

Secureoutdoorobjectsthatcouldblowawayorcausedamage.

Shutterwindowsandsecureoutsidedoors.Ifshuttersarenotavailable,closewindow
blinds,shades,orcurtains.

Avoidshoweringorbathing.Plumbingandbathroomfixturescanconductelectricity.

Useacordedtelephoneonlyforemergencies.Cordlessandcellulartelephonesaresafeto
use.

Unplugappliancesandotherelectricalitemssuchascomputersandturnoffair
conditioners.Powersurgesfromlightningcancauseseriousdamage.

UseyourbatteryoperatedNOAAWeatherRadioforupdatesfromlocalofficials.

Avoidthefollowing: Naturallightningrodssuchasatall,isolatedtreeinan
openarea Hilltops,openfields,thebeach,oraboatonthewater Isolatedshedsorother
smallstructuresinopenareas Anythingmetaltractors,farmequipment,motorcy
cles,golfcarts,golfclubs,andbicycles
76

AreYouReady? Thunderstorms and Lightning 2.4

If you are:
Then:
Inaforest
Seekshelterinalowareaunderathickgrowthofsmalltrees.
Inanopenarea
Gotoalowplacesuchasaravineorvalley.Bealertforflashfloods.
Onopenwater
Gettolandandfindshelterimmediately.
Anywhereyoufeelyourhairstandonend(whichindicatesthatlightningisabouttostrike)
Squatlowtothegroundontheballsofyourfeet.Placeyourhandsoveryourearsandyourhead
betweenyourknees.Makeyourselfthesmallesttargetpossibleandminimizeyourcontactwith
theground.DONOTlieflatontheground.
Call911formedicalassistanceassoonaspossible.
Thefollowingarethingsyoushouldcheckwhenyouattempttogiveaidtoavictimof
lightning:

Breathingifbreathinghasstopped,beginmouthtomouthresuscitation.

Heartbeatifthehearthasstopped,administerCPR.

Pulseifthevictimhasapulseandisbreathing,lookforotherpossibleinjuries.Checkfor
burnswherethelightningenteredandleftthebody.Alsobealertfornervoussystemdamage,
brokenbones,andlossofhearingandeyesight.
During a Thunderstorm
After a Thunderstorm
77

Natural Hazards

2.4

Thunderstorms and Lightning AreYouReady?

Knowledge Check
Decide whether the following statements are true or false. Check the appropriate column.
When you have finished, verify your answers using the answer key below.

TF

Statement

Publications
1.
Everythunderstormproduceslightning.
2.
Nevertouchapersonstruckbylightning.
3.
Dry,coldconditionsfavordevelopmentofathunderstorm.
4.
Ifyoucancountto25afterseeinglightningandbeforehearingthunder,itissafetostay
outdoors.
5.
Itissafetouseacordlesstelephoneduringathunderstorm.6. Rubbersoledshoesand
rubbertiresprovideprotectionfromlightning.

For More Information

Ifyourequiremoreinformationaboutanyofthesetopics,thefollowingresourcemaybehelpful.
NationalWeather Service
Facts about Lightning. 200252.Twopagefactsheetforboaters.Availableonlineat
www.nws.noaa.gov/om/wcm/lightning/resources/LightningFactsSheet.pdf
78

Answerkey:1.True2.False3.False4.False5.True6.False

2.5 Winter
Storms and
Extreme Cold
Before Winter Storms and Extreme Cold
Review
SeeSection1.3:AssembleaDisasterSuppliesKit
Heavysnowfallandextremecoldcanimmobilizeanentireregion.Evenareasthatnormally
experiencemildwinterscanbehitwithamajorsnowstormorextremecold.Winterstormscan
resultinflooding,stormsurge,closedhighways,blockedroads,downedpowerlinesand
hypothermia.
Know the Terms
Familiarizeyourselfwiththesetermstohelpidentifyawinterstormhazard:
Freezing Rain
Rainthatfreezeswhenithitstheground,creatingacoatingoficeonroads,walkways,trees,and
powerlines.
Sleet
Rainthatturnstoicepelletsbeforereachingtheground.Sleetalsocausesmoistureonroadsto
freezeandbecomeslippery.
Winter Storm Watch
Awinterstormispossibleinyourarea.TuneintoNOAAWeatherRadio,commercialradio,or
televisionformoreinformation.
Winter Storm Warning
Awinterstormisoccurringorwillsoonoccurinyourarea.
Blizzard Warning
Sustainedwindsorfrequentguststo35milesperhourorgreaterandconsiderableamountsof
fallingorblowingsnow(reducingvisibilitytolessthanaquartermile)areexpectedtoprevailfor
aperiodofthreehoursorlonger.
Frost/Freeze Warning
Belowfreezingtemperaturesareexpected.

Take Protective Measures

Includethefollowinginyourdisastersupplieskit:

80

RocksalttomelticeonwalkwaysSandtoimprovetractionSnowshovelsandothersnow
removalequipment.
2.5 Winter Storms and Extreme Cold AreYou Ready?
Prepareforpossibleisolationinyourhomebyhavingsufficientheatingfuel;regularfuel
sourcesmaybecutoff.Forexample,storeagoodsupplyofdry,seasonedwoodforyour
fireplaceorwoodburningstove.
AreYou
Ready?
Winter
Storms
and Extreme Cold 2.5
Winterizeyourhometoextendthelifeofyourfuelsupplybyinsulatingwallsandattics,caulking
andweatherstrippingdoorsandwindows,andinstallingstormwindowsorcoveringwindows
withplastic.
Towinterizeyourcar,attendtothefollowing:

Batteryandignitionsystemshouldbeintopconditionandbatteryterminalsclean.

Ensureantifreezelevelsaresufficienttoavoidfreezing.

Ensuretheheateranddefrosterworkproperly.

Checkandrepairwindshieldwiperequipment;ensureproperwasherfluidlevel.

Ensurethethermostatworksproperly.

Checklightsandflashinghazardlightsforserviceability.

Checkforleaksandcrimpedpipesintheexhaustsystem;repairorreplaceasnecessary.
Carbonmonoxideisdeadlyandusuallygivesnowarning.
81

Natural Hazards

2.5

Winter
Storms
and Extreme Cold AreYou
Ready?
During a Winter Storm

Checkbreaksforwearandfluidlevels.

Checkoilforlevelandweight.Heavieroilscongealmoreatlowtemperaturesanddonot
lubricateaswell.

Considersnowtires,snowtireswithstuds,orchains.

Replacefuelandairfilters.Keepwateroutofthesystembyusingadditivesand
maintainingafulltankofgas.
Dress for the Weather

Wearseverallayersofloosefitting,lightweight,warmclothingratherthanonelayerof
heavyclothing.Theoutergarmentsshouldbetightlywovenandwaterrepellent.

Wearmittens,whicharewarmerthangloves.
Wearahat.
Coveryourmouth
withascarftoprotectyourlungs.
Thefollowingareguidelinesforwhatyoushoulddoduringawinterstormorunderconditionsof
extremecold:

Listentoyourradio,television,orNOAAWeatherRadioforweatherreportsand
emergencyinformation.

Eatregularlyanddrinkamplefluids,butavoidcaffeineandalcohol.

Avoidoverexertionwhenshovelingsnow.Overexertioncanbringonaheartattacka
majorcauseofdeathinthewinter.Ifyoumustshovelsnow,stretchbeforegoingoutside.

Watchforsignsoffrostbite.Theseincludelossoffeelingandwhiteorpaleappearancein
extremitiessuchasfingers,toes,earlobes,andthetipofthenose.Ifsymptomsaredetected,get
medicalhelpimmediately.

Watchforsignsofhypothermia.Theseincludeuncontrollableshivering,memoryloss,
disorientation,incoherence,slurredspeech,drowsiness,andapparentexhaustion.Ifsymptoms

ofhypothermiaaredetected,getthevictimtoawarmlocation,removewetclothing,warmthe
centerofthebodyfirst,andgivewarm,nonalcoholicbeveragesifthevictimisconscious.Get
medicalhelpassoonaspossible.

Conservefuel,ifnecessary,bykeepingyourresidencecoolerthannormal.Temporarily
closeoffheattosomerooms.

Maintainventilationwhenusingkeroseneheaterstoavoidbuildupoftoxicfumes.Refuel
keroseneheatersoutsideandkeepthematleastthreefeetfromflammableobjects.
82

AreYou
Ready?
Winter
Storms
and Extreme Cold 2.5

Driveonlyifitisabsolutelynecessary.Ifyoumustdrive,considerthefollowing:

Travelintheday,donttravelalone,andkeepothersinformedofyourschedule

Stayonmainroads;avoidbackroadshortcuts
Ifablizzardtrapsyouinthecar,keeptheseguidelinesinmind:

Pulloffthehighway.Turnonhazardlightsandhangadistressflagfromtheradioantenna
orwindow.

Remaininyourvehiclewhererescuersaremostlikelytofindyou.Donotsetoutonfoot
unlessyoucanseeabuildingclosebywhereyouknowyoucantakeshelter.Becareful;distances
aredistortedbyblowingsnow.Abuildingmayseemclose,butbetoofartowalktoindeep
snow.

Runtheengineandheaterabout10minuteseachhourtokeepwarm.Whentheengineis
running,openanupwindwindowslightlyforventilation.Thiswillprotectyoufrompossible
carbonmonoxidepoisoning.Periodicallyclearsnowfromtheexhaustpipe.

Exercisetomaintainbodyheat,butavoidoverexertion.Inextremecold,useroadmaps,
seatcovers,andfloormatsforinsulation.Huddlewithpassengersanduseyourcoatforablanket.

Taketurnssleeping.Onepersonshouldbeawakeatalltimestolookforrescuecrews.
Drinkfluidstoavoiddehydration.

Becarefulnottowastebatterypower.Balanceelectricalenergyneedstheuseoflights,
heat,andradiowithsupply.

Turnontheinsidelightatnightsoworkcrewsorrescuerscanseeyou.

Ifstrandedinaremotearea,stomplargeblocklettersinanopenareaspellingoutHELPor
SOSandlinewithrocksortreelimbstoattracttheattentionofrescuepersonnelwhomaybe
surveyingtheareabyairplane.

Leavethecarandproceedonfootifnecessaryoncetheblizzardpasses.
83

Natural Hazards
After a Winter Storm
Publications
FollowtheinstructionsforrecoveringfromadisasterinPart5.

For More Information

Ifyourequiremoreinformationaboutanyofthesetopics,thefollowingareresourcesthatmaybe
helpful.
NationalWeather Service
Winter Storms...The Deceptive Killers. Brochurepackedwithusefulinformationincluding
winterstormfacts,howtodetectfrostbiteandhypothermia,whattodoinawinterstorm,and
howtobeprepared.Availableonlineat:www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/wntrstm.htm
CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention
Extreme Cold: A Prevention Guide to PromoteYour Personal Health and Safety. An

extensivedocumentprovidinginformationaboutplanningaheadforcoldweather,safetyboth
indoorsandoutdoorsincoldweather,andcoldweatherhealthconditions.Availableonlineat:
www.phppo.cdc.gov
84

2.5

Winter

Storms

and Extreme Cold AreYou

Ready?

2.6 Extreme Heat

2.6

Extreme Heat AreYouReady?

Heatkillsbypushingthehumanbodybeyonditslimits.Inextremeheatandhighhumidity,
evaporationisslowedandthebodymustworkextrahardtomaintainanormaltemperature.
Mostheatdisordersoccurbecausethevictimhasbeenoverexposedtoheatorhasoverexercised
forhisorherageandphysicalcondition.Olderadults,youngchildren,andthosewhoaresick
oroverweightaremorelikelytosuccumbtoextremeheat.
Conditionsthatcaninduceheatrelatedillnessesincludestagnantatmosphericconditionsand
poorairquality.Consequently,peoplelivinginurbanareasmaybeatgreaterriskfromtheeffects
ofaprolongedheatwavethanthoselivinginruralareas.Also,asphaltandconcretestoreheat
longerandgraduallyreleaseheatatnight,whichcanproducehighernighttimetemperatures
knownastheurbanheatislandeffect.
86

AreYouReady? Extreme Heat 2.6

Know the Terms
Familiarizeyourselfwiththesetermstohelpidentifyanextremeheathazard:
Heat Wave
Prolongedperiodofexcessiveheat,oftencombinedwithexcessivehumidity.
Heat Index
AnumberindegreesFahrenheit(F)thattellshowhotitfeelswhenrelativehumidityisaddedto
theairtemperature.Exposuretofullsunshinecanincreasetheheatindexby15degrees.
Heat Cramps
Muscularpainsandspasmsduetoheavyexertion.Althoughheatcrampsaretheleastsevere,they
areoftenthefirstsignalthatthebodyishavingtroublewiththeheat.
Heat Exhaustion
Typicallyoccurswhenpeopleexerciseheavilyorworkinahot,humidplacewherebodyfluids
arelostthroughheavysweating.Bloodflowtotheskinincreases,causingbloodflowtodecrease
tothevitalorgans.Thisresultsinaformofmildshock.Ifnottreated,thevictimsconditionwill
worsen.Bodytemperaturewillkeeprisingandthevictimmaysufferheatstroke.
Heat Stroke
Alifethreateningcondition.Thevictimstemperaturecontrolsystem,whichproducessweating
tocoolthebody,stopsworking.Thebodytemperaturecanrisesohighthatbraindamageand
deathmayresultifthebodyisnotcooledquickly.
Sun Stroke
Anothertermforheatstroke.

Take Protective Measures

Toprepareforextremeheat,youshould:

Installwindowairconditionerssnugly;insulateifnecessary.


Checkairconditioningductsforproperinsulation.

Installtemporarywindowreflectors(forusebetweenwindowsanddrapes),suchas
aluminumfoilcoveredcardboard,toreflectheatbackoutside.
Before Extreme Heat

Weatherstripdoorsandsillstokeepcoolairin.
87

Natural Hazards

During a Heat Emergency

Coverwindowsthatreceivemorningorafternoonsunwithdrapes,shades,awnings,or
louvers.(Outdoorawningsorlouverscanreducetheheatthatentersahomebyupto80percent.)

Keepstormwindowsupallyear.
Thefollowingareguidelinesforwhatyoushoulddoiftheweatherisextremelyhot:

Stayindoorsasmuchaspossibleandlimitexposuretothesun.

Stayonthelowestflooroutofthesunshineifairconditioningisnotavailable.

Considerspendingthewarmestpartofthedayinpublicbuildingssuchaslibraries,
schools,movietheaters,shoppingmalls,andothercommunityfacilities.
Circulatingaircan
coolthebodybyincreasingtheperspirationrateofevaporation.

Eatwellbalanced,light,andregularmeals.Avoidusingsalttabletsunlessdirectedtodoso
byaphysician.

Drinkplentyofwater.Personswhohaveepilepsyorheart,kidney,orliverdisease;areon
fluidrestricteddiets;orhaveaproblemwithfluidretentionshouldconsultadoctorbefore
increasingliquidintake.

Limitintakeofalcoholicbeverages.

Dressinloosefitting,lightweight,andlightcoloredclothesthatcoverasmuchskinas
possible.

Protectfaceandheadbywearingawidebrimmedhat.

Checkonfamily,friends,andneighborswhodonothaveairconditioningandwhospend
muchoftheirtimealone.

Neverleavechildrenorpetsaloneinclosedvehicles.

Avoidstrenuousworkduringthewarmestpartoftheday.Useabuddysystemwhen
workinginextremeheat,andtakefrequentbreaks.
88

2.6

Extreme Heat AreYouReady?

AreYouReady? Extreme Heat 2.6

FirstAidforHeatInducedIllnesses
Extremeheatbringswithitthepossibilityofheatinducedillnesses.Thefollowingtablelists
theseillnesses,theirsymptoms,andthefirstaidtreatment.
Condition
Symptoms
First Aid
Sunburn
Skinrednessandpain,possibleswelling,blisters,fever,headaches

Takeashowerusingsoaptoremoveoilsthatmayblockpores,preventingthebodyfrom
coolingnaturally.

Applydry,steriledressingstoanyblisters,andgetmedicalattention.
HeatCramps
Painfulspasms,usuallyinlegandabdominalmuscles;heavysweating

Getthevictimtoacoolerlocation. Lightlystretchandgentlymassageaf

fectedmusclestorelievespasms. Givesipsofuptoahalfglassofcool
waterevery15minutes.(Donotgive
liquidswithcaffeineoralcohol.)
Discontinueliquids,ifvictimisnau
seated.
HeatExhaustion
Heavysweatingbutskinmaybecool,pale,orflushed.Weakpulse.Normalbodytemperatureis
possible,buttemperaturewilllikelyrise.Faintingordizziness,nausea,vomiting,exhaus
tion,andheadachesarepossible.

Getvictimtoliedowninacoolplace.
Loosenorremoveclothing. Applycool,wet
cloths.
Fanormovevictimtoairconditioned
place.
Givesipsofwaterifvictimiscon
scious.
Besurewaterisconsumedslowly. Givehalfglassofcoolwaterevery15
minutes. Discontinuewaterifvictimisnause
ated.Seekimmediatemedicalattentionif
vomitingoccurs.
HeatStroke(aseveremedicalemergency)
Highbodytemperature(105+);hot,red,dryskin;rapid,weakpulse;andrapid,shallow
breathing.Victimwillprobablynotsweatunlessvictimwassweatingfromrecentstrenuous
activity.Possibleunconsciousness.

Call911oremergencymedicalservices,orgetthevictimtoahospitalimmediately.
Delaycanbefatal.

Movevictimtoacoolerenvironment.
Removeclothing.
Tryacoolbath,
sponging,orwet
sheettoreducebodytemperature. Watchforbreathingproblems.
Useextremecaution.

Usefansandairconditioners.
89

Natural Hazards

2.6

Extreme Heat AreYouReady?

After Extreme Heat
AdditionalInformation
Anemergencywatershortagecanbecausedbyprolongeddrought,poorwatersupply
management,orcontaminationofasurfacewatersupplysourceoraquifer.
Droughtcanaffectvastterritorialregionsandlargepopulationnumbers.Droughtalsocreates
environmentalconditionsthatincreasetheriskofotherhazardssuchasfire,flashflood,and
possiblelandslidesanddebrisflow.
Conservingwatermeansmorewateravailableforcriticalneedsforeveryone.AppendixA
containsdetailedsuggestionsforconservingwaterbothindoorsandoutdoors.Makethese
practicesapartofyourdailylifeandhelppreservethisessentialresource.
FollowtheinstructionsforrecoveringfromadisasterinPart5.

Knowledge Check
You and a friend have been outdoors in the sun for some time. Shortly after coming inside,
your friend complains of nausea and headache but tells you not to worry as it is probably a
food allergy.

