DISASTER
INFORMATION AND FACTS
Events such as riots, political unrest and terrorist actions can result
in a situation where, by order or by wisdom, you are required to remain
in your home with limited access to the outside world. During rioting
in Los Angeles, one resident reported that for 2 days her family remained
indoors so as to avoid exposure to harm, relying on their 72-hour kits
for the necessities. Curfews and martial law can also reduce your ability
to get emergency supplies and assistance. Although less likely, in severe
circumstances, you may be directed to evacuate your home. Having your
emergency supplies prepared so that you could leave in a moments notice
is important in this situation.
EARTHQUAKES
Earthquakes are an especially noteworthy type of disaster because they
strike abruptly, without clear warning. In fact, the earthquake
hazard threatens us with the greatest catastrophic event we face
short of nuclear war. Earthquakes can destroy many of the lifeline
systems we all depend on daily.
Earthquakes can occur in most areas of the world, and in at least 44
states in America. Worldwide it is estimated that in an average year
there is usually one devastating earthquake, ten major earthquakes, 100
destructive shocks, and 110,000 minor shocks. However, the frequency
and severity of earthquakes appears to be on the increase with each passing
year.
While we cannot stop earthquakes, by our education and preparation we
can control to a degree our response to it and the danger it may bring
to our families and us. Since earthquakes are possible almost everywhere
in the United States, everyone should practice earthquake safety.
Most injuries, deaths, and economic loss in an earthquake are due to
man-made problems. These include damage to buildings and homes, roads
and bridges, lifelines, and industrial damage.
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FLOODS
Floods have been and continue to be one of the most destructive natural
hazards facing the nation. More than 21,000 American communities
have flood problems. Each year, some 200,000 Americans are driven
from their homes by floods, and on the average, 200 persons are
killed each year.
It is important to know the history of floods in your area as well as
the potential for flooding in the future. Find out whether your property
is above or below levels so you can better prepare your house and family.
The nature of flood damage varies widely. Some damage, or at least inconvenience,
begins as soon as a stream overtops its normal banks and water begins
to occupy the flood plain. A further rise in flood stage may cause flooding
of ground floors of residences and other buildings. Eventually, as the
speed of the water in the floodplain increases, houses may be swept off
foundations, and the swift current may carry cars and other mobile property
away.
Evacuation notice usually comes far enough in advance to allow time for
loading up emergency supplies as long as they have been acquired, prepared
and stored ahead of time. Back to top
HAZARDOUS
MATERIALS
Hazardous materials range from explosives, radioactive, and poisons,
to flammable compressed gases and combustibles. These substances are
used in industry, agriculture, medicine, research, and consumer goods.
They present a hazard when they are released into the environment.
A chemical spill is any release of a hazardous substance around a site
where the chemical is manufactured, used, stored, shipped, or piped.
Manufacturing plants, fertilizer plants, processors, warehouses, shipyards,
railroad yards, truck shipping, and chemical disposal sites are all vulnerable
to dangerous and damaging spills. Immediate dangers from hazardous materials
are fires, explosions, and the possible contamination of a community's
air, ground, or water resources. The release of toxic gases may cause
immediate death or disablement if inhaled. In addition, some chemicals
can cause painful and damaging burns to the skin if you come in direct
contact with them.
When an emergency occurs involving hazardous substances, local or state
officials such as police, fire, emergency volunteers, or highway patrol
personnel will alert residents. Warnings and instructions will also be
issued to alert you if evacuation becomes necessary. Back
to top
HURRICANES
Hurricanes are large, intense storms occurring on coastlines and ocean
islands. They include extremely powerful winds that exceed 74 miles
per hour. Hurricanes blow in a large spiral around a relatively
calm center known as the "eye" where the winds are light
and skies are clear or partly cloudy. On the average, eye diameter
is about 14 miles. Generally, it takes an hour or two for the "eye" to
pass over a given area. But this calm eye is deceptive, because
hurricane-force winds and torrential rains border it. Many persons
have been killed or injured when the calm eye lured them out of
shelter.
Typically, after a hurricane, the families' most immediate needs are
water, light and food, all of which are unavailable from stores and businesses
until power is restored. Batteries, candles, portable stoves, disposable
diapers, and bottled water are not usually available for purchase at
any price.
It is also possible that you will be advised to evacuate your home before
the hurricane or be forced to abandon your home due to extensive damage.