Whatwouldyouadvisehimorhertodo?
90

Answer:Seekimmediatemedicalattentionanddiscontinueintakeofwater.
AreYouReady? Extreme Heat

2.6

For More Information

Ifyourequiremoreinformationaboutanyofthesetopics,thefollowingresourcemaybehelpful.
NationalWeather Service
HeatWave: A Major Summer Killer.Anonlinebrochuredescribingtheheatindex,heat
disorders,andheatwavesafetytips.Availableonlineat:www.nws.noaa.gov/om/
/brochures/heat_wave.htm
Publications
91

Natural Hazards
92

2.7 Earthquakes
2.7

Earthquakes AreYou
Ready?
Oneofthemostfrighteninganddestructivephenomenaofnatureisasevereearthquakeandits
terribleaftereffects.Anearthquakeisasuddenmovementoftheearth,causedbytheabrupt
releaseofstrainthathasaccumulatedoveralongtime.Forhundredsofmillionsofyears,the
forcesofplatetectonicshaveshapedtheearth,asthehugeplatesthatformtheearthssurface
slowlymoveover,under,andpasteachother.Sometimes,themovementisgradual.Atother
times,theplatesarelockedtogether,unabletoreleasetheaccumulatingenergy.Whenthe
accumulatedenergygrowsstrongenough,theplatesbreakfree.Iftheearthquakeoccursina
populatedarea,itmaycausemanydeathsandinjuriesandextensivepropertydamage.
94

AreYou
Ready?
Earthquakes 2.7
Know the Terms
Familiarizeyourselfwiththesetermstohelpidentifyanearthquakehazard:
Earthquake
Asuddenslippingormovementofaportionoftheearthscrust,accompaniedandfollowedbya
seriesofvibrations.
Aftershock
Anearthquakeofsimilarorlesserintensitythatfollowsthemainearthquake.
Fault
Thefractureacrosswhichdisplacementhasoccurredduringanearthquake.Theslippagemay
rangefromlessthananinchtomorethan10yardsinasevereearthquake.
Epicenter
Theplaceontheearthssurfacedirectlyabovethepointonthefaultwheretheearthquakerupture
began.Oncefaultslippagebegins,itexpandsalongthefaultduringtheearthquakeandcan
extendhundredsofmilesbeforestopping.
Seismic Waves
Vibrationsthattraveloutwardfromtheearthquakefaultatspeedsofseveralmilespersecond.
Althoughfaultslippagedirectlyunderastructurecancauseconsiderabledamage,thevibrations
ofseismicwavescausemostofthedestructionduringearthquakes.
Magnitude
Theamountofenergyreleasedduringanearthquake,whichiscomputedfromtheamplitudeof
theseismicwaves.Amagnitudeof7.0ontheRichterScaleindicatesanextremelystrong

earthquake.Eachwholenumberonthescalerepresentsanincreaseofabout30timesmore
energyreleasedthanthepreviouswholenumberrepresents.Therefore,anearthquakemeasuring
6.0isabout30timesmorepowerfulthanonemeasuring5.0.

Take Protective Measures

Thefollowingarethingsyoucandotoprotectyourself,yourfamily,andyourpropertyinthe
eventofanearthquake:

Repairdefectiveelectricalwiring,leakygaslines,andinflexibleutilityconnections.Get
appropriateprofessionalhelp.Donotworkwithgasorelectricallinesyourself.
Before an Earthquake
95

Natural Hazards

2.7

Earthquakes AreYou
Ready?
During an Earthquake

Boltdownandsecuretothewallstudsyourwaterheater,refrigerator,furnace,andgas
appliances.Ifrecommendedbyyourgascompany,haveanautomaticgasshutoffvalveinstalled
thatistriggeredbystrongvibrations.

Placelargeorheavyobjectsonlowershelves.Fastenshelves,mirrors,andlargepicture
framestowalls.Bracehighandtopheavyobjects.

Storebottledfoods,glass,china,andotherbreakablesonlowshelvesorincabinetsthat
fastenshut.

Anchoroverheadlightingfixtures.

Besuretheresidenceisfirmlyanchoredtoitsfoundation.

Installflexiblepipefittingstoavoidgasorwaterleaks.Flexiblefittingsaremoreresistant
tobreakage.

Locatesafespotsineachroomunderasturdytableoragainstaninsidewall.Reinforcethis
informationbymovingtotheseplacesduringeachdrill.

Holdearthquakedrillswithyourfamilymembers:Drop,cover,andholdon!
Minimizeyourmovementsduringanearthquaketoafewstepstoanearbysafeplace.Stay
indoorsuntiltheshakinghasstoppedandyouaresureexitingissafe.
If you are:
Then:
Indoors

Takecoverunderasturdydesk,table,orbenchoragainstaninsidewall,andholdon.If
thereisntatableordesknearyou,coveryourfaceandheadwithyourarmsandcrouchinan
insidecornerofthebuilding.

Stayawayfromglass,windows,outsidedoorsandwalls,andanythingthatcouldfall,such
aslightingfixturesorfurniture.

Stayinbedifyouaretherewhentheearthquakestrikesholdonandprotectyourhead
withapillow,unlessyouareunderaheavylightfixturethatcouldfall.Inthatcase,movetothe
nearestsafeplace.

Useadoorwayforshelteronlyifitisincloseproximitytoyouandifyouknowitisa
stronglysupported,loadbearingdoorway.

Stayinsideuntiltheshakingstopsanditissafetogooutside.Mostinjuriesduring
earthquakesoccurwhenpeoplearehitbyfallingobjectswhenenteringintoorexitingfrom
buildings.

Beawarethattheelectricitymaygooutorthesprinklersystemsorfirealarmsmayturnon.

DONOTusetheelevators.

Outdoors

Staythere. Moveawayfrombuildings,streetlights,andutilitywires.
96

AreYou
Ready?
Earthquakes 2.7
If you are:
Then:
Inamovingvehicle

Stopasquicklyassafetypermitsandstayinthevehicle.Avoidstoppingnearorunder
buildings,trees,overpasses,andutilitywires.

Proceedcautiouslyoncetheearthquakehasstopped,watchingforroadandbridgedamage.
Trappedunderdebris

Donotlightamatch. Donotmoveaboutorkickupdust. Coveryourmouthwitha

handkerchieforclothing.
Taponapipeorwallsorescuerscanlocateyou.Usea
whistleifoneisavailable.Shoutonlyasalastresortshoutingcancauseyoutoinhale
dangerousamountsofdust.

Bepreparedforaftershocks.Thesesecondaryshockwavesareusuallylessviolentthan
themainquakebutcanbestrongenoughtodoadditionaldamagetoweakenedstructures.

Opencabinetscautiously.Bewareofobjectsthatcanfalloffshelves.

Stayawayfromdamagedareasunlessyourassistancehasbeenspecificallyrequestedby
police,fire,orrelieforganizations.

Beawareofpossibletsunamisifyouliveincoastalareas.Thesearealsoknownasseismic
seawaves(mistakenlycalledtidalwaves).Whenlocalauthoritiesissueatsunamiwarning,
assumethataseriesofdangerouswavesisontheway.Stayawayfromthebeach.
After an Earthquake
97

Natural Hazards

2.7

Earthquakes

AreYou

Ready?

Knowledge Check
Check your knowledge about what to do during an earthquake. For each question, choose
answer A or B and circle the correct response. When you have finished, check your responses
using the answer key below.

Whatactionshouldyoutakeduringanearthquake?Theanswervariesbywhereyouarewhenan
earthquakestrikes.Foreachsituation,pickthebestcourseofactionfromthechoicesgiven.
1.Athome
A.StayinsideB.Goouttothestreet
2.Inbed
A.StandbyawindowtoseewhatishappeningB.Stayinbedandprotectyourheadwitha
pillow
3.Inanybuilding
A.StandinadoorwayB.Crouchinaninsidecornerawayfromtheexteriorwall
4.Ontheupperfloorofanapartmentbuilding
A.TaketheelevatortothegroundfloorasquicklyaspossibleB.Stayinaninteriorroomundera
deskortable
5.Outdoors
A.RunintothenearestbuildingB.Stayoutsideawayfrombuildings
6.Drivingacar
A.StopthecarinanopenareaB.Stopthecarunderanoverpass
98

Answerkey1.A2.B3.B4.B5.B6.A

AreYou

Ready?

Earthquakes

2.7

For More Information

Ifyourequiremoreinformationaboutanyofthesetopics,thefollowingareresourcesthatmaybe
helpful.
Avoiding Earthquake Damage:A Checklist for Homeowners.Safetytipsforbefore,during,
andafteranearthquake
Preparedness in High-Rise Buildings.FEMA76.Earthquakesafetytipsforhighrisedwell
ers
Learning to Live in Earthquake Country: Preparedness in Apartments and Mobile
Homes.L143. Safetytipsonearthquakepreparationforresidentsofapartmentsandmobile
homes
Family Earthquake Safety Home Hazard Hunt and Drill.FEMA113.Howtoidentifyhome
hazards;howtoconductearthquakedrills
Earthquake Preparedness: What Every Childcare Provider Should Know.FEMA240.
Publicationforteachersandforpresentationtochildren.Availableonlineatwww.fema.gov/
kids/tch_eq.htm
FEMA Publications
99

Natural Hazards
100

2.8 Volcanoes
2.8

VolcanoesAreYou
Ready?
Avolcanoisaventthroughwhichmoltenrockescapestotheearthssurface.Whenpressure
fromgaseswithinthemoltenrockbecomestoogreat,aneruptionoccurs.Eruptionscanbequiet
orexplosive.Theremaybelavaflows,flattenedlandscapes,poisonousgases,andflyingrockand
ash.
Becauseoftheirintenseheat,lavaflowsaregreatfirehazards.Lavaflowsdestroyeverythingin
theirpath,butmostmoveslowlyenoughthatpeoplecanmoveoutoftheway.
Freshvolcanicash,madeofpulverizedrock,canbeabrasive,acidic,gritty,gassy,andodorous.
Whilenotimmediatelydangeroustomostadults,theacidicgasandashcancauselungdamageto
smallinfants,toolderadults,andtothosesufferingfromsevererespiratoryillnesses.Volcanic
ashalsocandamagemachinery,includingenginesandelectricalequipment.Ashaccumulations
mixedwithwaterbecomeheavyandcancollapseroofs.
Volcaniceruptionscanbeaccompaniedbyothernaturalhazards,includingearthquakes,
mudflowsandflashfloods,rockfallsandlandslides,acidrain,fire,and(underspecialconditions)
tsunamis.ActivevolcanoesintheU.S.arefoundmainlyinHawaii,Alaska,andthePacific
Northwest.
102

AreYou

Ready?

Volcanoes 2.8

Take Protective Measures

Addapairofgogglesandadisposablebreathingmaskforeachmemberofthefamilytoyour

disastersupplieskit.
Stayawayfromactivevolcanosites.
Before a Volcanic Eruption
During a Volcanic Eruption
Thefollowingareguidelinesforwhattodoifavolcanoeruptsinyourarea:

Evacuateimmediatelyfromthevolcanoareatoavoidflyingdebris,hotgases,lateralblast,
andlavaflow.

Beawareofmudflows.Thedangerfromamudflowincreasesnearstreamchannelsand
withprolongedheavyrains.Mudflowscanmovefasterthanyoucanwalkorrun.Lookupstream
beforecrossingabridge,anddonotcrossthebridgeifmudflowisapproaching.

Avoidrivervalleysandlowlyingareas.
Protection from Falling Ash

Wearlongsleevedshirtsandlongpants. Usegogglesandweareyeglassesinsteadof
contactlenses. Useadustmaskorholdadampclothoveryourfacetohelpwith
breathing. Stayawayfromareasdownwindfromthevolcanotoavoidvolcanicash. Stay
indoorsuntiltheashhassettledunlessthereisdangerofthe
roofcollapsing. Closedoors,windows,andallventilationinthehouse(chimneyvents,
furnaces,airconditioners,fans,andothervents). Clearheavyashfromflatorlowpitchedroofs
andraingutters. Avoidrunningcarortruckengines.Drivingcanstirupvolcanicash
thatcanclogengines,damagemovingparts,andstallvehicles.
Avoiddrivinginheavyash
fallunlessabsolutelyrequired.Ifyouhave
todrive,keepspeeddownto35MPHorslower.
103

Natural Hazards

2.8

VolcanoesAreYou
Ready?
After a Volcanic Erruption
FollowtheinstructionsforrecoveringfromadisasterinPart5.

Knowledge Check
Read the scenario and answer the question. Check your responses with the answer key below.

Scenario
AboutanhouraftertheeruptionofMountSt.Helens,ashbegantofallinYakima,acityin
easternWashington.Theashfallwassoextensiveanditbecamesodarkthatlightswereturned
onallday.Ittook10weekstohaulawaytheashfromYakimasstreets,sidewalks,androofs.
AssumeyouwerearesidentofYakimaduringthistime.Whatwouldyouneedtoprotectyourself
whengoingoutside?
Publications

For More Information

Ifyourequiremoreinformationaboutanyofthesetopics,thefollowingareresourcesthatmaybe
helpful.
NationalWeather Service
HeatWave: A Major Summer Killer.Anonlinebrochuredescribingtheheatindex,heat
disorders,andheatwavesafetytips.Availableonlineat:www.nws.noaa.gov/om/
/brochures/heat_wave.htm
U.S.GeologicalSurvey
Volcano Hazards Program.Websitewithvolcanoactivityupdates,featurestories,information
aboutvolcanohazards,andresources.Availableonlineat:http://volcanoes.usgs.gov
104

Answerkey
1.Facemasks2.Goggles3.Eyeglassesinsteadofcontactlenses4.Clothingtocoverasmuchof
thebodyaspossible

2.9 Landslides
and
Debris Flow
(Mudslide)
2.9

Landslides and Debris Flow (Mudslide) AreYouReady?

LandslidesoccurinallU.S.statesandterritories.Inalandslide,massesofrock,earth,ordebris
movedownaslope.Landslidesmaybesmallorlarge,sloworrapid.Theyareactivatedby
storms,earthquakes,volcaniceruptions,fires,andhumanmodificationofland.
Debrisandmudflowsareriversofrock,earth,andotherdebrissaturatedwithwater.They
developwhenwaterrapidlyaccumulatesintheground,duringheavyrainfallorrapidsnowmelt,
changingtheearthintoaflowingriverofmudorslurry.Theyflowcanrapidly,strikingwith
littleornowarningatavalanchespeeds.Theyalsocantravelseveralmilesfromtheirsource,
growinginsizeastheypickuptrees,boulders,cars,andothermaterials.
Landslideproblemscanbecausedbylandmismanagement,particularlyinmountain,canyon,
andcoastalregions.Landusezoning,professionalinspections,andproperdesigncanminimize
manylandslide,mudflow,anddebrisflowproblems.
106

AreYouReady? Landslides and Debris Flow (Mudslide)

Take Protective Measures

2.9

Thefollowingarestepsyoucantaketoprotectyourselffromtheeffectsofalandslideordebris
flow:

Donotbuildnearsteepslopes,closetomountainedges,neardrainageways,ornatural
erosionvalleys.

Getagroundassessmentofyourproperty.

Consultanappropriateprofessionalexpertforadviceoncorrectivemeasures.

Minimizehomehazardsbyhavingflexiblepipefittingsinstalledtoavoidgasorwater
leaks,asflexiblefittingsaremoreresistanttobreakage(onlythegascompanyorprofessionals
shouldinstallgasfittings).
RecognizeLandslideWarningSigns

Changesoccurinyourlandscapesuchaspatternsofstormwaterdrainageonslopes
(especiallytheplaceswhererunoffwaterconverges)landmovement,smallslides,flows,or

progressivelyleaningtrees.

Doorsorwindowsstickorjamforthefirsttime.

Newcracksappearinplaster,tile,brick,orfoundations.

Outsidewalls,walks,orstairsbeginpullingawayfromthebuilding.

Slowlydeveloping,wideningcracksappearonthegroundoronpavedareassuchasstreets
ordriveways.

Undergroundutilitylinesbreak.

Bulginggroundappearsatthebaseofaslope.

Waterbreaksthroughthegroundsurfaceinnewlocations.

Fences,retainingwalls,utilitypoles,ortreestiltormove.

Afaintrumblingsoundthatincreasesinvolumeisnoticeableasthelandslidenears.

Thegroundslopesdownwardinonedirectionandmaybeginshiftinginthatdirection
underyourfeet.

Unusualsounds,suchastreescrackingorbouldersknockingtogether,mightindicate
movingdebris.

Collapsedpavement,mud,fallenrocks,andotherindicationsofpossibledebrisflowcanbe
seenwhendriving(embankmentsalongroadsidesareparticularlysusceptibletolandslides).
Before a Landslide or Debris Flow
107

Natural Hazards
During a Landslide or Debris Flow
After a Landslide or Debris Flow
Thefollowingareguidelinesforwhatyoushoulddoifalandslideordebrisflowoccurs:

Moveawayfromthepathofalandslideordebrisflowasquicklyaspossible.
Curl
intoatightballandprotectyourheadifescapeisnotpossible.
Thefollowingareguidelinesfortheperiodfollowingalandslide:

Stayawayfromtheslidearea.Theremaybedangerofadditionalslides.

Checkforinjuredandtrappedpersonsneartheslide,withoutenteringthedirectslidearea.
Directrescuerstotheirlocations.

Watchforassociateddangerssuchasbrokenelectrical,water,gas,andsewagelinesand
damagedroadwaysandrailways.

Replantdamagedgroundassoonaspossiblesinceerosioncausedbylossofgroundcover
canleadtoflashfloodingandadditionallandslidesinthenearfuture.

Seekadvicefromageotechnicalexpertforevaluatinglandslidehazardsordesigning
correctivetechniquestoreducelandsliderisk.

FollowtheinstructionsforreturninghomeinPart5.
108

2.9

Landslides and Debris Flow (Mudslide)

AreYouReady?

AreYouReady? Landslides and Debris Flow (Mudslide)

2.9

Knowledge Check
Review the following information and answer the questions. Check your responses with the
answer key below.

Landslidesoccurinall50statesitisestimatedthattheycausebetween25and50deathseach
yearintheU.S.andthousandsmoreinvulnerableareasaroundtheglobe.Thenumberof
landslidesintheUnitedStatesisexpectedtoincrease.
1.
Whatmightaccountfortheprojectedincreaseinlandslides?
2.
Whatcanyoudotohelpreversetheupwardtrend?
109

Natural Hazards
AnswerKey
1.Mountingpressureforapprovingthedevelopmentoflandssubjecttolandslidesandearth
failureshasincreaseddevelopmentintheseunsafeareas.
2.Workwithothersinthecommunitytoenactandenforceregulationsthatprohibitbuildingnear
areassubjecttolandslidesandmudslides.Inareaswherethehazardexistsanddevelopmenthas
alreadyoccurred,worktopromoteprotectivemeasuressuchasencouraginghomeownerstogeta
professionalgroundassessmentoftheirpropertyandeducatingresidentsaboutthewarning
signs.
110

2.10 Tsunamis
112

2.10

Tsunamis AreYou
Ready?
Tsunamis(pronouncedsoonmees),alsoknownasseismicseawaves(mistakenlycalledtidal
waves),areaseriesofenormouswavescreatedbyanunderwaterdisturbancesuchasan
earthquake,landslide,volcaniceruption,ormeteorite.Atsunamicanmovehundredsofmilesper
hourintheopenoceanandsmashintolandwithwavesashighas100feetormore.
Fromtheareawherethetsunamioriginates,wavestraveloutwardinalldirections.Oncethe
waveapproachestheshore,itbuildsinheight.Thetopographyofthecoastlineandtheoceanfloor
willinfluencethesizeofthewave.Theremaybemorethanonewaveandthesucceedingone
maybelargerthantheonebefore.Thatiswhyasmalltsunamiatonebeachcanbeagiantwavea
fewmilesaway.
Alltsunamisarepotentiallydangerous,eventhoughtheymaynotdamageeverycoastlinethey
strike.AtsunamicanstrikeanywherealongmostoftheU.S.coastline.Themostdestructive
tsunamishaveoccurredalongthecoastsofCalifornia,Oregon,Washington,Alaska,andHawaii.
Earthquakeinducedmovementoftheoceanfloormostoftengeneratestsunamis.Ifamajor
earthquakeorlandslideoccursclosetoshore,thefirstwaveinaseriescouldreachthebeachina
fewminutes,evenbeforeawarningisissued.Areasareatgreaterriskiftheyarelessthan25feet
abovesealevelandwithinamileoftheshoreline.Drowningisthemostcommoncauseofdeath
associatedwithatsunami.Tsunamiwavesandtherecedingwaterareverydestructiveto
structuresintherunupzone.Otherhazardsincludeflooding,contaminationofdrinkingwater,
andfiresfromgaslinesorrupturedtanks.
Know the Terms
Familiarizeyourselfwiththesetermstohelpidentifyatsunamihazard:
Advisory
AnearthquakehasoccurredinthePacificbasin,whichmightgenerateatsunami.
Watch
Atsunamiwasormayhavebeengenerated,butisatleasttwohourstraveltimetotheareain
Watchstatus.
Warning
Atsunamiwas,ormayhavebeengenerated,whichcouldcausedamage;therefore,peopleinthe
warnedareaarestronglyadvisedtoevacuate.
AreYou

Ready?

Tsunamis

2.10

Take Protective Measures

Thefollowingareguidelinesforwhatyoushoulddoifatsunamiislikelyinyourarea:

Turnonyourradiotolearnifthereisatsunamiwarningifanearthquakeoccursandyou
areinacoastalarea.

Moveinlandtohighergroundimmediatelyandstaythere.
During a Tsunami
Ifthereisnoticeablerecessioninwaterawayfromtheshorelinethisisnaturestsunamiwarning
anditshouldbeheeded.Youshouldmoveawayimmediately.
113

Natural Hazards
After a Tsunami
Thefollowingareguidelinesfortheperiodfollowingatsunami:
114

Stayawayfromfloodedanddamagedareasuntilofficialssayitissafetoreturn.
Stayawayfromdebrisinthewater;itmayposeasafetyhazardtoboatsandpeople.
Save YourselfNot Your Possesions
LikeeveryoneelseinMaullin,Chile,RamonAtalasurvivedthe1960Chileearthquake.
However,helosthislifetryingtosavesomethingfromthetsunamithatfollowed.
Mr.AtalawasMaullinsmostprosperousmerchant.Outsideoftown,heownedabarnanda
plantationofMontereypine.Intown,heownedapierandatleastonelargebuildingandalsohad
privatequartersinawaterfrontwarehouse.
Mr.Atalaenteredthiswarehousebetweenthefirstandsecondwaveofthetsunamithatstruck
Maullin.Thewarehousewaswashedawayandhisbodywasneverfound.
Itisunclearwhathewastryingtosave.Whatisclearisthatnopossessionisworthyourlifeand
thatitisimportanttogettohighergroundawayfromthecoastandstaythereuntilitissafeto
return.
2.10
Tsunamis AreYou
Ready?

2.11 Fires
Before a Fire
Eachyear,morethan4,000Americansdieandmorethan25,000areinjuredinfires,manyof
whichcouldbeprevented.Directpropertylossduetofiresisestimatedat$8.6billionannually.
Toprotectyourself,itisimportanttounderstandthebasiccharacteristicsoffire.Firespreads
quickly;thereisnotimetogathervaluablesormakeaphonecall.Injusttwominutes,afirecan
becomelifethreatening.Infiveminutes,aresidencecanbeengulfedinflames.
Heatandsmokefromfirecanbemoredangerousthantheflames.Inhalingthesuperhotaircan
searyourlungs.Fireproducespoisonousgasesthatmakeyoudisorientedanddrowsy.Insteadof
beingawakenedbyafire,youmayfallintoadeepersleep.Asphyxiationistheleadingcauseof
firedeaths,exceedingburnsbyathreetooneratio.

Take Protective Measures

SmokeAlarms

Installsmokealarms.Properlyworkingsmokealarmsdecreaseyourchancesofdyingina
firebyhalf.


Placesmokealarmsoneverylevelofyourresidence.Placethemoutsidebedroomsonthe
ceilingorhighonthewall(4to12inchesfromceiling),atthetopofopenstairways,oratthe
bottomofenclosedstairsandnear(butnotin)thekitchen.

Testandcleansmokealarmsonceamonthandreplacebatteriesatleastonceayear.
Replacesmokealarmsonceevery10years.
EscapingtheFire

Reviewescaperouteswithyourfamily.Practiceescapingfromeachroom.

Makesurewindowsarenotnailedorpaintedshut.Makesuresecuritygratingson
windowshaveafiresafetyopeningfeaturesotheycanbeeasilyopenedfromtheinside.
116

2.11

Fires AreYou

Ready?

AreYou
Ready?
Fires 2.11

Considerescapeladdersifyourresidencehasmorethanonelevel,andensurethatburglar
barsandotherantitheftmechanismsthatblockoutsidewindowentryareeasilyopenedfromthe
inside.

Teachfamilymemberstostaylowtothefloor(wheretheairissaferinafire)when
escapingfromafire.

Cleanoutstorageareas.Donotlettrash,suchasoldnewspapersandmagazines,
accumulate.
FlammableItems

Neverusegasoline,benzine,naptha,orsimilarflammableliquidsindoors.

Storeflammableliquidsinapprovedcontainersinwellventilatedstorageareas.

Neversmokenearflammableliquids.

Discardallragsormaterialsthathavebeensoakedinflammableliquidsafteryouhave
usedthem.Safelydiscardthemoutdoorsinametalcontainer.

Insulatechimneysandplacesparkarrestersontop.Thechimneyshouldbeatleastthree
feethigherthantheroof.Removebrancheshangingaboveandaroundthechimney.
HeatingSources

Becarefulwhenusingalternativeheatingsources.

Checkwithyourlocalfiredepartmentonthelegalityofusingkeroseneheatersinyour
community.Besuretofillkeroseneheatersoutside,andbesuretheyhavecooled.

Placeheatersatleastthreefeetawayfromflammablematerials.Makesurethefloorand
nearbywallsareproperlyinsulated.

Useonlythetypeoffueldesignatedforyourunitandfollowmanufacturersinstructions.

Storeashesinametalcontaineroutsideandawayfromyourresidence. Keepopen
flamesawayfromwalls,furniture,drapery,andflammableitems. Keepascreeninfrontof
thefireplace.
Haveheatingunitsinspectedandcleanedannuallybyacertifiedspecialist.
MatchesandSmoking

Keepmatchesandlightersuphigh,awayfromchildren,and,ifpossible,inalocked
cabinet.

Neversmokeinbedorwhendrowsyormedicated.Providesmokerswithdeep,sturdy
ashtrays.Dousecigaretteandcigarbuttswithwaterbeforedisposal.
117

Natural Hazards

2.11

Fires AreYou
Ready?
During a Fire
ElectricalWiring

Havetheelectricalwiringinyourresidencecheckedbyanelectrician.


Inspectextensioncordsforfrayedorexposedwiresorlooseplugs.

Makesureoutletshavecoverplatesandnoexposedwiring.

Makesurewiringdoesnotrununderrugs,overnails,oracrosshightrafficareas.

Donotoverloadextensioncordsoroutlets.Ifyouneedtoplugintwoorthreeappliances,
getaULapprovedunitwithbuiltincircuitbreakerstopreventsparksandshortcircuits.

Makesureinsulationdoesnottouchbareelectricalwiring.
Other

Sleepwithyourdoorclosed.

InstallABCtypefireextinguishersinyourresidenceandteachfamilymembershowto
usethem.

Considerinstallinganautomaticfiresprinklersysteminyourresidence.

Askyourlocalfiredepartmenttoinspectyourresidenceforfiresafetyandprevention.
Ifyourclothescatchonfire,youshould: Stop,drop,androlluntilthefireisextinguished.
Runningonlymakesthe
fireburnfaster.Toescapeafire,youshould:

Checkcloseddoorsforheatbeforeyouopenthem.Ifyouareescapingthroughaclosed
door,usethebackofyourhandtofeelthetopofthedoor,thedoorknob,andthecrackbetween
thedooranddoorframebeforeyouopenit.Neverusethepalmofyourhandorfingerstotestfor
heatburningthoseareascouldimpairyourabilitytoescapeafire(i.e.,laddersandcrawling).
Hot Door
Cool Door
Donotopen.Escapethroughawindow.Ifyoucannotescape,hangawhiteorlightcolored
sheetoutsidethewindow,alertingfirefighterstoyourpresence.
Openslowlyandensurefireand/orsmokeisnotblockingyourescaperoute.Ifyourescaperoute
isblocked,shutthedoorimmediatelyanduseanalternateescaperoute,suchasawindow.If
clear,leaveimmediatelythroughthedoorandcloseitbehindyou.Bepreparedtocrawl.Smoke
andheatrise.Theairisclearerandcoolernearthefloor.
118

AreYou
Ready?
Fires 2.11

Crawllowunderanysmoketoyourexitheavysmokeandpoisonousgasescollectfirst
alongtheceiling.

Closedoorsbehindyouasyouescapetodelaythespreadofthefire.
Stayoutonce
youaresafelyout.Donotreenter.Call911.
Thefollowingareguidelinesfordifferentcircumstancesintheperiodfollowingafire:

Ifyouarewithburnvictims,orareaburnvictimyourself,call911;coolandcoverburns
toreducechanceoffurtherinjuryorinfection.

Ifyoudetectheatorsmokewhenenteringadamagedbuilding,evacuateimmediately.

Ifyouareatenant,contactthelandlord.

Ifyouhaveasafeorstrongbox,donottrytoopenit.Itcanholdintenseheatforseveral
hours.Ifthedoorisopenedbeforetheboxhascooled,thecontentscouldburstintoflames.

Ifyoumustleaveyourhomebecauseabuildinginspectorsaysthebuildingisunsafe,ask
someoneyoutrusttowatchthepropertyduringyourabsence.

FollowtheinstructionsforrecoveringfromadisasterinPart5.
After a Fire
119

Natural Hazards

2.11

Fires AreYou

Ready?

Knowledge Check

Answer each question and check your responses using the answer key below.

1.Youneedtoescapeafirethroughacloseddoor.What,ifanything,shouldyoudobefore
openingthedoor?
2.Whatshouldyoudoifyourclothesareonfire?
3.Whatactionsshouldbetakenforburnvictims?
4.Toreduceheatingcosts,youinstalledawoodburningstove.Whatcanyoudotoreducethe
riskoffirefromthisheatingsource?
5.Toescapeinthicksmoke,whatshouldyoudo?
120

Answerkey
1.
Checkthedoorforheatwiththebackofyourhand2. Stop,drop,androll3.
Call9
11andcoolandcoverburns4. Havethestovecleanedandinspectedbyacertifiedspecialist5.
Crawlclosetothefloor
AreYou
Ready?
Fires 2.11

For More Information

Ifyourequiremoreinformationaboutanyofthesetopics,thefollowingareresourcesthatmaybe
helpful.
After the Fire: Returning to Normal.FA046.This16pagebookletprovidesinformation
aboutrecoveringfromafire,includingwhattododuringthefirst24hours,insurance
considerations,valuingyourproperty,replacementofvaluabledocuments,salvagehints, fire
departmentoperations,andmore.Availableonlineat
www.usfa.fema.gov/public/hfs/pubs/atf/after.shtm
ProtectingYour Family From Fire. FA130.Thispamphletwaswrittentoprovidethe
informationyouneedtodecidewhatyoumustdotoprotectyourfamilyfromfire.Topicsinclude
children,sleepwear,olderadults,smokedetectors,escapeplans,andresidentialsprinklers.
Availableonlineatwww.usfa.fema.gov/public/hfs/pubs/hfs_pubs2.shtm
Fire Risks for the Hard of Hearing. FA202;Fire Risks for the Older Adult.FA203;Fire
Risks for the Mobility Impaired.FA204;Fire Risks for the Blind orVisually Impaired.FA
205Thesereportsaddresspreparationforfirerisksforpopulationswithspecialchallenges.All
areavailableonlineatwww.usfa.fema.gov/fireservice/education/educationpubs.shtm
FEMA Publications
121

Natural Hazards
122

2.12 Wildfires
2.12

Wildfires AreYou
Ready?
Before a Wildfire
Ifyouliveonaremotehillsideorinavalley,prairie,orforestwhereflammablevegetationis
abundant,yourresidencecouldbevulnerabletowildfires.Thesefiresareusuallytriggeredby
lightningoraccidents.Wildfiresspreadquickly,ignitingbrush,trees,andhomes.

Take Protective Measures

Toprepareforwildfires,youshould:


Marktheentrancetoyourpropertywithaddresssignsthatareclearlyvisiblefromtheroad.

Keeplawnstrimmed,leavesraked,andtheroofandrainguttersfreefromdebrissuchas
deadlimbsandleaves.

Stackfirewoodatleast30feetawayfromyourresidence.
124

AreYou
Ready?
Wildfires 2.12

Storeflammablematerials,liquids,andsolventsinmetalcontainersoutsideyourresidence
atleast30feetawayfromstructuresandwoodenfences.

Createdefensiblespacebythinningtreesandbrushwithin30feetaroundyourresidence.
Beyond30feet,removedeadwood,debris,andlowtreebranches.

Landscapeyourpropertywithfireresistantplantsandvegetationtopreventfirefrom
spreadingquickly.Forexample,hardwoodtreesaremorefireresistantthanpine,evergreen,
eucalyptus,orfirtrees.

Makesurewatersources,suchashydrants,ponds,swimmingpools,andwells,are
accessibletothefiredepartment.

Usefireresistant,protectiveroofingandmaterialslikestone,brick,andmetaltoprotect
yourresidence.Avoidusingwoodmaterials.Theyoffertheleastfireprotection.

Coverallexteriorvents,attics,andeaveswithmetalmeshscreensnolargerthan6
millimetersor1/4inchtopreventdebrisfromcollectingandtohelpkeepsparksout.

Installmultipanewindows,temperedsafetyglass,orfireproofshutterstoprotectlarge
windowsfromradiantheat.

Usefireresistantdraperiesforaddedwindowprotection.

Havechimneys,woodstoves,andallhomeheatingsystemsinspectedandcleanedannually
byacertifiedspecialist.

Insulatechimneysandplacesparkarrestersontop.Thechimneyshouldbeatleast3feet
abovetheroof.

Removebrancheshangingaboveandaroundthechimney.
FollowLocalBurningLaws
Beforeburningdebrisinawoodedarea,makesureyounotifylocalauthorities,obtainaburning
permit,andfollowtheseguidelines:

Useanapprovedincineratorwithasafetylidorcoveringwithholesnolargerthan3/4
inch.

Createatleasta10footclearingaroundtheincineratorbeforeburningdebris.
Havea
fireextinguisherorgardenhoseonhandwhenburningdebris.
125

Natural Hazards

During a Wildfire
After a Wildfire
FEMA Publications
Ifawildfirethreatensyourhomeandtimepermits,takethefollowingprecautions:

Shutoffgasatthemeter.Onlyaqualifiedprofessionalcansafelyturnthegasbackon.

Sealatticandgroundventswithprecutplywoodorcommercialseals.

Turnoffpropanetanks.

Placecombustiblepatiofurnitureinside.

Connectgardenhosetooutsidetaps.Placelawnsprinklersontheroofandnearabove
groundfueltanks.Wettheroof.

Wetorremoveshrubswithin15feetofyourresidence.

Gatherfiretoolssuchasarake,axe,handsaworchainsaw,bucket,andshovel.

Backyourcarintothegarageorparkitinanopenspacefacingthedirectionofescape.

Shutdoorsandrollupwindows.Leavethekeyintheignitionandthecardoorsunlocked.Close
garagewindowsanddoors,butleavethemunlocked.Disconnectautomaticgaragedooropeners.

Openfireplacedamper.Closefireplacescreens.

Closewindows,vents,doors,blindsornoncombustiblewindowcoverings,andheavy
drapes.Removeflammabledrapesandcurtains.

Moveflammablefurnitureintothecenteroftheresidenceawayfromwindowsand
slidingglassdoors.

Closeallinteriordoorsandwindowstopreventdrafts. Placevaluablesthatwillnotbe
damagedbywaterinapoolorpond.
Ifadvisedtoevacuate,dosoimmediately.Choosearouteawayfromthefirehazard.Watchfor
changesinthespeedanddirectionofthefireandsmoke.
FollowtheinstructionsforrecoveringfromadisasterinPart5.

For More Information

Ifyourequiremoreinformationaboutanyofthesetopics,thefollowingresourcemaybehelpful.
Wildfire:AreYou Prepared? L203.Wildfiresafetytips,preparedness,andmitigation
techniques.
126

2.12

Wildfires AreYou

Ready?

Technological
Hazards
Technologicalhazardsincludehazardousmaterialsincidentsandnuclearpowerplantfailures.
Usually,littleornowarningprecedesincidentsinvolvingtechnologicalhazards.Inmanycases,
victimsmaynotknowtheyhavebeenaffecteduntilmanyyearslater.Forexample,health
problemscausedbyhiddentoxicwastesiteslikethatatLoveCanal,nearNiagaraFalls,New
Yorksurfacedyearsafterinitialexposure.
Thenumberoftechnologicalincidentsisescalating,mainlyasaresultoftheincreasednumberof
newsubstancesandtheopportunitiesforhumanerrorinherentintheuseofthesematerials.
UsePart3tolearnwhatactionstoincludeinyourfamilydisasterplantoprepareforandrespond
toeventsinvolvingtechnologicalhazards.Learnhowtouse,store,anddisposeofhousehold
chemicalsinamannerthatwillreducethepotentialforinjurytopeopleandtheenvironment.
WhenyoucompletePart3,youwillbeableto:Recognizeimportantterms.