Primary and alternate escape routes should be considered in advance. Back
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LANDSLIDES
The down slope movement of rock, soil, or other debris characterizes
landslides. Frequently they accompany other natural hazards such
as floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. Landslides occur
in all parts of the country, specifically in hilly areas that have
high rainfall. Mudslides or mud flows are defined as flows or rivers
of liquid mud down a hillside. They occur when water accumulates
under the ground, usually following long and heavy rainfalls. If
there is no brush, trees, or ground cover to hold the soil, mud
will form and flow down the slope?
Immediate dangers from landslides or mudslides are the destruction of
homes and the severe injury or death of persons in homes as rocks, mud,
and water slide downhill or downstream. Other dangers include broken
electrical, water, gas, and sewage lines. Fires may also start from damaged
electrical wires. Back to top
AVALANCHE
An avalanche is a snow slide that occurs when unstable surface snow,
either a slab or deep powder, slides on a smooth base. Early winter
storms create little avalanche danger because rocks and logs anchor
the snow. But with succeeding storms, anchor points are covered.
A smooth runway develops, and new snow can slide downhill easily.
Large avalanches can destroy buildings and cars, bury roads, and
cause fatalities. Back to top
BLACKOUT
History's most celebrated blackout was in November 1965 when all of New
York City and much of the Eastern Seaboard was plunged into total
darkness. Since then, there have been several major power failures.
Families are quite likely to experience blackouts that frequently
accompany severe storms, floods, earthquakes, and other natural
disasters. Some blackouts may also result from severe drains on
the power supply as happens on hot summer afternoons and during "peak
load" periods when air conditioners and other appliances overload
the system. Automobile accidents involving power poles can also
be responsible for power outages.
Whatever the cause, blackouts hit Americans hard, and when they hit,
suddenly the power company is the most important force in the world.
The best time to prepare for a blackout is when the lights are on. Back
to top
FIRE
For many of us the possibility that our home might catch on fire seems
highly remote. It hardly seems plausible that a fire could start
so silently and spread so aggressively. Yet house fires are the
leading cause of injury and death in the home and are the third
largest accidental killer in the nation. Each day, about 32 people
- mostly children and older people - die in these fires.
Most accidental fires can be avoided with a little care. Firemen have
a saying that a clean building seldom burns. Good housekeeping is the
first line of defense against home fires.
Fire is always a possible danger, and a probable secondary disaster in
the event of a major earthquake or flood due to electrical shorts and
severed gas lines. It is always important that you follow safety measures
for fire prevention, detection, and escape. It is doubly important after
an earthquake because regular fire fighters may not be able to get to
you in time. Back to top
WINTER
STORMS
Winter storms have the ability to completely immobilize large areas and
to isolate or kill persons in their path. Ice storms can break power
lines causing widespread blackouts. If the winter storm is long (more
than 1 -2 days), there is a greatly increased possibility of utility
failures and interruption of services. This can lead to extreme hardship
and even death from extended exposure to cold temperatures.
Traditionally, the states of the Northeast, the Plains, and the Great
Divide have been hardest hit by winter storms. Surprisingly, some areas
in the northern United States receive more snow in a year than falls
at the North Pole. Major cities such as Chicago and Detroit receive from
2 to 5 feet of snow in a normal winter season. Other cities like San
Francisco, Houston, and Atlanta seldom experience paralyzing snowstorms,
but when they do, they usually face great hardship due to lack of preparation.
Intense winter storms are also frequently accompanied by cold waves,
ice or glaze, heavy snow, blizzards, or a combination of these. Back
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TSUNAMI-
TIDAL WAVE
A tsunami or "tidal wave" is actually a series of
giant ocean waves. A major underwater or coastline disturbance
such as an earthquake
or volcanic eruption produces them. This series of waves sometimes lasts
several hours, with 20 or 30 minutes between waves. Tsunamis can occur
in all oceans, but they are most common in the Pacific. In this century,
more than 200 tsunamis have been recorded in the Pacific. Areas thousands
of miles from where an earthquake occurs can be struck by a resulting
tsunami. A tsunami can travel at speeds of up to 600 miles per hour.
To the average person they appear to be normal ocean waves until they
approach the coastline where a gigantic wave can build on the ocean surface.
Tsunamis have been recorded that reached heights of more than 170 feet.