Takeprotectivemeasuresfortechnologicaldisasters.Knowwhatactionstotakeifanevent
occurs.Identifyresourcesformoreinformationabouttechnologicalhazards.

127
128

3.1 Hazardous
Materials
Incidents
Before a Hazardous Materials Incident
Review
SeeSection1.3:AssembleaDisasterSuppliesKit
During a Hazardous Materials Incident
Chemicalsarefoundeverywhere.Theypurifydrinkingwater,increasecropproduction,and
simplifyhouseholdchores.Butchemicalsalsocanbehazardoustohumansortheenvironmentif
usedorreleasedimproperly.Hazardscanoccurduringproduction,storage,transportation,use,or
disposal.Youandyourcommunityareatriskifachemicalisusedunsafelyorreleasedin
harmfulamountsintotheenvironmentwhereyoulive,work,orplay.
Chemicalmanufacturersareonesourceofhazardousmaterials,buttherearemanyothers,
includingservicestations,hospitals,andhazardousmaterialswastesites.

Take Protective Measures

ManycommunitieshaveLocalEmergencyPlanningCommittees(LEPCs)whoseresponsibilities
includecollectinginformationabouthazardousmaterialsinthecommunityandmakingthis
informationavailabletothepublicuponrequest.TheLEPCsalsoaretaskedwithdevelopingan
emergencyplantoprepareforandrespondtochemicalemergenciesinthecommunity.Ways
thepublicwillbenotifiedandactionsthepublicmusttakeintheeventofareleasearepartofthe
plan.ContacttheLEPCstofindoutmoreaboutchemicalhazardsandwhatneedstobedoneto
minimizetherisktoindividualsandthecommunityfromthesematerials.Thelocalemergency
managementofficecanprovidecontactinformationontheLEPCs.
Youshouldaddthefollowingsuppliestoyourdisastersupplieskit:Plasticsheeting.Ducttape.
Scissors.
Listentolocalradioortelevisionstationsfordetailedinformationandinstructions.Followthe
instructionscarefully.Youshouldstayawayfromtheareatominimizetheriskofcontamination.
Rememberthatsometoxicchemicalsareodorless.
130

3.1

Hazardous

Materials Incidents AreYou

Ready?

Technological Hazards
AreYou
Ready?
If you are:
Then:
Askedtoevacuate
Dosoimmediately.

Hazardous

Materials Incidents

3.1

CaughtOutside
Stayupstream,uphill,andupwind!Ingeneral,trytogoatleastonehalfmile(usually810city
blocks)fromthedangerarea.Donotwalkintoortouchanyspilledliquids,airbornemists,or
condensedsolidchemicaldeposits.
Inamotorvehicle
Stopandseekshelterinapermanentbuilding.Ifyoumustremaininyourcar,keepcarwindows
andventsclosedandshutofftheairconditionerandheater.
Requestedtostayindoors

Closeandlockallexteriordoorsandwindows.Closevents,fireplacedampers,andas
manyinteriordoorsaspossible.

Turnoffairconditionersandventilationsystems.Inlargebuildings,setventilationsystems
to100percentrecirculationsothatnooutsideairisdrawnintothebuilding.Ifthisisnotpossible,
ventilationsystemsshouldbeturnedoff.

Gointothepreselectedshelterroom.Thisroomshouldbeabovegroundandhavethe
fewestopeningstotheoutside.

Sealtheroombycoveringeachwindow,door,andventusingplasticsheetingandduct
tape.

Usematerialtofillcracksandholesintheroom,suchasthosearoundpipes.
Shelter Safety for Sealed Rooms
Tensquarefeetoffloorspaceperpersonwillprovidesufficientairtopreventcarbondioxide
buildupforuptofivehours,assuminganormalbreathingratewhileresting.
However,localofficialsareunlikelytorecommendthepublicshelterinasealedroomformore
than23hoursbecausetheeffectivenessofsuchshelteringdiminisheswithtimeasthe
contaminatedoutsideairgraduallyseepsintotheshelter.Atthispoint,evacuationfromthearea
isthebetterprotectiveactiontotake.
Alsoyoushouldventilatetheshelterwhentheemergencyhaspassedtoavoidbreathing
contaminatedairstillinsidetheshelter.
131

After a Hazardous Materials Incident

132

3.1

Hazardous
Materials Incidents AreYou
Ready?
Thefollowingareguidelinesfortheperiodfollowingahazardousmaterialsincident:

Returnhomeonlywhenauthoritiessayitissafe.Openwindowsandventsandturnonfans
toprovideventilation.

Actquicklyifyouhavecomeintocontactwithorhavebeenexposedtohazardous
chemicals.Dothefollowing:

Followdecontaminationinstructionsfromlocalauthorities.Youmaybeadvisedtotakea
thoroughshower,oryoumaybeadvisedtostayawayfromwaterandfollowanotherprocedure.

Seekmedicaltreatmentforunusualsymptomsassoonaspossible.

Placeexposedclothingandshoesintightlysealedcontainers.Donotallowthemtocontact
othermaterials.Calllocalauthoritiestofindoutaboutproperdisposal.

Adviseeveryonewhocomesintocontactwithyouthatyoumayhavebeenexposedtoa
toxicsubstance.

Findoutfromlocalauthoritieshowtocleanupyourlandandproperty.

Reportanylingeringvaporsorotherhazardstoyourlocalemergencyservicesoffice.

FollowtheinstructionsforrecoveringfromadisasterinPart5.

3.2 Household
Chemical
Emergencies
3.2

Household Chemical Emergencies AreYouReady?

Nearlyeveryhouseholdusesproductscontaininghazardousmaterialsorchemicals.
CleaningProducts
OvencleanersDraincleaners

Woodandmetalcleanersandpolishes
Toiletcleaners Tub,tile,showercleanersBleach(laundry)PoolchemicalsAutomotive
ProductsMotoroilFueladditives
Carburetorandfuelinjectioncleaners

AirconditioningrefrigerantsStarterfluidsAutomotivebatteries
TransmissionandbrakefluidAntifreeze
LawnandGardenProducts
HerbicidesInsecticidesFungicides/woodpreservatives
IndoorPesticides

Antspraysandbaits Cockroachspraysandbaits Flearepellentsandshampoos

BugspraysHouseplantinsecticidesMothrepellents

Mouseandratpoisonsandbaits
Workshop/PaintingSupplies
AdhesivesandgluesFurniturestrippersOilorenamelbasedpaintStainsandfinishes
Paintthinnersandturpentine PaintstrippersandremoversPhotographicchemicals
Fixativesandothersolvents
Miscellaneous
Batteries
Mercurythermostatsorthermometers
FluorescentlightbulbsDrivewaysealer
134

Technological Hazards
AreYouReady? Household Chemical Emergencies 3.2
OtherFlammableProducts

PropanetanksandothercompressedgascylindersKerosene Homeheatingoil
Dieselfuel
Gas/oilmixLighterfluid
Althoughtheriskofachemicalaccidentisslight,knowinghowtohandletheseproductsandhow
toreactduringanemergencycanreducetheriskofinjury.

Take Protective Measures

Thefollowingareguidelinesforbuyingandstoringhazardoushouseholdchemicalssafely:

Buyonlyasmuchofachemicalasyouthinkyouwilluse.Leftovermaterialcanbeshared
withneighborsordonatedtoabusiness,charity,orgovernmentagency.Forexample,excess
pesticidecouldbeofferedtoagreenhouseorgardencenter,andtheatergroupsoftenneedsurplus
paint.Somecommunitieshaveorganizedwasteexchangeswherehouseholdhazardous
chemicalsandwastecanbeswappedorgivenaway.

Keepproductscontaininghazardousmaterialsintheiroriginalcontainersandnever
removethelabelsunlessthecontaineriscorroding.Corrodingcontainersshouldberepackaged
andclearlylabeled.

Neverstorehazardousproductsinfoodcontainers.

Nevermixhouseholdhazardouschemicalsorwastewithotherproducts.Incompatibles,
suchaschlorinebleachandammonia,mayreact,ignite,orexplode.
Takethefollowingprecautionstopreventandrespondtoaccidents:

Followthemanufacturersinstructorsfortheproperuseofthehouseholdchemical.

Neversmokewhileusinghouseholdchemicals.

Neverusehairspray,cleaningsolutions,paintproducts,orpesticidesnearanopenflame
(e.g.,pilotlight,lightedcandle,fireplace,woodburningstove,etc.)Althoughyoumaynotbe
abletoseeorsmellthem,vaporparticlesintheaircouldcatchfireorexplode.
Before a Household Chemical Emergency
135

During a Household Chemical Emergency

Cleanupanychemicalspillimmediately.Useragstocleanupthespill.Wearglovesand
eyeprotection.Allowthefumesintheragstoevaporateoutdoors,thendisposeoftheragsby
wrappingtheminanewspaperandplacingtheminasealedplasticbaginyourtrashcan.

Disposeofhazardousmaterialscorrectly.Takehouseholdhazardouswastetoalocal
collectionprogram.Checkwithyourcountyorstateenvironmentalorsolidwasteagencytolearn
ifthereisahouseholdhazardouswastecollectionprograminyourarea.
Learntorecognizethesymptomsoftoxicpoisoning,whichareasfollows: Difficultybreathing.

Irritationoftheeyes,skin,throat,orrespiratorytract. Changesinskincolor.

Headacheorblurredvision.Dizziness. Clumsinessorlackofcoordination.
Crampsordiarrhea.
Bepreparedtoseekmedicalassistance:

Postthenumberoftheemergencymedicalservicesandthepoisoncontrolcenterbyall
telephones.Inanemergencysituation,youmaynothavetimetolookupcriticalphonenumbers.
Thenationalpoisoncontrolnumberis(800)2221222.
Ifthereisadangeroffireorexplosion:

Getoutoftheresidenceimmediately.Donotwastetimecollectingitemsorcallingthefire
departmentwhenyouareindanger.Callthefiredepartmentfromoutside(acellularphoneora
neighborsphone)onceyouaresafelyawayfromdanger.

Stayupwindandawayfromtheresidencetoavoidbreathingtoxicfumes.
Ifsomeonehasbeenexposedtoahouseholdchemical:

Findanycontainersofthesubstancethatarereadilyavailableinordertoprovide
requestedinformation.Callemergencymedicalservices.

Followtheemergencyoperatorordispatchersfirstaidinstructionscarefully.Thefirstaid
advicefoundoncontainersmaybeoutofdateorinappropriate.Donotgiveanythingbymouth
unlessadvisedtodosobyamedicalprofessional.
Discardclothingthatmayhavebeencontaminated.Somechemicalsmaynotwashout
completely.
136

3.2

Household Chemical Emergencies AreYouReady?

Technological Hazards
AreYouReady? Household Chemical Emergencies

3.2

Checking Your Home

Thereareprobablymanyhazardousmaterialsthroughoutyourhome.Takeatourofyourhometo
seewherethesematerialsarelocated.Usethelistofcommonhazardoushouseholditems
presentedearliertoguideyouinyourhunt.Onceyouhavelocatedaproduct,checkthelabeland
takethenecessarystepstoensurethatyouareusing,storing,anddisposingofthematerial
accordingtothemanufacturersdirections.Itiscriticaltostorehouseholdchemicalsinplaces
wherechildrencannotaccessthem.Rememberthatproductssuchasaerosolcansofhairspray
anddeodorant,nailpolishandnailpolishremover,toiletbowlcleaners,andfurniturepolishesall
fallintothecategoryofhazardousmaterials.
137

FEMA Publications
Other Publications

For More Information

Ifyourequiremoreinformationaboutanyofthesetopics,thefollowingareresourcesthatmaybe
helpful.
Household Hazardous Materials: A Guide for Citizens.IS55.Anindependentstudyresource
forparentsandteachers.Webbasedsafetyprogramfocusedonreducingthenumberofdeaths
andinjuriesinthehome.Availableonlineathttp://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/is55.asp
Chemical Emergencies.Apamphletpromotingawarenessofchemicalhazardsinthehome,
howtopreventthem,andwhattodoifexposed.Availableonlineat
www.fema.gov/pdf/rrr/talkdiz/chemical.pdf
Backgrounder: Hazardous Materials.0.511.Informationsheetavailableonlineat
www.fema.gov/hazards/hazardousmaterials/hazmat.shtm
USFA: Factsheet: Baby-sitters Make the Right Call to EMS.0510.Availableonlineat
www.usfa.fema.gov/public/factsheets/mtrc.shtm
AmericanRedCross
Chemical Emergencies.Extensivedocumentdescribingthehazardsofhouseholdchemicals
andwhattodoinanemergency.Availableonlineat
www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_581_,00.html
138

3.2

Household Chemical Emergencies AreYouReady?

3.3 Nuclear
Power Plants
140

3.3

Nulear Power Plants AreYouReady?

Nuclearpowerplantsusetheheatgeneratedfromnuclearfissioninacontainedenvironmentto
convertwatertosteam,whichpowersgeneratorstoproduceelectricity.Nuclearpowerplants
operateinmoststatesinthecountryandproduceabout20percentofthenationspower.Nearly3
millionAmericanslivewithin10milesofanoperatingnuclearpowerplant.
Althoughtheconstructionandoperationofthesefacilitiesarecloselymonitoredandregulatedby
theNuclearRegulatoryCommission(NRC),accidentsarepossible.Anaccidentcouldresultin
dangerouslevelsofradiationthatcouldaffectthehealthandsafetyofthepubliclivingnearthe
nuclearpowerplant.
Localandstategovernments,federalagencies,andtheelectricutilitieshaveemergency
responseplansintheeventofanuclearpowerplantincident.Theplansdefinetwoemergency
planningzones.Onezonecoversanareawithina10mileradiusoftheplant,whereitis
possiblethatpeoplecouldbeharmedbydirectradiationexposure.Thesecondzonecoversa
broaderarea,usuallyuptoa50mileradiusfromtheplant,whereradioactivematerialscould
contaminatewatersupplies,foodcrops,andlivestock.
Thepotentialdangerfromanaccidentatanuclearpowerplantisexposuretoradiation.This
exposurecouldcomefromthereleaseofradioactivematerialfromtheplantintotheenvironment,
usuallycharacterizedbyaplume(cloudlikeformation)ofradioactivegasesandparticles.The
majorhazardstopeopleinthevicinityoftheplumeareradiationexposuretothebodyfromthe
cloudandparticlesdepositedontheground,inhalationofradioactivematerials,andingestionof
radioactivematerials.
Radioactivematerialsarecomposedofatomsthatareunstable.Anunstableatomgivesoffits
excessenergyuntilitbecomesstable.Theenergyemittedisradiation.Eachofusisexposedto
radiationdailyfromnaturalsources,includingtheSunandtheEarth.Smalltracesofradiationare
presentinfoodandwater.RadiationalsoisreleasedfrommanmadesourcessuchasXray
machines,televisionsets,andmicrowaveovens.Radiationhasacumulativeeffect.Thelongera
personisexposedtoradiation,thegreatertheeffect.Ahighexposuretoradiationcancause
seriousillnessordeath.
Minimizing Exposure to Radiation

DistanceThemoredistancebetweenyouandthesourceoftheradiation,thebetter.This
couldbeevacuationorremainingindoorstominimizeexposure.

ShieldingThemoreheavy,densematerialbetweenyouandthesourceoftheradiation,
thebetter.

TimeMostradioactivitylosesitsstrengthfairlyquickly.

Technological Hazards
AreYouReady? Nuclear Power Plants
3.3
Ifanaccidentatanuclearpowerplantweretoreleaseradiationinyourarea,localauthorities
wouldactivatewarningsirensoranotherapprovedalertmethod.Theyalsowouldinstructyou
throughtheEmergencyAlertSystem(EAS)onlocaltelevisionandradiostationsonhowto
protectyourself.
Know the Terms
Familiarizeyourselfwiththesetermstohelpidentifyanuclearpowerplantemergency:
Notification of Unusual Event
Asmallproblemhasoccurredattheplant.Noradiationleakisexpected.Noactiononyourpart
willbenecessary.
Alert
Asmallproblemhasoccurred,andsmallamountsofradiationcouldleakinsidetheplant.This
willnotaffectyouandnoactionisrequired.
Site Area Emergency

Areasirensmaybesounded.Listentoyourradioortelevisionforsafetyinformation.
General Emergency
Radiationcouldleakoutsidetheplantandofftheplantsite.Thesirenswillsound.Tunetoyour
localradioortelevisionstationforreports.Bepreparedtofollowinstructionspromptly.

Take Protective Measures

Obtainpublicemergencyinformationmaterialsfromthepowercompanythatoperatesyourlocal
nuclearpowerplantoryourlocalemergencyservicesoffice.Ifyoulivewithin10milesofthe
powerplant,youshouldreceivethesematerialsyearlyfromthepowercompanyoryourstateor
localgovernment.
Before a Nuclear Power Plant Emergency
141

3.3

Nulear Power Plants AreYouReady?

During a Nuclear Power Plant Emergency
After a Nuclear Power Plant Emergency
Thefollowingareguidelinesforwhatyoushoulddoifanuclearpowerplantemergencyoccurs.
Keepabatterypoweredradiowithyouatalltimesandlistentotheradioforspecificinstructions.
Closeandlockdoorsandwindows.
Ifyouexpectyouhavebeenexposedtonuclearradiation:
If you are told to evacuate..If you are advised to remain indoors..
Keep
carwindowsandventsclosed;use
recirculatingair.

Turnofftheairconditioner,ventilationfans,furnace,andotherairintakes.

Gotoabasementorotherundergroundarea,ifpossible.

Donotusethetelephoneunlessabsolutelynecessary.

Changeclothesandshoes.Putexposedclothinginaplasticbag.Sealthebagandplaceitoutof
theway.Takeathoroughshower.
Keepfoodincoveredcontainersorintherefrigerator.Foodnotpreviouslycoveredshouldbe
washedbeforebeingputintocontainers.
Seekmedicaltreatmentforanyunusualsymptoms,suchasnausea,thatmayberelatedto
radiationexposure.
FollowtheinstructionsforrecoveringfromadisasterinPart5.
142

Technological Hazards
AreYouReady? Nuclear Power Plants

3.3

Technological Hazards Knowledge Check

Answer the following questions. Check your responses with the answer key below.

1.
Whataresomethingsyoucandotoreducethethreatfromhazardousmaterialsinyour
home?
2.
Whatshouldyoudoifyouarecaughtatthesceneofahazardousmaterialsincident?
3.
WhatisthetelephonenumberfortheNationalPoisonControlCenter?
4.
Whatarethreewaystominimizeradiationexposure?
5.
Aretherespecialwarningrequirementsfornuclearpowerplants?Ifso,whatarethey?
6.
Whatdoesitmeanwhenanuclearpowerplanthasissuedageneralemergency?What
actionsshouldyoutake?
7.
Ifyouareathomeandinstructedtoshelterinplacebecauseofachemicalrelease,where
willyougo?

8.
Ifyouareinacarandunabletoseekshelterinabuildingandachemicalreleaseoccurs,
youshould?
9.
Whocanyoucontacttofindoutabouthazardousmaterialsstoredinyourcommunity?
10. Whataresomecommonplacesshazardousmaterialsmaybepresentinthecommunity?
143

AreyouReady?
144

Answers:
1.
a.b. Followmanufacturesinstructionsforstorage,use,anddisposal.c. Neverstore
hazardousproductsinfoodcontainers.d. Keepproductsinoriginalcontainersunlessthe
containeriscorroding.e. Nevermixhouseholdhazardouschemicalsorwastewithotherproducts.
f.
Takehouseholdhazardouswastetoalocalcollectionprogram.g.
Neversmokewhile
usinghouseholdchemicals.h. Cleanupspillsimmediatelywithrags.i.
Buyonlyasmuchof
achemicalasyouthinkyouwilluse.
Learntoidentifyhazardousmaterials.
2.
a.b. Stayupstream,uphill,andupwind! Ingeneral,trytogoatleastonehalfmile
(usually810cityblocks)
Donotwalkintoortouchanyspilledliquids,airbornemists,orcondensedsolidchemical
deposits.
fromthedangerarea.3.(800)2221222
4.
Distance,shielding,andtime.
5.Yes.Nuclearpowerplantsarerequiredtoinstallsirensorotherapprovedwarningsystems.
6.Radiationcouldleakoutsidetheplantandofftheplantsite.Thesirenswillsound.Tuneto
localradioortelevisionstationforreports.Bepreparedtofollowinstructionspromptly.
7.Anabovegroundroomwiththefewestexteriordoorsandwindows.
8.Keepcarwindowsandventsclosedandshutofftheairconditionerorheater.
9.LocalEmergencyPlanningCommittee(LEPC).Thelocalemergencymanagementofficecan
providecontactinformationfortheLEPCs.
10.Agriculturaloperationsandfarms,autoservicestationsandjunkyards,chemical
manufacturingandstoragefacilities,constructionsites,drycleaners,electronicsmanufactures,
paintshops,hospitals,hazardousmaterialswastesites,andtransportationroutes.

Terrorism

Throughouthumanhistory,therehavebeenmanythreatstothesecurityofnations.Thesethreats
havebroughtaboutlargescalelossesoflife,thedestructionofproperty,widespreadillnessand
injury,thedisplacementoflargenumbersofpeople,anddevastatingeconomicloss.
Recenttechnologicaladvancesandongoinginternationalpoliticalunrestarecomponentsofthe
increasedrisktonationalsecurity.
UsePart4tolearnwhatactionstoincludeinyourfamilydisasterplantoprepareforandrespond
toterroristthreats.
WhenyoucompletePart4,youwillbeableto:Recognizeimportantterms.

Takeprotectivemeasuresforterroristthreats.Knowwhatactionstotakeifaneventoccurs.
Identifyresourcesformoreinformationaboutterroristthreats.
145
146

4.1 General
Information
about Terrorism
148

4.1

General Info about Terrorism AreYouReady?

Terrorismistheuseofforceorviolenceagainstpersonsorpropertyinviolationofthecriminal
lawsoftheUnitedStatesforpurposesofintimidation,coercion,orransom.Terroristsoftenuse
threatsto:

Createfearamongthepublic.

Trytoconvincecitizensthattheirgovernmentispowerlesstopreventterrorism.

Getimmediatepublicityfortheircauses.
Actsofterrorismincludethreatsofterrorism;assassinations;kidnappings;hijackings;bomb
scaresandbombings;cyberattacks(computerbased);andtheuseofchemical,biological,
nuclearandradiologicalweapons.
Highrisktargetsforactsofterrorismincludemilitaryandciviliangovernmentfacilities,
internationalairports,largecities,andhighprofilelandmarks.Terroristsmightalsotargetlarge
publicgatherings,waterandfoodsupplies,utilities,andcorporatecenters.Further,terroristsare
capableofspreadingfearbysendingexplosivesorchemicalandbiologicalagentsthroughthe
mail.
Withintheimmediateareaofaterroristevent,youwouldneedtorelyonpolice,fire,andother
officialsforinstructions.However,youcanprepareinmuchthesamewayyouwouldpreparefor
othercrisisevents.
Thefollowingaregeneralguidelines:

Beawareofyoursurroundings.

Moveorleaveifyoufeeluncomfortableorifsomethingdoesnotseemright.

Takeprecautionswhentraveling.Beawareofconspicuousorunusualbehavior.Donot
acceptpackagesfromstrangers.Donotleaveluggageunattended.Youshouldpromptlyreport
unusualbehavior,suspiciousorunattendedpackages,andstrangedevicestothepoliceor
securitypersonnel.

Learnwhereemergencyexitsarelocatedinbuildingsyoufrequent.Planhowtogetoutin
theeventofanemergency.

Bepreparedtodowithoutservicesyounormallydependonelectricity,telephone,natural
gas,gasolinepumps,cashregisters,ATMs,andInternettransactions.
AreYouReady? General Info about Terrorism 4.1

Workwithbuildingownerstoensurethefollowingitemsarelocatedoneachfloorofthe
building:

Portable,batteryoperatedradioandextrabatteries.Severalflashlightsandextrabatteries.
Firstaidkitandmanual.
Hardhatsanddustmasks.

149

Fluorescenttapetoropeoffdangerousareas.

Terrorism
150

4.2 Explosions
152

Terroristshavefrequentlyusedexplosivedevicesasoneoftheirmostcommon
weapons.Terroristsdonothavetolookfartofindouthowtomakeexplosivedevices;the
informationisreadilyavailableinbooksandotherinformationsources.Thematerialsneededfor
anexplosivedevicecanbefoundinmanyplacesincludingvariety,hardware,andautosupply
stores.Explosivedevicesarehighlyportableusingvehiclesandhumansasameansoftransport.
Theyareeasilydetonatedfromremotelocationsorbysuicidebombers.
Conventionalbombshavebeenusedtodamageanddestroyfinancial,political,social,and
religiousinstitutions.Attackshaveoccurredinpublicplacesandoncitystreetswiththousandsof
peoplearoundtheworldinjuredandkilled.
Parcels that should make you suspicious:

Areunexpectedorfromsomeoneunfamiliartoyou.
Havenoreturnaddress,orhave
onethatcantbeverifiedaslegiti
mate.
AremarkedwithrestrictiveendorsementssuchasPersonal,Confi
dential,orDonotXray. Haveprotrudingwiresoraluminumfoil,strangeodors,orstains.

Showacityorstateinthepostmarkthatdoesntmatchthereturnad
dress.
Areofunusualweightgiventheirsize,orarelopsidedoroddly
shaped. Aremarkedwiththreateninglanguage.
Haveinappropriateorunusuallabeling.

Haveexcessivepostageorpackagingmaterial,suchasmaskingtape
andstring. Havemisspellingsofcommonwords.
Areaddressedtosomeonenolonger
withyourorganizationorare
otherwiseoutdated.
Haveincorrecttitlesortitleswithoutaname.
Arenotaddressedto
aspecificperson.Havehandwrittenorpoorlytypedaddressess.

4.2

Explosions

AreYou

Ready?

AreYou

Ready?

Explosions

4.2

Take Protective Measures

Ifyoureceiveatelephonedbombthreat,youshoulddothefollowing:
Getasmuch
informationfromthecalleraspossible.
Keepthecalleronthelineandrecordeverythingthat
issaid.
Notifythepoliceandthebuildingmanagement.
Ifthereisanexplosion,youshould:

Getunderasturdytableordeskifthingsarefallingaroundyou.Whentheystopfalling,
leavequickly,watchingforobviouslyweakenedfloorsandstairways.Asyouexitfromthe
building,beespeciallywatchfuloffallingdebris.

Leavethebuildingasquicklyaspossible.Donotstoptoretrievepersonalpossessionsor
makephonecalls.

Donotuseelevators.
Onceyouareout:

Donotstandinfrontofwindows,glassdoors,orotherpotentiallyhazardousareas.

Moveawayfromsidewalksorstreetstobeusedbyemergencyofficialsorothersstill

exitingthebuilding.
Ifyouaretrappedindebris:

Ifpossible,useaflashlighttosignalyourlocationtorescuers.

Avoidunnecessarymovementsoyoudontkickupdust.

Coveryournoseandmouthwithanythingyouhaveonhand.(Denseweavecottonmaterial
canactasagoodfilter.Trytobreathethroughthematerial.)

Taponapipeorwallsorescuerscanhearwhereyouare.

Ifpossible,useawhistletosignalrescuers.

Shoutonlyasalastresort.Shoutingcancauseapersontoinhaledangerousamountsof
dust.
During an Explosion
Review
SafetyguidelinesforescapingfiresinSection2.11
153

Terrorism
After an Explosion
Publications
FollowtheinstructionsforrecoveringfromadisasterinPart5.

For More Information

Ifyourequiremoreinformationaboutanyofthesetopics,thefollowingresourcemaybehelpful.
AmericanRedCross:
Terrorism, Preparing for the Unexpected.Documentprovidingpreparationguidelinesfora
terroristattackorsimilaremergency.Availableonlineatwww.redcross.org/
services/disaster/0,1082,0_589_,00.html
154

4.2

Explosions

AreYou

Ready?

4.3 Biological
Threats
Before a Biological Attack
Biologicalagentsareorganismsortoxinsthatcankillorincapacitatepeople,livestock,and
crops.Thethreebasicgroupsofbiologicalagentsthatwouldlikelybeusedasweaponsare
bacteria,viruses,andtoxins.Mostbiologicalagentsaredifficulttogrowandmaintain.Many
breakdownquicklywhenexposedtosunlightandotherenvironmentalfactors,whileothers,such
asanthraxspores,areverylonglived.Biologicalagentscanbedispersedbysprayingtheminto
theair,byinfectinganimalsthatcarrythediseasetohumans,andbycontaminatingfoodand
water.Deliverymethodsinclude:

Aerosolsbiologicalagentsaredispersedintotheair,formingafinemistthatmaydrift
formiles.Inhalingtheagentmaycausediseaseinpeopleoranimals.

Animalssomediseasesarespreadbyinsectsandanimals,suchasfleas,mice,flies,
mosquitoes,andlivestock.

Foodandwatercontaminationsomepathogenicorganismsandtoxinsmaypersistinfood

andwatersupplies.Mostmicrobescanbekilled,andtoxinsdeactivated,bycookingfoodand
boilingwater.Mostmicrobesarekilledbyboilingwaterforoneminute,butsomerequirelonger.
Followofficialinstructions.

Persontopersonspreadofafewinfectiousagentsisalsopossible.Humanshavebeen
thesourceofinfectionforsmallpox,plague,andtheLassaviruses.
SpecificinformationonbiologicalagentsisavailableattheCentersforDiseaseControland
PreventionsWebsite,www.bt.cdc.gov.

Take Protective Measures

Thefollowingareguidelinesforwhatyoushoulddotoprepareforabiologicalthreat:

Checkwithyourdoctortoensureallrequiredorsuggestedimmunizationsareuptodate.
Childrenandolderadultsareparticularlyvulnerabletobiologicalagents.
156

4.3

Biological Threats

AreYouReady?

AreYouReady? BiologicalThreats 4.3

ConsiderinstallingaHighEfficiencyParticulateAir(HEPA)filterinyourfurnacereturn
duct.Thesefiltersremoveparticlesinthe0.3to10micronrangeandwillfilteroutmost
biologicalagentsthatmayenteryourhouse.Ifyoudonothaveacentralheatingorcooling
system,astandaloneportableHEPAfiltercanbeused.
Filtration in Buildings
Buildingownersandmanagersshoulddeterminethetypeandleveloffiltrationintheirstructures
andthelevelofprotectionitprovidesagainstbiologicalagents.TheNationalInstituteof
OccupationalSafetyandHealth(NIOSH)providestechnicalguidanceonthistopicintheirpubli
cationGuidance for Filtration and Air-Cleaning Systems to Protect Building Environments
from Airborne Chemical, Biological, or Radiological Attacks.Toobtainacopy,call
1(800)35NIOSHorvisitwww.cdc.gov/NIOSH/publist.htmlandrequestordownloadNIOSH
Publication2003136.
Intheeventofabiologicalattack,publichealthofficialsmaynotimmediatelybeabletoprovide
informationonwhatyoushoulddo.Itwilltaketimetodeterminewhattheillnessis,howit
shouldbetreated,andwhoisindanger.Watchtelevision,listentoradio,orchecktheInternetfor
officialnewsandinformationincludingsignsandsymptomsofthedisease,areasindanger,if
medicationsorvaccinationsarebeingdistributed,andwhereyoushouldseekmedicalattentionif
youbecomeill.
Thefirstevidenceofanattackmaybewhenyounoticesymptomsofthediseasecausedby
exposuretoanagent.Besuspiciousofanysymptomsyounotice,butdonotassumethatany
illnessisaresultoftheattack.Usecommonsenseandpracticegoodhygiene.
Ifyoubecomeawareofanunusualandsuspicioussubstancenearby:
Moveawayquickly.

Washwithsoapandwater.Contactauthorities.

Listentothemediaforofficialinstructions.
Seekmedicalattentionifyoubecome
sick.
Ifyouareexposedtoabiologicalagent:

Removeandbagyourclothesandpersonalitems.Followofficialinstructionsfordisposal
ofcontaminateditems.

Washyourselfwithsoapandwaterandputoncleanclothes.

Seekmedicalassistance.Youmaybeadvisedtostayawayfromothersoreven
quarantined.
Review
ShelterinSection1.4

During a Biological Attack

157

Terrorism

After a Biological Attack

Review
GettingInformedinSection1.1
Using HEPA Filters
HEPAfiltersareusefulinbiologicalattacks.Ifyouhaveacentralheatingandcoolingsystemin
yourhomewithaHEPAfilter,leaveitonifitisrunningorturnthefanonifitisnotrunning.
Movingtheairinthehousethroughthefilterwillhelpremovetheagentsfromtheair.Ifyou
haveaportableHEPAfilter,takeitwithyoutotheinternalroomwhereyouareseekingshelter
andturniton.
Ifyouareinanapartmentorofficebuildingthathasamodern,centralheatingandcooling
system,thesystemsfiltrationshouldprovidearelativelysafelevelofprotectionfromoutside
biologicalcontaminants.
HEPAfilterswillnotfilterchemicalagents.
Insomesituations,suchasthecaseoftheanthraxletterssentin2001,peoplemaybealertedto
potentialexposure.Ifthisisthecase,paycloseattentiontoallofficialwarningsandinstructions
onhowtoproceed.Thedeliveryofmedicalservicesforabiologicaleventmaybehandled
differentlytorespondtoincreaseddemand.Thebasicpublichealthproceduresandmedical
protocolsforhandlingexposuretobiologicalagentsarethesameasforanyinfectiousdisease.It
isimportantforyoutopayattentiontoofficialinstructionsviaradio,television,andemergency
alertsystems.
158

4.3

Biological Threats

AreYouReady?

4.4 Chemical
Threats
Before a Chemical Attack
During a Chemical Attack
Review
SheltersafetyforsealedroomsinSection3.1
Chemicalagentsarepoisonousvapors,aerosols,liquids,andsolidsthathavetoxiceffectson
people,animals,orplants.Theycanbereleasedbybombsorsprayedfromaircraft,boats,and
vehicles.Theycanbeusedasaliquidtocreateahazardtopeopleandtheenvironment.Some
chemicalagentsmaybeodorlessandtasteless.Theycanhaveanimmediateeffect(afewseconds
toafewminutes)oradelayedeffect(2to48hours).Whilepotentiallylethal,chemicalagentsare
difficulttodeliverinlethalconcentrations.Outdoors,theagentsoftendissipaterapidly.Chemi
calagentsalsoaredifficulttoproduce.
Achemicalattackcouldcomewithoutwarning.Signsofachemicalreleaseincludepeople
havingdifficultybreathing;experiencingeyeirritation;losingcoordination;becomingnauseated;
orhavingaburningsensationinthenose,throat,andlungs.Also,thepresenceofmanydead
insectsorbirdsmayindicateachemicalagentrelease.

Take Protective Measures

Thefollowingareguidelinesforwhatyoushoulddotoprepareforachemicalthreat:

Checkyourdisastersupplieskittomakesureitincludes:
Arollofducttapeandscissors.
Plasticfordoors,windows,andventsfortheroominwhichyouwillshelterinplace.Tosave
criticaltimeduringanemergency,premeasureandcuttheplasticsheetingforeachopening.

Chooseaninternalroomtoshelter,preferablyonewithoutwindowsandonthehighest
level.
Thefollowingareguidelinesforwhatyoushoulddoinachemicalattack.
Ifyouareinstructedtoremaininyourhomeorofficebuilding,youshould:

Closedoorsandwindowsandturnoffallventilation,includingfurnaces,airconditioners,
vents,andfans.

Seekshelterinaninternalroomandtakeyourdisastersupplieskit. Sealtheroomwith
ducttapeandplasticsheeting. Listentoyourradioforinstructionsfromauthorities.
160

4.4

Chemical Threats

AreYouReady?

AreYouReady? ChemicalThreats 4.4

Ifyouarecaughtinornearacontaminatedarea,youshould: Moveawayimmediatelyina
directionupwindofthesource.
Findshelterasquicklyaspossible.
Decontaminationisneededwithinminutesofexposuretominimizehealthconsequences.Do
notleavethesafetyofasheltertogooutdoorstohelpothersuntilauthoritiesannounceitissafe
todoso.
Apersonaffectedbyachemicalagentrequiresimmediatemedicalattentionfromaprofessional.
Ifmedicalhelpisnotimmediatelyavailable,decontaminateyourselfandassistin
decontaminatingothers.
Decontaminationguidelinesareasfollows:

Useextremecautionwhenhelpingotherswhohavebeenexposedtochemicalagents.

Removeallclothingandotheritemsincontactwiththebody.Contaminatedclothing
normallyremovedovertheheadshouldbecutofftoavoidcontactwiththeeyes,nose,and
mouth.Putcontaminatedclothinganditemsintoaplasticbagandsealit.Decontaminatehands
usingsoapandwater.Removeeyeglassesorcontactlenses.Putglassesinapanofhousehold
bleachtodecontaminatethem,andthenrinseanddry.

Flusheyeswithwater.