Traveling at extremely high speeds, these waves will smash into land
with tremendous destructive power. Immediate dangers from tsunamis are
drowning, flooding, and widespread property damage. Other risks include
broken sewer lines, contaminated water supplies, damaged gas lines, and
downed power lines.
Unless otherwise determined by competent scientists, potential danger
areas are those less than 5O feet above sea level and within one mile
of the coast. Back to top
TORNADOES
Tornadoes form several thousand feet above the earth's surface, usually
during warm, humid, unsettled weather, and usually in conjunction
with a severe thunderstorm. Tornadoes have occurred in every state
and at every hour of the day, but most frequently in the late afternoon
and early evening.
Although they have touched down during every month, more than half are
reported during April, May, and June. With rotating winds of up to 400
miles per hour, more than 800 tornadoes each year slash their way through
cities and towns. Most (62%) tornadoes can be classified as weak. They
account for less than 3% of tornado fatalities. Strong tornadoes account
for about 36% of reported tornadoes. They kill about 29 % of the tornado
victims each year. 2% of the tornadoes are considered violent and account
for 68% of the fatalities.
Most deaths reported from tornadoes are due to flying debris, falling
trees, falling power lines, and auto accidents. Tornadoes do their destructive
work through the combined action winds that push the windward wall of
a building inward. The roof is lifted up and the other walls fall outward.
Since these killer storms often strike suddenly and with little or no
warning, knowing what to do before, during, and after the tornado may
save your life. Back to top
VOLCANOS
As a volcano erupts, dense clouds of gas and dust (ash) may shoot into
the air, forming an eruption column 12 or more miles high. Some
of the ash from a volcano eruption falls to earth quickly; but
a large portion stays aloft, dispersed worldwide, for years. In
that case, it becomes a factor that shapes weather events globally.
Heavy falls of ash may last for a few hours up to several days,
depositing several inches of smelly, slippery, and acidic pulverized
rock. Heavy ash falls may also cause darkness during daylight hours,
cause power outages, and may interfere with telephone, radio, and
television communications.
The degree of hazard to human life and property resulting from a volcano
depends upon the type of hazard and its distance from the eruption. Hazardous
volcanic events include lava flows, mud flows, mudslides, hot rock avalanches,
ash falls, earthquakes, and flash floods. A volcano may show signs of
an eruption weeks or months in advance. Earthquakes, earth tremors, and
steam vents around a volcano can signal an eruption.
The total number of known active volcanoes is 850. In the United States,
the likelihood of any future eruptions, which could damage populated
areas, is greatest in the active volcanoes of Hawaii and Alaska. In recent
years active volcanoes of the Cascade Mountain range in California, Oregon,
and Washington have created dangers. Back to top
WHAT
YOU NEED
FOOD
Food would be priceless if it were badly needed in an emergency situation.
You should have a three-day supply of non-perishable food, requiring
no refrigeration, cooking or preparation. The food items should
be compact and lightweight.
Your first priority should be to include the most nutritious and high
calorie food items. Make sure they provide a well-balanced diet. Nutrition
is important because in an emergency you will be under unexpected stress
and fear, which depletes your body of vital nutrients very quickly. To
sustain life for 24 hours it takes about 1,700 calories with the body
at rest. Stressful or emergency conditions, which are physically exhausting,
can expend 4,000 to 6,000 calories. Back to top
WATER
Water is the single most important item. The body can live without food
for extended periods of time but can live only for about three
or four days without water. This is not considering stressful or
emergency situations. The human body is approximately 80 percent
liquids. Intake and output of liquids are necessary to the processes
of life and the normal functions of the vital organs. When water
loss exceeds intake, dehydration takes place. Uncorrected, it will
end in complete collapse and death. A good rule of thumb to remember
is that you will need one gallon of water per person per day. This
does not include water for bathing and cleaning purposes. Back
to top
FIRST
AID
Remember that medical facilities may be overloaded immediately after
a severe disaster or crisis. Professional medical care may be unavailable
for a long time. Needed medications often become a rare commodity during
and after disasters?
An emergency situation may cause a variety of cuts, scrapes, abrasions
or burns. Even the smallest cut can be annoying, painful and even dangerous
if it gets infected. For the average person with no specific medical
training a kit should include items necessary to treat minor emergencies.