Gentlywashfaceandhairwithsoapandwaterbeforethoroughlyrinsingwithwater.

Decontaminateotherbodyareaslikelytohavebeencontaminated.Blot(donotswabor
scrape)withaclothsoakedinsoapywaterandrinsewithclearwater.

Changeintouncontaminatedclothes.Clothingstoredindrawersorclosetsislikelytobe
uncontaminated.

Proceedtoamedicalfacilityforscreeningandprofessionaltreatment.
After a Chemical Attack
161

Terrorism
162

4.5 Nuclear

Blast
164

4.5

Nuclear Blast AreYouReady?

Anuclearblastisanexplosionwithintenselightandheat,adamagingpressurewave,and
widespreadradioactivematerialthatcancontaminatetheair,water,andgroundsurfacesformiles
around.Anucleardevicecanrangefromaweaponcarriedbyanintercontinentalmissile
launchedbyahostilenationorterroristorganization,toasmallportablenucleardevise
transportedbyanindividual.Allnucleardevicescausedeadlyeffectswhenexploded,including
blindinglight,intenseheat(thermalradiation),initialnuclearradiation,blast,firesstartedbythe
heatpulse,andsecondaryfirescausedbythedestruction.
HazardsofNuclearDevices
Theextent,nature,andarrivaltimeofthesehazardsaredifficulttopredict.Thegeographical
dispersionofhazardeffectswillbedefinedbythefollowing:

Sizeofthedevice.Amorepowerfulbombwillproducemoredistanteffects.

Heightabovethegroundthedevicewasdetonated.Thiswilldeterminetheextentofblast
effects.

Natureofthesurfacebeneaththeexplosion.Somematerialsaremorelikelytobecome
radioactiveandairbornethanothers.Flatareasaremoresusceptibletoblasteffects.

Existingmeteorologicalconditions.Windspeedanddirectionwillaffectarrivaltimeof
fallout;precipitationmaywashfalloutfromtheatmosphere.
RadioactiveFallout
Evenifindividualsarenotcloseenoughtothenuclearblasttobeaffectedbythedirectimpacts,
theymaybeaffectedbyradioactivefallout.Anynuclearblastresultsinsomefallout.Blaststhat
occurneartheearthssurfacecreatemuchgreateramountsoffalloutthanblaststhatoccurat
higheraltitudes.Thisisbecausethetremendousheatproducedfromanuclearblastcausesan
updraftofairthatformsthefamiliarmushroomcloud.Whenablastoccursneartheearths
surface,millionsofvaporizeddirtparticlesalsoaredrawnintothecloud.Astheheatdiminishes,
radioactivematerialsthathavevaporizedcondenseontheparticlesandfallbacktoEarth.The
phenomenoniscalledradioactivefallout.Thisfalloutmaterialdecaysoveralongperiodoftime,
andisthemainsourceofresidualnuclearradiation.
Falloutfromanuclearexplosionmaybecarriedbywindcurrentsforhundredsofmilesifthe
rightconditionsexist.Effectsfromevenasmallportabledeviceexplodedatgroundlevelcanbe
potentiallydeadly.
Nuclearradiationcannotbeseen,smelled,orotherwisedetectedbynormalsenses.Radiationcan
onlybedetectedbyradiationmonitoringdevices.Thismakesradiologicalemergenciesdifferent
fromothertypesofemergencies,suchasfloodsorhurricanes.Monitoringcanprojectthefallout
arrivaltimes,whichwillbeannouncedthroughofficialwarningchannels.However,anyincrease
insurfacebuildupofgrittydustanddirtshouldbeawarningfortakingprotectivemeasures.
AreYouReady? Nuclear Blast 4.5
ElectromagneticPulse
Inadditiontoothereffects,anuclearweapondetonatedinorabovetheearthsatmospherecan
createanelectromagneticpulse(EMP),ahighdensityelectricalfield.AnEMPactslikeastroke
oflightningbutisstronger,faster,andshorter.AnEMPcanseriouslydamageelectronicdevices
connectedtopowersourcesorantennas.Thisincludescommunicationsystems,computers,
electricalappliances,andautomobileoraircraftignitionsystems.Thedamagecouldrangefrom

aminorinterruptiontoactualburnoutofcomponents.Mostelectronicequipmentwithin1,000
milesofahighaltitudenucleardetonationcouldbeaffected.Batterypoweredradioswithshort
antennasgenerallywouldnotbeaffected.AlthoughanEMPisunlikelytoharmmostpeople,it
couldharmthosewithpacemakersorotherimplantedelectronicdevices.
ProtectionfromaNuclearBlast
ThedangerofamassivestrategicnuclearattackontheUnitedStatesispredictedbyexpertstobe
lesslikelytoday.However,terrorism,bynature,isunpredictable.
Iftherewerethreatofanattack,peoplelivingnearpotentialtargetscouldbeadvisedtoevacuate
ortheycoulddecideontheirowntoevacuatetoanareanotconsideredalikelytarget.Protection
fromradioactivefalloutwouldrequiretakingshelterinanundergroundareaorinthemiddleof
alargebuilding.
Ingeneral,potentialtargetsinclude: Strategicmissilesitesandmilitarybases. Centersof
governmentsuchasWashington,DC,andstatecapitals.
Importanttransportationand
communicationcenters.Manufacturing,industrial,technology,andfinancialcenters.
Petroleumrefineries,electricalpowerplants,andchemicalplants. Majorportsandairfields.
165

Terrorism
Before a Nuclear Blast
Review
Updateyoursupplies;seeSection1.2
Thethreefactorsforprotectingoneselffromradiationandfalloutaredistance,shielding,and
time.

Distancethemoredistancebetweenyouandthefalloutparticles,thebetter.An
undergroundareasuchasahomeorofficebuildingbasementoffersmoreprotectionthanthefirst
floorofabuilding.Afloornearthemiddleofahighrisemaybebetter,dependingonwhatis
nearbyatthatlevelonwhichsignificantfalloutparticleswouldcollect.Flatroofscollectfallout
particlessothetopfloorisnotagoodchoice,norisaflooradjacenttoaneighboringflatroof.

Shieldingtheheavieranddenserthematerialsthickwalls,concrete,bricks,booksand
earthbetweenyouandthefalloutparticles,thebetter.

Timefalloutradiationlosesitsintensityfairlyrapidly.Intime,youwillbeabletoleave
thefalloutshelter.Radioactivefalloutposesthegreatestthreattopeopleduringthefirsttwo
weeks,bywhichtimeithasdeclinedtoabout1percentofitsinitialradiationlevel.
Rememberthatanyprotection,howevertemporary,isbetterthannoneatall,andthemore
shielding,distance,andtimeyoucantakeadvantageof,thebetter.

Take Protective Measures

Toprepareforanuclearblast,youshoulddothefollowing:

Findoutfromofficialsifanypublicbuildingsinyourcommunityhavebeendesignatedas
falloutshelters.Ifnonehavebeendesignated,makeyourownlistofpotentialsheltersnearyour
home,workplace,andschool.Theseplaceswouldincludebasementsorthewindowlesscenter
areaofmiddlefloorsinhighrisebuildings,aswellassubwaysandtunnels.

Ifyouliveinanapartmentbuildingorhighrise,talktothemanageraboutthesafestplace
inthebuildingforshelteringandaboutprovidingforbuildingoccupantsuntilitissafetogoout.

Duringperiodsofincreasedthreatincreaseyourdisastersuppliestobeadequateforupto
twoweeks.
166

4.5

Nuclear Blast AreYouReady?

AreYouReady? Nuclear Blast

4.5

Takingshelterduringanuclearblastisabsolutelynecessary.Therearetwokindsofshelters
blastandfallout.Thefollowingdescribesthetwokindsofshelters:

Blastsheltersarespecificallyconstructedtooffersomeprotectionagainstblastpressure,
initialradiation,heat,andfire.Butevenablastsheltercannotwithstandadirecthitfroma
nuclearexplosion.

Falloutsheltersdonotneedtobespeciallyconstructedforprotectingagainstfallout.They
canbeanyprotectedspace,providedthatthewallsandroofarethickanddenseenoughtoabsorb
theradiationgivenoffbyfalloutparticles.
Thefollowingareguidelinesforwhattodointheeventofanuclearexplosion.Ifanattack
warningisissued:

Takecoverasquicklyasyoucan,belowgroundifpossible,andstaythereuntilinstructed
todootherwise.
Listenforofficialinformationandfollowinstructions.
Ifyouarecaughtoutsideandunabletogetinsideimmediately:

Donotlookattheflashorfireballitcanblindyou.

Takecoverbehindanythingthatmightofferprotection.
Lieflatonthegroundandcoveryourhead.Iftheexplosionissomedistanceaway,itcouldtake
30secondsormorefortheblastwavetohit.

Takeshelterassoonasyoucan,evenifyouaremanymilesfromgroundzerowherethe
attackoccurredradioactivefalloutcanbecarriedbythewindsforhundredsofmiles.
Rememberthethreeprotectivefactors:Distance,shielding,andtime.
Decayratesoftheradioactivefalloutarethesameforanysizenucleardevice.However,the
amountoffalloutwillvarybasedonthesizeofthedeviceanditsproximitytotheground.
Therefore,itmightbenecessaryforthoseintheareaswithhighestradiationlevelstoshelterfor
uptoamonth.
Theheaviestfalloutwouldbelimitedtotheareaatordownwindfromtheexplosion,and80
percentofthefalloutwouldoccurduringthefirst24hours.
Peopleinmostoftheareasthatwouldbeaffectedcouldbeallowedtocomeoutofshelterwithin
afewdaysand,ifnecessary,evacuatetounaffectedareas.
Review
ShelterrequirementsinSection1.4
During a Nuclear Blast
After a Nuclear Blast
Review
ShelterrequirementsinSection1.4
167

Terrorism
168

4.5

Nuclear Blast AreYouReady?

ReturningtoYourHome
Rememberthefollowing:

Keeplisteningtotheradioandtelevisionfornewsaboutwhattodo,wheretogo,and
placestoavoid.

Stayawayfromdamagedareas.Stayawayfromareasmarkedradiationhazardor
HAZMAT.Rememberthatradiationcannotbeseen,smelled,orotherwisedetectedbyhuman
senses.
FollowtheinstructionsforreturninghomeinPart5.

4.6 Radiological
Dispersion
Device (RDD)
Before an RDD Event
Review
NuclearBlastSection4.5
During an RDD Event
TerroristuseofanRDDoftencalleddirtynukeordirtybombisconsideredfarmore
likelythanuseofanuclearexplosivedevice.AnRDDcombinesaconventionalexplosivedevice
suchasabombwithradioactivematerial.Itisdesignedtoscatterdangerousandsublethal
amountsofradioactivematerialoverageneralarea.SuchRDDsappealtoterroristsbecausethey
requirelimitedtechnicalknowledgetobuildanddeploycomparedtoanucleardevice.Also,the
radioactivematerialsinRDDsarewidelyusedinmedicine,agriculture,industry,andresearch,
andareeasiertoobtainthanweaponsgradeuraniumorplutonium.
TheprimarypurposeofterroristuseofanRDDistocausepsychologicalfearandeconomic
disruption.Somedevicescouldcausefatalitiesfromexposuretoradioactivematerials.
DependingonthespeedatwhichtheareaoftheRDDdetonationwasevacuatedorhow
successfulpeoplewereatshelteringinplace,thenumberofdeathsandinjuriesfromanRDD
mightnotbesubstantiallygreaterthanfromaconventionalbombexplosion.
ThesizeoftheaffectedareaandthelevelofdestructioncausedbyanRDDwoulddependonthe
sophisticationandsizeoftheconventionalbomb,thetypeofradioactivematerialused,the
qualityandquantityoftheradioactivematerial,andthelocalmeteorologicalconditions
primarilywindandprecipitation.Theareaaffectedcouldbeplacedofflimitstothepublicfor
severalmonthsduringcleanupefforts.

Take Protective Measures

Thereisnowayofknowinghowmuchwarningtimetherewillbebeforeanattackbyterrorists
usinganRDD,sobeingpreparedinadvanceandknowingwhattodoandwhenisimportant.
Takethesameprotectivemeasuresyouwouldforfalloutresultingfromanuclearblast.
Whiletheexplosiveblastwillbeimmediatelyobvious,thepresenceofradiationwillnotbe
knownuntiltrainedpersonnelwithspecializedequipmentareonthescene.Whetheryouare
indoorsoroutdoors,homeoratwork,beextracautious.Itwouldbesafertoassumeradiological
contaminationhasoccurredparticularlyinanurbansettingornearotherlikelyterroristtargets
andtaketheproperprecautions.Aswithanyradiation,youwanttoavoidor limitexposure.
Thisisparticularlytrueofinhalingradioactivedustthatresultsfromtheexplosion.Asyouseek
shelterfromanylocation(indoorsoroutdoors)andthereisvisualdustorothercontaminantsin
theair,breathethoughtheclothofyourshirtorcoattolimityourexposure.Ifyoumanageto
avoidbreathingradioactivedust,yourproximitytotheradioactiveparticlesmaystillresultin
someradiationexposure.

170

4.6

Radiological Dispersion Devices (RDD)

AreYouReady?

AreYouReady? Radiological Dispersion Devices (RDD) 4.6

Iftheexplosionorradiologicalreleaseoccursinside,getoutimmediatelyandseeksafeshelter.
Otherwise,ifyouare:
Afterfindingsafeshelter,thosewhomayhavebeenexposedtoradioactivematerialshould
decontaminatethemselves.Todothis,removeandbagyourclothing(andisolatethebagaway
fromyouandothers),andshowerthoroughlywithsoapandwater.Seekmedicalattentionafter
officialsindicateitissafetoleaveshelter.
ContaminationfromanRDDeventcouldaffectawidearea,dependingontheamountof
conventionalexplosivesused,thequantityandtypeofradioactivematerialreleased,and
meteorologicalconditions.Thus,radiationdissipationratesvary,butradiationfromanRDDwill
likelytakelongertodissipateduetoapotentiallylargerlocalizedconcentrationofradioactive
material.
FollowtheseadditionalguidelinesafteranRDDevent:
After an RDD Event
Outdoors
Indoors
Seekshelterindoorsimmediatelyinthenearestundamagedbuilding.

Ifappropriateshelterisnotavailable,moveasrapidlyasissafeupwindandawayfromthe
locationoftheexplosiveblast.Then,seekappropriateshelterassoonaspossible.

Listenforofficialinstructionsandfollowdirections.

Ifyouhavetime,turnoffventilationandheatingsystems,closewindows,vents,fireplace
dampers,exhaustfans,andclothesdryervents.Retrieveyourdisastersupplieskitandabattery
poweredradioandtakethemtoyourshelterroom.

Seekshelterimmediately,preferablyundergroundorinaninteriorroomofabuilding,
placingasmuchdistanceanddenseshieldingaspossiblebetweenyouandtheoutdoorswherethe
radioactivematerialmaybe.

Sealwindowsandexternaldoorsthatdonotfitsnuglywithducttapetoreduceinfiltration
ofradioactiveparticles.Plasticsheetingwillnotprovideshieldingfromradioactivitynorfrom
blasteffectsofanearbyexplosion.

Listenforofficialinstructionsandfollowdirections.

Continuelisteningtoyourradioorwatchthetelevisionforinstructionsfromlocalofficials,
whetheryouhaveevacuatedorshelteredinplace.
DonotreturntoorvisitanRDDincidentlocationforanyreason.Followtheinstructionsfor
recoveringfromadisasterinPart5.
171

Terrorism
AreYouReady?

Terrorism Knowledge Check

Answer the following questions. Check your responses with the answer key below.

1
2
3
4
5

Whatwouldyoudo,ifyouwereatworkand...a.therewasanexplosioninthebuilding?
b.youreceivedapackageinthemailthatyouconsideredsuspicious?
c.youreceivedatelephonecallthatwasabombthreat?
Ifcaughtoutsideduringanuclearblast,whatshouldyoudo?
Whatarethethreekeyfactorsforprotectionfromnuclearblastandfallout?
Ifyoutakeshelterinyourownhome,whatkindofroomwouldbesafestduringachemicalor
biologicalattack?
Incaseofachemicalattack,whatextraitemsshouldyouhaveinyourdisastersupplieskit?
172

AnswerKey
1.
a.Shelterfromfallingdebrisunderadeskandthenfollowevacuationproceduresb.Clear
theareaandnotifythepoliceimmediatelyc.Keepthecalleronthelineandrecordeverything
thatwassaid
2.

Dontlookattheflash Takecoverbehindanythingthatoffersprotection
Layflatontheground
Coveryourhead
3.
Distance,shielding,time4.
Aninteriorroomontheuppermostlevel,preferably
withoutwindows5.
Plasticsheeting,ducttape,andscissors.

4.7 Homeland
Security
Advisory System
174

4.7

Homeland
Security Advisory System AreYou
Ready?
TheHomelandSecurityAdvisorySystemwasdesignedtoprovideanationalframeworkand
comprehensivemeanstodisseminateinformationregardingtheriskofterroristactstothe
following:

Federal,state,andlocalauthoritiesTheprivatesectorTheAmericanpeople
Thissystemprovideswarningsintheformofasetofgraduatedthreatconditionsthatincrease
astheriskofthethreatincreases.Riskincludesboththeprobabilityofanattackoccurringand
itspotentialgravity.Threatconditionsmaybeassignedfortheentirenation,ortheymaybeset
foraparticulargeographicareaorindustrialsector.Ateachthreatcondition,governmententities
andtheprivatesector,includingbusinessesandschools,wouldimplementacorrespondingsetof
protectivemeasurestofurtherreducevulnerabilityorincreaseresponsecapabilityduringa
periodofheightenedalert.
Therearefivethreatconditions,eachidentifiedbyadescriptionandcorrespondingcolor.
Assignedthreatconditionswillbereviewedatregularintervalstodeterminewhetheradjustments
arewarranted.

Threat Conditions and Associated

Protective Measures

Thereisalwaysariskofaterroristthreat.Eachthreatconditionassignsalevelofalert
appropriatetotheincreasingriskofterroristattacks.Beneatheachthreatconditionaresome
suggestedprotectivemeasuresthatthegovernment,theprivatesector,andthepubliccantake.
Ineachcase,asthreatconditionsescalate,protectivemeasuresareaddedtothosealreadytakenin
lowerthreatconditions.Themeasuresarecumulative.
AreYou

Ready?

Homeland

Security Advisory System

4.7

Citizen Guidance on the Homeland

Security Advisory System

LowRisk

Developafamilyemergencyplan.Shareitwithfamilyandfriends,andpracticetheplan.
Visitwww.Ready.govforhelpcreatingaplan.

CreateanEmergencySupplyKitforyourhousehold. Beinformed.Visit
www.Ready.govorobtainacopyofPreparingMakesSense,GetReady
Nowbycalling1800BEREADY.
Knowwheretoshelterandhowtoturnoffutilities
(power,gas,andwater)toyourhome.
Examinevolunteeropportunitiesinyourcommunity,
suchasCitizenCorps,Volunteersin
PoliceService,NeighborhoodWatchorothers,anddonateyourtime.Considercompletingan
AmericanRedCrossfirstaidorCPRcourse,orCommunityEmergencyResponseTeam(CERT)
course.BLUE
GuardedRiskY

Completerecommendedstepsatlevelgreen.
Reviewstoreddisastersuppliesand
replaceitemsthatareoutdated.
Bealerttosuspiciousactivityandreportittoproper
authorities.
ElevatedRiskYELLOW

Completerecommendedstepsatlevelsgreenandblue. Ensuredisastersuppliesare
stockedandready.
Checktelephonenumbersinfamilyemergencyplanandupdateas
necessary. Developalternateroutesto/fromworkorschoolandpracticethem. Continuetobe
alertforsuspiciousactivityandreportittoauthorities.
HighRiskORANGE

Completerecommendedstepsatlowerlevels. Exercisecautionwhentraveling,pay
attentiontotraveladvisories. Reviewyourfamilyemergencyplanandmakesureallfamily
membersknowwhattodo. BePatient.Expectsomedelays,baggagesearchesandrestrictions
atpublicbuildings.
Checkonneighborsorothersthatmightneedassistanceinan
emergency.
SevereRisk

Completeallrecommendedactionsatlowerlevels.
Listentolocalemergency
managementofficials. StaytunedtoTVorradioforcurrentinformation/instructions. Be
preparedtoshelterorevacuate,asinstructed.Expecttrafficdelaysandrestrictions.
Provide
volunteerservicesonlyasrequested.
Contactyourschool/businesstodeterminestatusof
workday.
*DevelopedwithinputfromtheAmericanRedCross.
175

Terrorism
176

Knowledge Check
1.
Byfollowingtheinstructionsinthisguide,youshouldnowhavethefollowing:

Afamilydisasterplanthatsetsforthwhatyouandyourfamilyneedtodotopreparefor
andrespondtoalltypesofhazards.

Adisastersupplieskitfilledwithitemsyouwouldneedtosustainyouandyourfamilyfor
atleastthreedays,maybemore.

Knowledgeofyourcommunitywarningsystemsandwhatyoushoulddowhentheseare
activated.

Anunderstandingofwhyevacuationsarenecessaryandwhatyouwouldneedtodointhe
caseofanevacuation.
Identificationofwherethesafestsheltersareforthevarioushazards.

4.7

Homeland

Security Advisory System

AreYou

Ready?

Compare the above actions with the personal action guidelines for each of the threat levels.
Determine how well you are pre- pared for each of the five levels.

2.
Whatisthecurrentthreatlevel?___________________________
Hint:Todeterminethecurrentthreatlevel,checkyourcablenewsnetworksorvisit www.dhs.gov.
Keepyourfamilyinformedwhenchangesinthethreatleveloccur,andgooverthepersonal
actionsyouneedtotake.
AreYou
Ready?
Publications

Homeland

Security Advisory System

4.7

For More Information

Ifyourequiremoreinformationaboutanyofthesetopics,thefollowingresourcemaybehelpful.
AmericanRedCross
American Red Cross: Homeland Security Advisory System Recommendations for
Individuals, Families, Neighborhoods, Schools, and Businesses.Explanationof
preparednessactivitiesforeachpopulation.Availableonlineat
www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/hsas.html
177

Terrorism
178

Recovering
from
5

Disaster
179

Aiding the Injured

Health
Safety Issues

Health and Safety Guidelines

Recoveringfromadisasterisusuallyagradualprocess.Safetyisaprimaryissue,asaremental
andphysicalwellbeing.Ifassistanceisavailable,knowinghowtoaccessitmakestheprocess
fasterandlessstressful.Thissectionofferssomegeneraladviceonstepstotakeafterdisaster
strikesinordertobegingettingyourhome,yourcommunity,andyourlifebacktonormal.
Yourfirstconcernafteradisasterisyourfamilyshealthandsafety.Youneedtoconsider
possiblesafetyissuesandmonitorfamilyhealthandwellbeing.
Checkforinjuries.Donotattempttomoveseriouslyinjuredpersonsunlesstheyareinimmediate
dangerofdeathorfurtherinjury.Ifyoumustmoveanunconsciousperson,firststabilizethe
neckandback,thencallforhelpimmediately.

Ifthevictimisnotbreathing,carefullypositionthevictimforartificialrespiration,clear
theairway,andcommencemouthtomouthresuscitation.

Maintainbodytemperaturewithblankets.Besurethevictimdoesnotbecome
overheated.

Nevertrytofeedliquidstoanunconsciousperson.

Beawareofexhaustion.Donttrytodotoomuchatonce.Setprioritiesandpaceyourself.
Getenoughrest.

Drinkplentyofcleanwater.
Eatwell.

Wearsturdyworkbootsandgloves.

Washyourhandsthoroughlywithsoapandcleanwateroftenwhenworkingindebris.

Beawareofnewsafetyissuescreatedbythedisaster.Watchforwashedoutroads,
contaminatedbuildings,contaminatedwater,gasleaks,brokenglass,damagedelectricalwiring,
andslipperyfloors.

Informlocalauthoritiesabouthealthandsafetyissues,includingchemicalspills,downed
powerlines,washedoutroads,smolderinginsulation,anddeadanimals.
180

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AreYouReady? Recovering from Disaster 5.0

Returning Home

Returninghomecanbebothphysicallyandmentallychallenging.Aboveall,usecaution.
Generaltips:

Keepabatterypoweredradiowithyousoyoucanlistenforemergencyupdatesandnews
reports.

Useabatterypoweredflashlighttoinspectadamagedhome.Note:Theflashlightshould
beturnedonoutsidebeforeenteringthebatterymayproduceasparkthatcouldigniteleaking
gas,ifpresent.


Watchoutforanimals,especiallypoisonoussnakes.Useasticktopokethroughdebris.

Usethephoneonlytoreportlifethreateningemergencies.

Stayoffthestreets.Ifyoumustgoout,watchforfallenobjects;downedelectricalwires;
andweakenedwalls,bridges,roads,andsidewalks.
Walkcarefullyaroundtheoutsideandcheckforloosepowerlines,gasleaks,andstructural
damage.Ifyouhaveanydoubtsaboutsafety,haveyourresidenceinspectedbyaqualified
buildinginspectororstructuralengineerbeforeentering.
Donotenterif: Yousmellgas. Floodwatersremainaroundthebuilding. Yourhomewas
damagedbyfireandtheauthoritieshavenotdeclareditsafe.
Whenyougoinsideyourhome,therearecertainthingsyoushouldandshouldnotdo.Enterthe
homecarefullyandcheckfordamage.Beawareoflooseboardsandslipperyfloors.The
followingitemsareotherthingstocheckinsideyourhome:
Before You Enter Your Yome
Going Inside Your Home
181

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182

5.0

Recovering from DisasterAreYouReady?

Naturalgas.Ifyousmellgasorhearahissingorblowingsound,openawindowandleave
immediately.Turnoffthemaingasvalvefromtheoutside,ifyoucan.Callthegascompanyfrom
aneighborsresidence.Ifyoushutoffthegassupplyatthemainvalve,youwillneeda
professionaltoturnitbackon.Donotsmokeoruseoil,gaslanterns,candles,ortorchesfor
lightinginsideadamagedhomeuntilyouaresurethereisnoleakinggasorotherflammable
materialspresent.

Sparks,brokenorfrayedwires.Checktheelectricalsystemunlessyouarewet,standingin
water,orunsureofyoursafety.Ifpossible,turnofftheelectricityatthemainfuseboxorcircuit
breaker.Ifthesituationisunsafe,leavethebuildingandcallforhelp.Donotturnonthelights
untilyouaresuretheyresafetouse.Youmaywanttohaveanelectricianinspectyourwiring.

Roof,foundation,andchimneycracks.Ifitlookslikethebuildingmaycollapse,leave
immediately.

Appliances.Ifappliancesarewet,turnofftheelectricityatthemainfuseboxorcircuit
breaker.Then,unplugappliancesandletthemdryout.Haveappliancescheckedbya
professionalbeforeusingthemagain.Also,havetheelectricalsystemcheckedbyanelectrician
beforeturningthepowerbackon.

Waterandsewagesystems.Ifpipesaredamaged,turnoffthemainwatervalve.Check
withlocalauthoritiesbeforeusinganywater;thewatercouldbecontaminated.Pumpoutwells
andhavethewatertestedbyauthoritiesbeforedrinking.Donotflushtoiletsuntilyouknowthat
sewagelinesareintact.

Foodandothersupplies.Throwoutallfoodandothersuppliesthatyoususpectmayhave
becomecontaminatedorcomeintocontactwithfloodwater.

Yourbasement.Ifyourbasementhasflooded,pumpitoutgradually(aboutonethirdofthe
waterperday)toavoiddamage.Thewallsmaycollapseandthefloormaybuckleifthebasement
ispumpedoutwhilethesurroundinggroundisstillwaterlogged.

Opencabinets.Bealertforobjectsthatmayfall. Cleanuphouseholdchemicalspills.
Disinfectitemsthatmayhavebeencon
taminatedbyrawsewage,bacteria,orchemicals.Alsocleansalvageableitems.

Callyourinsuranceagent.Takepicturesofdamages.Keepgoodrecordsofrepairand
cleaningcosts.

AreYouReady? Recovering from Disaster 5.0

Disasterandlifethreateningsituationswillexacerbatetheunpredictablenatureofwildanimals.
Toprotectyourselfandyourfamily,learnhowtodealwithwildlife.
Guidelines

Donotapproachorattempttohelpaninjuredorstrandedanimal.Callyourlocalanimal
controlofficeorwildliferesourceoffice.

Donotcornerwildanimalsortrytorescuethem.Wildanimalswilllikelyfeelthreatened
andmayendangerthemselvesbydashingoffintofloodwaters,fire,andsoforth.

Donotapproachwildanimalsthathavetakenrefugeinyourhome.Wildanimalssuchas
snakes,opossums,andraccoonsoftenseekrefugefromfloodwatersonupperlevelsofhomesand
havebeenknowntoremainafterwaterrecedes.Ifyouencounteranimalsinthissituation,opena
windoworprovideanotherescaperouteandtheanimalwilllikelyleaveonitsown.Donot
attempttocaptureorhandletheanimal.Shouldtheanimalstay,callyourlocalanimalcontrol
officeorwildliferesourceoffice.

Donotattempttomoveadeadanimal.Animalcarcassescanpresentserioushealthrisks.
Contactyourlocalemergencymanagementofficeorhealthdepartmentforhelpand
instructions.

Ifbittenbyananimal,seekimmediatemedicalattention.

Seeking Disaster Assistance

Throughouttherecoveryperiod,itisimportanttomonitorlocalradioortelevisionreportsand
othermediasourcesforinformationaboutwheretogetemergencyhousing,food,firstaid,
clothing,andfinancialassistance.Thefollowingsectionprovidesgeneralinformationaboutthe
kindsofassistancethatmaybeavailable.
Being Wary of Wildlife and Other Animals
183

Recovering from Disaster

Direct Assistance
The Federal Role
Understand Disaster Events
Directassistancetoindividualsandfamiliesmaycomefromanynumberoforganizations,
including:

AmericanRedCross. SalvationArmy. Othervolunteerorganization.

Theseorganizationsprovidefood,shelter,suppliesandassistincleanupefforts.
Inthemostseveredisasters,thefederalgovernmentisalsocalledintohelpindividualsand
familieswithtemporaryhousing,counseling(forpostdisastertrauma),lowinterestloansand
grants,andotherassistance.Thefederalgovernmentalsohasprogramsthathelpsmallbusinesses
andfarmers.
MostfederalassistancebecomesavailablewhenthePresidentoftheUnitedStatesdeclaresa
MajorDisasterfortheaffectedareaattherequestofastategovernor.FEMAwillprovide
informationthroughthemediaandcommunityoutreachaboutfederalassistanceandhowto
apply.

Coping with Disaster

Theemotionaltollthatdisasterbringscansometimesbeevenmoredevastatingthanthefinancial
strainsofdamageandlossofhome,business,orpersonalproperty.

Everyonewhoseesorexperiencesadisasterisaffectedbyitinsomeway.

Itisnormaltofeelanxiousaboutyourownsafetyandthatofyourfamilyandclosefriends.

Profoundsadness,grief,andangerarenormalreactionstoanabnormalevent.
Acknowledgingyourfeelingshelpsyourecover. Focusingonyourstrengthsandabilities
helpsyouheal. Acceptinghelpfromcommunityprogramsandresourcesishealthy.

Everyonehasdifferentneedsanddifferentwaysofcoping. Itiscommontowantto
strikebackatpeoplewhohavecausedgreatpain.
Childrenandolderadultsareofspecialconcernintheaftermathofdisasters.Evenindividuals
whoexperienceadisastersecondhandthroughexposuretoextensivemediacoveragecanbe
affected.
Contactlocalfaithbasedorganizations,voluntaryagencies,orprofessionalcounselorsfor
counseling.Additionally,FEMAandstateandlocalgovernmentsoftheaffectedareamay
providecrisiscounselingassistance.
184

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Recovering from DisasterAreYouReady?

AreYouReady? Recovering from Disaster 5.0

Whenadultshavethefollowingsigns,theymightneedcrisiscounselingorstressmanagement
assistance:

Difficultycommunicatingthoughts. Difficultysleeping.
Difficultymaintaining
balanceintheirlives. Lowthresholdoffrustration. Increaseduseofdrugs/alcohol.Limited
attentionspan. Poorworkperformance.
Headaches/stomachproblems.
Tunnel
vision/muffledhearing. Coldsorflulikesymptoms. Disorientationorconfusion.
Difficultyconcentrating.
Reluctancetoleavehome.
Depression,sadness.
Feelingsofhopelessness.
Moodswingsandeasyboutsofcrying. Overwhelming
guiltandselfdoubt.
Fearofcrowds,strangers,orbeingalone.
Thefollowingarewaystoeasedisasterrelatedstress:

Talkwithsomeoneaboutyourfeelingsanger,sorrow,andotheremotionseventhough
itmaybedifficult.

Seekhelpfromprofessionalcounselorswhodealwithpostdisasterstress.

Donotholdyourselfresponsibleforthedisastrouseventorbefrustratedbecauseyoufeel
youcannothelpdirectlyintherescuework.

Takestepstopromoteyourownphysicalandemotionalhealingbyhealthyeating,rest,
exercise,relaxation,andmeditation.

Maintainanormalfamilyanddailyroutine,limitingdemandingresponsibilitieson
yourselfandyourfamily.

Spendtimewithfamilyandfriends. Participateinmemorials.
Recognize Signs of Disaster Related Stress
Easing Disaster-Related Stress
185

Recovering from Disaster

Helping Children Cope with Disaster

Useexistingsupportgroupsoffamily,friends,andreligiousinstitutions.

Ensureyouarereadyforfutureeventsbyrestockingyourdisastersupplieskitsand
updatingyourfamilydisasterplan.Doingthesepositiveactionscanbecomforting.
Disasterscanleavechildrenfeelingfrightened,confused,andinsecure.Whetherachildhas
personallyexperiencedtrauma,hasmerelyseentheeventontelevision,orhashearditdiscussed
byadults,itisimportantforparentsandteacherstobeinformedandreadytohelpifreactionsto
stressbegintooccur.
Childrenmayrespondtodisasterbydemonstratingfears,sadness,orbehavioralproblems.
Youngerchildrenmayreturntoearlierbehaviorpatterns,suchasbedwetting,sleepproblems,

andseparationanxiety.Olderchildrenmayalsodisplayanger,aggression,schoolproblems,or
withdrawal.Somechildrenwhohaveonlyindirectcontactwiththedisasterbutwitnessiton
televisionmaydevelopdistress.
WhoisatRisk?
Formanychildren,reactionstodisastersarebriefandrepresentnormalreactionstoabnormal
events.Asmallernumberofchildrencanbeatriskformoreenduringpsychologicaldistressasa
functionofthreemajorriskfactors:

Directexposuretothedisaster,suchasbeingevacuated,observinginjuriesordeathof
others,orexperiencinginjuryalongwithfearingoneslifeisindanger

Loss/grief:Thisrelatestothedeathorseriousinjuryoffamilyorfriends

Ongoingstressfromthesecondaryeffectsofdisaster,suchastemporarilyliving
elsewhere,lossoffriendsandsocialnetworks,lossofpersonalproperty,parentalunemployment,
andcostsincurredduringrecoverytoreturnthefamilytopredisasterlifeandlivingconditions.
WhatCreatesVulnerabilitiesinChildren?
Inmostcases,dependingontheriskfactorsabove,distressingresponsesaretemporary.Inthe
absenceofseverethreattolife,injury,lossoflovedones,orsecondaryproblemssuchaslossof
home,moves,etc.,symptomsusuallydiminishovertime.Forthosethatweredirectlyexposed
tothedisaster,remindersofthedisastersuchashighwinds,smoke,cloudyskies,sirens,orother
remindersofthedisastermaycauseupsettingfeelingstoreturn.Havingapriorhistoryofsome
typeoftraumaticeventorseverestressmaycontributetothesefeelings.
186

5.0

Recovering from DisasterAreYouReady?