If a member of your family were a trained professional you would want
to include items for treating more serious injuries and conditions. It
would be very frustrating to have the skills to help someone, but not
the necessary equipment. Back to top
SHELTER
The objective of shelter is to provide emergency housing. It is extremely
important to be physically protected from nature's weather elements
such as the wind, cold, rain and sun. Strange as it may seem, people
in the cold outdoors can perish in a very short time without body
shelter (in as little as three to six hours in extreme conditions).
A person away from the comforts of home after evacuating is wholly
dependent upon a limited supply of usable energy and the insulation
qualities of the body shelter he wears or carries with him. Keep
in mind your particular climate; be prepared for the worst that
the elements and nature may offer. Back to top
LIGHT
Preparing alternate sources of light for use during emergencies or severe
storms where the power may be knocked out is a must. Too many people
take light for granted because of its seemingly unlimited availability.
One has only to be caught in a windowless shopping mall when the
power goes out, or a similar situation, to really appreciate its
true worth. Having the luxury of electrical power during an emergency
or disaster is very unlikely.
Having a light to aid you in the dark can prevent injuries and reduce
the amount of time required to collect items for evacuation. It is also
essential for administering proper first aid in the event of injury in
nighttime situations. Additionally, light has a very reassuring effect
on individuals, especially children, in an emergency. Back
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HEAT
Electrical power and natural gas service to your home may be the first
services interrupted during a natural disaster. Alternate fuel
sources will be needed whether you evacuate from your home or are
allowed to stay at home during the emergency.
Fuel will be needed for keeping you and your family warm, dry and cheerful,
for cooking, heating and purifying water, and for signaling. Back
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COMMUNICATION
Proper communications will be vitally important to you and your family's
safety and well being during an emergency or disaster. It will
be your contact with the outside world. Not only will you need
to be familiar with means to obtain special kinds of help your
family may be in need of (medical, etc.), but you will also need
means by which you can get updates of emergency information from
authorities in your area.
Communication with your family can be important in the event that you
must leave your home before all family members have gathered. Officials
normally request that outside communication be limited to keep lines
open for emergency use. You should make advanced arrangements for notify
family members and loved ones away from you of your condition.
Signaling devices for notifying others of emergency conditions is also
an area of preparation in regard to communication. Back
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SANITATION
Sanitation can be a monumental problem during an emergency if advance
preparations have not been made. Toilet facilities will not function
if water has been cut off, as is usually the case in a disaster.
You should plan for an alternate (and portable) method of sanitation. Back
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TOOLS
Both in short term and long term emergencies, common tools would be at
a premium. Items for getting in and getting out of debris should
be considered. Other situations that would require tools are automotive
repairs, emergency construction and appliance repairs.
Compact, multi-use tools that would reduce weight and the amount of space
required should be your first choice. Back to top
BEDDING
Bedding should be warm, lightweight, comfortable, waterproof and compact.
Inadequate sleeping conditions due to poor bedding will result
in reduce health and energy, both of which are essential for functioning
in emergency conditions.
Just as important as the bedding material itself is what the bedding
is on. A ground cloth to serve as a cold/vapor barrier and padding material
to soften the ground or floor can make all the difference between a comfortable
night sleep and a night of tossing and turning. Back to
top
EXTRA
CLOTHING
Include in your kit one change of clothing and footwear for each member
of the family- preferably work clothing. Anticipate severe weather conditions.
Conserving your body heat is extremely important. Wear loose-fitting,
lightweight, warm, easy-on easy-off clothing in several layers. This
is more efficient than one or two layers of thick clothing. The layers
can be removed to prevent perspiring and subsequent chilling.
Exposure to wind, cold, or wetness may lower the body core (internal)
temperature (98.6°F). This results in a condition known as hypothermia.
This causes a rapid, progressive mental and physical collapse. During
accidental lowering of the body temperature, the mind and thinking deteriorate,
and muscle coordination declines. One can die from shivering in only
two hours.
Wool is a natural thermostatic insulator that keeps you warm in the winter
and cool in the summer. Wool is naturally durable and can withstand rugged
and tough wear. Try to avoid wearing cottons. Tight cotton clothing holds
water next to the skin. Wet inner clothing causes freezing. Wet clothing
can extract heat from your body 240 times as fast as dry clothing. Wet
clothing loses more than 90 percent of its insulation value. Back
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MONEY
An instant supply of emergency cash during or after a disaster could
be "priceless." You may return home after evacuating
to find you are unable to inhabit your house. This would force
you and your family to fend for yourselves until other provisions
are made. Having a ready supply of cash would help put you back
on your feet and would permit you to buy services you may be in
desperate need of.