AreYouReady? Recovering from Disaster 5.0

Childrenscopingwithdisasteroremergenciesisoftentiedtothewayparentscope.Theycan
detectadultsfearsandsadness.Parentsandadultscanmakedisasterslesstraumaticforchildren
bytakingstepstomanagetheirownfeelingsandplansforcoping.Parentsarealmostalwaysthe
bestsourceofsupportforchildrenindisasters.Onewaytoestablishasenseofcontrolandto
buildconfidenceinchildrenbeforeadisasteristoengageandinvolvetheminpreparinga
familydisasterplan.Afteradisaster,childrencancontributetoafamilyrecoveryplan.
AChildsReactiontoDisasterbyAge
Belowarecommonreactionsinchildrenafteradisasterortraumaticevent.
Birththrough2years.Whenchildrenarepreverbalandexperienceatrauma,theydonothave
thewordstodescribetheeventortheirfeelings.However,theycanretainmemoriesofparticular
sights,sounds,orsmells.Infantsmayreacttotraumabybeingirritable,cryingmorethanusual,
orwantingtobeheldandcuddled.Thebiggestinfluenceonchildrenofthisageishowtheir
parentscope.Aschildrengetolder,theirplaymayinvolveactingoutelementsofthetraumatic
eventthatoccurredseveralyearsinthepastandwasseeminglyforgotten.
Preschool3through6years.Preschoolchildrenoftenfeelhelplessandpowerlessintheface
ofanoverwhelmingevent.Becauseoftheirageandsmallsize,theylacktheabilitytoprotect
themselvesorothers.Asaresult,theyfeelintensefearandinsecurityaboutbeingseparatedfrom
caregivers.Preschoolerscannotgrasptheconceptofpermanentloss.Theycanseeconsequences
asbeingreversibleorpermanent.Intheweeksfollowingatraumaticevent,preschoolersplay
activitiesmayreenacttheincidentorthedisasteroverandoveragain.
Schoolage7through10years.Theschoolagechildhastheabilitytounderstandthe
permanenceofloss.Somechildrenbecomeintenselypreoccupiedwiththedetailsofatraumatic
eventandwanttotalkaboutitcontinually.Thispreoccupationcaninterferewiththechilds
concentrationatschoolandacademicperformancemaydecline.Atschool,childrenmayhear
inaccurateinformationfrompeers.Theymaydisplayawiderangeofreactionssadness,

generalizedfear,orspecificfearsofthedisasterhappeningagain,guiltoveractionorinaction
duringthedisaster,angerthattheeventwasnotprevented,orfantasiesofplayingrescuer.
Preadolescencetoadolescence11through18years.Aschildrengrowolder,theydevelopa
moresophisticatedunderstandingofthedisasterevent.Theirresponsesaremoresimilartoadults.
Teenagersmaybecomeinvolvedindangerous,risktakingbehaviors,suchasrecklessdriving,or
alcoholordruguse.Otherscanbecomefearfulofleavinghomeandavoidpreviouslevelsof
activities.Muchofadolescenceisfocusedonmovingoutintotheworld.Afteratrauma,theview
oftheworldcanseemmoredangerousandunsafe.Ateenagermayfeeloverwhelmedbyintense
emotionsandyetfeelunabletodiscussthemwithothers.
Review
SeeSection1:Basicpreparedness
187

Recovering from Disaster

188

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Recovering from DisasterAreYouReady?

MeetingtheChildsEmotionalNeeds
Childrensreactionsareinfluencedbythebehavior,thoughts,andfeelingsofadults.Adults
shouldencouragechildrenandadolescentstosharetheirthoughtsandfeelingsabouttheincident.
Clarifymisunderstandingsaboutriskanddangerbylisteningtochildrensconcernsand
answeringquestions.Maintainasenseofcalmbyvalidatingchildrensconcernsandperceptions
andwithdiscussionofconcreteplansforsafety.
Listentowhatthechildissaying.Ifayoungchildisaskingquestionsabouttheevent,answer
themsimplywithouttheelaborationneededforanolderchildoradult.Somechildrenare
comfortedbyknowingmoreorlessinformationthanothers;decidewhatlevelofinformation
yourparticularchildneeds.Ifachildhasdifficultyexpressingfeelings,allowthechildtodrawa
pictureortellastoryofwhathappened.
Trytounderstandwhatiscausinganxietiesandfears.Beawarethatfollowingadisaster,children
aremostafraidthat:

Theeventwillhappenagain. Someoneclosetothemwillbekilledorinjured. They

willbeleftaloneorseparatedfromthefamily.
ReassuringChildrenAfteraDisaster
Suggestionstohelpreassurechildrenincludethefollowing:

Personalcontactisreassuring.Hugandtouchyourchildren.

Calmlyprovidefactualinformationabouttherecentdisasterandcurrentplansforinsuring
theirsafetyalongwithrecoveryplans.

Encourageyourchildrentotalkabouttheirfeelings.

Spendextratimewithyourchildrensuchasatbedtime.

Reestablishyourdailyroutineforwork,school,play,meals,andrest.

Involveyourchildrenbygivingthemspecificchorestohelpthemfeeltheyarehelpingto
restorefamilyandcommunitylife.

Praiseandrecognizeresponsiblebehavior. Understandthatyourchildrenwillhavea
rangeofreactionstodisasters.
Encourageyourchildrentohelpupdateyourafamily
disasterplan.
Ifyouhavetriedtocreateareassuringenvironmentbyfollowingthestepsabove,butyourchild
continuestoexhibitstress,ifthereactionsworsenovertime,oriftheycauseinterferencewith
dailybehavioratschool,athome,orwithotherrelationships,itmaybeappropriatetotalktoa
professional.Youcangetprofessionalhelpfromthechildsprimarycarephysician,amental
healthproviderspecializinginchildrensneeds,oramemberoftheclergy.

AreYouReady? Recovering from Disaster 5.0

MonitorandLimitYourFamilysExposuretotheMedia
Newscoveragerelatedtoadisastermayelicitfearandconfusionandarouseanxietyinchildren.
Thisisparticularlytrueforlargescaledisastersoraterroristeventwheresignificantproperty
damageandlossoflifehasoccurred.Particularlyforyoungerchildren,repeatedimagesofan
eventmaycausethemtobelievetheeventisrecurringoverandover.
IfparentsallowchildrentowatchtelevisionorusetheInternetwhereimagesornewsaboutthe
disasterareshown,parentsshouldbewiththemtoencouragecommunicationandprovide
explanations.Thismayalsoincludeparentsmonitoringandappropriatelylimitingtheirown
exposuretoanxietyprovokinginformation.
UseSupportNetworks
Parentshelptheirchildrenwhentheytakestepstounderstandandmanagetheirownfeelingsand
waysofcoping.Theycandothisbybuildingandusingsocialsupportsystemsoffamily,friends,
communityorganizationsandagencies,faithbasedinstitutions,orotherresourcesthatworkfor
thatfamily.Parentscanbuildtheirownuniquesocialsupportsystemssothatinanemergency
situationorwhenadisasterstrikes,theycanbesupportedandhelpedtomanagetheirreactions.
Asaresult,parentswillbemoreavailabletotheirchildrenandbetterabletosupportthem.
Parentsarealmostalwaysthebestsourceofsupportforchildrenindifficulttimes.Buttosupport
theirchildren,parentsneedtoattendtotheirownneedsandhaveaplanfortheirownsupport.
Preparingfordisasterhelpseveryoneinthefamilyacceptthefactthatdisastersdohappen,and
providesanopportunitytoidentifyandcollecttheresourcesneededtomeetbasicneedsafter
disaster.Preparationhelps;whenpeoplefeelprepared,theycopebetterandsodochildren.

Helping Others

ThecompassionandgenerosityoftheAmericanpeopleisnevermoreevidentthanaftera
disaster.Peoplewanttohelp.Herearesomegeneralguidelinesonhelpingothersafteradisaster:

Volunteer!Checkwithlocalorganizationsorlistentolocalnewsreportsforinformation
aboutwherevolunteersareneeded.Note:Untilvolunteersarespecificallyrequested,stayaway
fromdisasterareas.

Bringyourownfood,water,andemergencysuppliestoadisasterareaifyouareneeded
there.Thisisespeciallyimportantincaseswherealargeareahasbeenaffectedandemergency
itemsareinshortsupply.

Giveacheckormoneyordertoarecognizeddisasterrelieforganization.Thesegroupsare
organizedtoprocesschecks,purchasewhatisneeded,andgetittothepeoplewhoneeditmost.
189

Recovering from Disaster

FEMA Publications

Donotdropofffood,clothing,oranyotheritemtoagovernmentagencyordisasterrelief
organizationunlessaparticularitemhasbeenrequested.Normally,theseorganizationsdonot
havetheresourcestosortthroughthedonateditems.

Donateaquantityofagivenitemorclassofitems(suchasnonperishablefood)ratherthan
amixofdifferentitems.Determinewhereyourdonationisgoing,howitsgoingtogetthere,
whoisgoingtounloadit,andhowitisgoingtobedistributed.Withoutsufficientplanning,much
neededsupplieswillbeleftunused.

For More Information

Ifyourequiremoreinformationaboutanyofthesetopics,thefollowingareresourcesthatmaybe
helpful.

Helping Children Cope with Disasters.L196.Providesinformationabouthowtoprepare

childrenfordisasterandhowtolessentheemotionaleffectsofdisaster.
When Disaster Strikes.L217.Providesinformationaboutdonationsandvolunteer
organizations.
Repairing Your Flooded Home.FEMA234.This362pagepublicationprovidesastepbystep
guidetorepairingyourhomeandhowtogethelpafteraflooddisaster.Availableonlineat
www.fema.gov/hazards/floods/lib234.shtm

After a Flood: The First Steps.L198.Tipsforstayinghealthy,cleaningupandrepairing,and

gettinghelpafteraflood.Availableonlineatwww.fema.gov/hazards/floods/aftrfld.shtm
190

5.0

Recovering from DisasterAreYouReady?

AreYouReady?
Appendix A
General
Indoor Water Conservation Tips

Appendix A: Water Conservation

Tips

Neverpourwaterdownthedrainwhentheremaybeanotheruseforit.Useittowateryour
indoorplantsorgarden.

Repairdrippingfaucetsbyreplacingwashers.Onedroppersecondwastes2,700gallonsof
waterperyear!

Checkallplumbingforleaks.Haveleaksrepairedbyaplumber.
Retrofitallhousehold
faucetsbyinstallingaeratorswithflowrestrictors.
Installaninstanthotwaterheateron
yoursink. Insulateyourwaterpipestoreduceheatlossandpreventthemfrombreaking.
Installawatersofteningsystemonlywhenthemineralsinthewaterwould
damageyourpipes.Turnthesofteneroffwhileonvacation. Chooseappliancesthataremore
energyandwaterefficient.
Bathroom

Considerpurchasingalowvolumetoiletthatuseslessthanhalfthewaterofoldermodels.
Note:Inmanyareas,lowvolumeunitsarerequiredbylaw.

Installatoiletdisplacementdevicetocutdownontheamountofwaterneededtoflush.
Placeaonegallonplasticjugofwaterintothetanktodisplacetoiletflow(donotuseabrick,it
maydissolveandloosepiecesmaycausedamagetotheinternalparts).Besureinstallationdoes
notinterferewiththeoperatingparts.

Replaceyourshowerheadwithanultralowflowversion.
Placeabucketinthe
showertocatchexcesswaterforwateringplants.Avoidflushingthetoiletunnecessarily.
Disposeoftissues,insects,andother
similarwasteinthetrashratherthanthetoilet. Avoidtakingbathstakeshortshowersturn
onwateronlytogetwetand
latherandthenagaintorinseoff. Avoidlettingthewaterrunwhilebrushingyourteeth,
washingyourface,or
shaving.
Kitchen

Operateautomaticdishwashersonlywhentheyarefullyloaded.Usethelightwash
feature,ifavailable,touselesswater.

Handwashdishesbyfillingtwocontainersonewithsoapywaterandtheotherwithrinse

watercontainingasmallamountofchlorinebleach.

Cleanvegetablesinapanfilledwithwaterratherthanrunningwaterfromthetap.

Startacompostpileasanalternatemethodofdisposingoffoodwasteorsimplydisposeof
foodinthegarbage.(Kitchensinkdisposalsrequirealotofwatertooperateproperly).

Storedrinkingwaterintherefrigerator.Donotletthetaprunwhileyouarewaitingfor
watertocool.
191

Outdoor Water Conservation Tips

Avoidwastingwaterwaitingforittogethot.Captureitforotherusessuchasplant
wateringorheatitonthestoveorinamicrowave.

Avoidrinsingdishesbeforeplacingtheminthedishwasher;justremovelargeparticlesof
food.(Mostdishwasherscancleansoileddishesverywell,sodishesdonothavetoberinsed
beforewashing)

Avoidusingrunningwatertothawmeatorotherfrozenfoods.Defrostfoodovernightin
therefrigeratororusethedefrostsettingonyourmicrowaveoven.
Laundry

Operateautomaticclotheswashersonlywhentheyarefullyloadedorsetthewaterlevel
forthesizeofyourload.
General

Checkyourwellpumpperiodically.Iftheautomaticpumpturnsonandoffwhilewateris
notbeingused,youhavealeak.

Plantnativeand/ordroughttolerantgrasses,groundcovers,shrubs,andtrees.Once
established,theydonotneedwaterasfrequentlyandusuallywillsurviveadryperiodwithout
watering.Smallplantsrequirelesswatertobecomeestablished.Groupplantstogetherbasedon
similarwaterneeds.

Installirrigationdevicesthatarethemostwaterefficientforeachuse.Microanddrip
irrigationandsoakerhosesareexamplesofefficientdevices.

Usemulchtoretainmoistureinthesoil.Mulchalsohelpscontrolweedsthatcompetewith
landscapeplantsforwater.

Avoidpurchasingrecreationalwatertoysthatrequireaconstantstreamofwater.

Avoidinstallingornamentalwaterfeatures(suchasfountains)unlesstheyuserecycled
water.
CarWashing

Useashutoffnozzlethatcanbeadjusteddowntoafinesprayonyourhose.
Usea
commercialcarwashthatrecycleswater.Ifyouwashyourowncar,
parkonthegrasssothatyouwillbewateringitatthesametime.
LawnCare

Avoidoverwateringyourlawn.Aheavyraineliminatestheneedforwateringforupto
twoweeks.Mostoftheyear,lawnsonlyneedoneinchofwaterperweek.

Waterinseveralshortsessionsratherthanonelongone,inorderforyourlawntobetter
absorbmoisture.

Positionsprinklerssowaterlandsonthelawnandshrubsandnotonpavedareas.
192

Appendix A
AreYouReady?
AreYouReady? Appendix A

Avoidsprinklersthatsprayafinemist.Mistcanevaporatebeforeitreachesthelawn.
Checksprinklersystemsandtimingdevicesregularlytobesuretheyoperateproperly.

Raisethelawnmowerbladetoatleastthreeinchesortoitshighestlevel.Ahighercut
encouragesgrassrootstogrowdeeper,shadestherootsystem,andholdssoilmoisture.


Plantdroughtresistantlawnseed. Avoidoverfertilizingyourlawn.Applyingfertilizer
increasestheneedfor
water.Applyfertilizersthatcontainslowrelease,waterinsolubleformsof
nitrogen. Useabroomorblowerinsteadofahosetocleanleavesandotherdebrisfrom
yourdrivewayorsidewalk. Avoidleavingsprinklersorhosesunattended.Agardenhosecan
pourout
600gallonsormoreinonlyafewhours.
Pool

Installanewwatersavingpoolfilter.Asinglebackflushingwithatraditionalfilteruses
180to250gallonsofwater.

Coverpoolsandspastoreduceevaporationofwater.
193

Appendix A
194

AreYouReady?

AreYouReady? Appendix B

Appendix B: Disaster Supplies

Checklists

Thefollowinglististohelpyoudeterminewhattoincludeinyourdisastersupplieskitthatwill
meetyourfamilysneeds.
FirstAidSupplies
Supplies
Home ()
Vehicle ()
Work ()
Adhesivebandages,varioussizes
5x9steriledressing
Conformingrollergauzebandage
Triangularbandages
3x3sterilegauzepads
4x4sterilegauzepads
Roll3cohesivebandage
Germicidalhandwipesorwaterless,alcoholbasedhandsanitizer
Antisepticwipes
Pairslarge,medicalgrade,nonlatexgloves
Tonguedepressorblades
Adhesivetape,2width
Antibacterialointment
Coldpack
Scissors(small,personal)
Tweezers
Assortedsizesofsafetypins
Cottonballs
Thermometer
Tubeofpetroleumjellyorotherlubricant
Sunscreen
CPRbreathingbarrier,suchasafaceshield
Firstaidmanual
195

Appendix B

AreYouReady?

NonPrescriptionandPrescriptionMedicineKitSupplies
SanitationandHygieneSupplies
Supplies
Home ()
Vehicle ()
Work ()
Aspirinandnonaspirinpainreliever
Antidiarrheamedication
Antacid(forstomachupset)
Laxative
Vitamins
Prescriptions
Extraeyeglasses/contactlenses
Item
()
Item
()
Washclothandtowel
Heavydutyplasticgarbagebagsandtiesforpersonalsanitationusesandtoiletpaper
Towelettes,soap,handsanitizer
Mediumsizedplasticbucketwithtightlid
Toothpaste,toothbrushes
Disinfectantandhouseholdchlorinebleach
Shampoo,comb,andbrush
Asmallshovelfordiggingalatrine
Deodorants,sunscreen
Toiletpaper
Razor,shavingcream
Lipbalm,insectrepellent
Contactlenssolutions
Mirror
Femininesupplies
196

AreYouReady? Appendix B
EquipmentandTools
Tools
()
Kitchen Items
()
Portable,batterypoweredradioortelevisionandextrabatteries
Manualcanopener
NOAAWeatherRadio,ifappropriateforyourarea
Messkitsorpapercups,plates,andplasticutensils
Flashlightandextrabatteries
Allpurposeknife
Signalflare
Householdliquidbleachtotreatdrinkingwater
Matchesinawaterproofcontainer(orwaterproofmatches)
Sugar,salt,pepper
Shutoffwrench,pliers,shovel,andothertools
Aluminumfoilandplasticwrap
Ducttapeandscissors
Resealableplasticbags

Plasticsheeting
Smallcookingstoveandacanofcookingfuel(iffoodmustbecooked)
Whistle
Smallcanister,ABCtypefireextinguisher
Comfort Items
Tubetent
Games
Compass
Cards
Workgloves
Books
Paper,pens,andpencils
Toysforkids
Needlesandthread
Foods
Batteryoperatedtravelalarmclock
197

Appendix B
AreYouReady?
FoodandWater
ClothesandBeddingSupplies
Supplies
Home ()
Vehicle ()
Work ()
Water
Readytoeatmeats,fruits,andvegetables
Cannedorboxedjuices,milk,andsoup
Highenergyfoodssuchaspeanutbutter,jelly,lowsodiumcrackers,granolabars,andtrailmix.
Vitamins
Specialfoodsforinfantsorpersonsonspecialdiets
Cookies,hardcandy
Instantcoffee
Cereals
Powderedmilk
Item
()
()
()
()
Completechangeofclothes
Sturdyshoesorboots
Raingear
Hatandgloves
Extrasocks
Extraunderwear
Thermalunderwear
Sunglasses
Blankets/sleepingbagsandpillows
198

AreYouReady? Appendix B
DocumentsandKeys
Makesureyoukeeptheseitemsinawatertightcontainer
Item

Stored ()
Personalidentification
Cashandcoins
Creditcards
Extrasetofhousekeysandcarkeys
Copiesofthefollowing:

Birthcertificate

Marriagecertificate

Driverslicense

SocialSecuritycards
Passports
Wills
Deeds

Inventoryofhouseholdgoods

Insurancepapers

Immunizationrecords

Bankandcreditcardaccountnumbers

Stocksandbonds
Emergencycontactlistandphonenumbers
Mapoftheareaandphonenumbersofplacesyoucouldgo
199

AreYouReady? Appendix C

Appendix C:
201
202

AreYouReady? Appendix C
203
204