Experience has shown that commodities can become very expense when the
demand is there as is the case in emergency situations. A minimum of
$50 dollars should be set aside, but $100 - $200 is more highly recommended,
depending on the size of your family.
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DOCUMENTS
Include in your kit copies of important, valuable, irreplaceable or cherished
records. You may also want to leave copies of important papers in a sealed
packet put in a safety deposit box or left with a friend or relative.
Be sure to place the documents in a waterproof container. Color photocopying
is now available for duplicating color photos, certificates, or color
documents. Back to top
1
PERSON ADULT COMPLETE KIT -
This is a complete kit for 1 adult. It should store in a convenient,
lightweight duffel bag so as to be ready to at anytime. It should contain
basic preparedness modules of food, water and first aid plus additional
items for personal hygiene and emergency situations:
The
1 PERSON ADULT COMPLETE KIT should include the following three
preparedness modules:
72-Hour
Supply of Food and Water
72 HOUR FIRST AID KIT- The kit should contain supplies to handle almost
any minor accident! Compact and watertight, one can be stored at home
with the adult kit and also another in the car.
72-Hour
Water & Sanitation Kit
WATER SANITATION KIT - This kit is designed to take care of your emergency
water and sanitation needs. You can store five gallons of water in the
metalized plastic bag inside the sturdy box. When you need a toilet,
remove the water bag, cut out the marked toilet seat and add the sanitary
toilet bag.
CONTENTS
72-Hour First Aid KIT
72 HOUR FIRST AID KIT- The kit should contain supplies to handle almost
any minor accident! Compact and watertight, one can be stored at home
with the adult kit and also another in the car.
CONTENTS
In addition to these modules the kit should also include:
___
Water-resistant nylon duffel bag
___ Large Sierra Cup
___ Knife fork and spoon
___ Solar/hand crank radio & flashlight
___ Whistle with neck cord
___ Windproof/Waterproof matches
___ Fire Starter and starter tabs
___ 12-hour emergency light stick
___ 100-hour candle
___ Two person tube tent with cord
___ Wool-blend blanket
___ Heavy-duty rescue blanket
___ Shovel
___ Three 18-Hour hand & body warmers
___ 15 function knife
___ Heavy duty PVC rain poncho
___ 50-ft. nylon cord
___ Pair of heavy leather gloves
___ Complete sewing kit
___ Heating packs to warm MRE's
___ Survival handbook
___ Emergency money in a zip lock bag
___ Emergency document copies
The
kit should also contain a personal comfort kit that includes:
hand soap, toothbrush and gel, comb, tissue, 3 sanitary napkins,
and a shaving razor and one change of clothes.
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CONTACTING
FEMA:
For
information about community & family
Preparedness programs:
CALL: 202-646-3561
E-MAIL: cfp@fema.gov
WRITE: FEMA - Community & Family
Preparedness Program
Training Division-EMI
Washington, D.C. 20472
WEB SITE: www.fema.gov
To
learn about the availability of
FEMA materials, call:
1-800-480-2520.
BROCHURES:
After a Flood: The First Steps
Against the Wind
Disaster Preparedness Coloring Book
Emergency Preparedness Checklist
Family Disaster Plan
Family Disaster Supplies Kit
Financial Preparedness
Financial Recovery
Food and Water in an Emergency
Helping Children Cope with Disaster
Preparing for Emergencies:
For People with Mobility Problems
Reduce Risk From Natural Disasters
Repairing Your Flooded Home
Wildfire: Are You Prepared?
CHECKLISTS:
Avoiding Earthquake Damage
Avoiding Flood Damage
Avoiding Hurricane Damage
Avoiding Wildfire Damage
Avoiding Wind Damage
FACT
SHEETS:
Earthquakes
Extreme Heat
Fire
Floods and Flash Floods
Hazardous Materials
Hazardous Materials in the Home
Hurricanes
Landslides and Mud flows
Nuclear Power Plant Emergency
Radiological Accidents
Terrorism
Thunderstorms and Lightning
Tornado
Tsunamis
Volcanoes
Wild land Fires
Winter Driving
Winter Storms
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