| TORNADO OR HURRICANE SURVIVAL TIPS A wide range of natural disasters occurs within the United States every year. Natural disasters can have a devastating effect on you and your home. The Federal Emergency Management Agency's U.S. Fire Administration encourages you to use the following safety tips to help protect yourself, your family and your home from the potential threat of fire during or after a tornado or hurricane. You can greatly reduce your chances of becoming a fire casualty by being able to identify potential hazards and following the outlined safety tips. SOME TYPES OF FIRE RELATED HAZARDS PRESENT DURING AND AFTER A TORNADO OR HURRICANE · Leaking gas lines, damaged or leaking gas propane containers, and leaking vehicle gas tanks may explode or ignite. · Debris can easily ignite, especially if electrical wires are severed. · Pools of water and even appliances can be electrically charged. · Generators are often used during power outages. Generators that are not properly used and maintained can be very hazardous. · Alternative heating devices used incorrectly create fire hazards. Proper use and maintenance can decrease the possibility of a fire. · Appliances that emit smoke or sparks should be repaired or replaced. CHEMICAL SAFETY · Look for combustible liquids like gasoline, lighter fluid, and paint thinner that may have spilled. Thoroughly clean the spill and place containers in a well-ventilated area. · Keep combustible liquids away from heat sources. ELECTRICAL SAFETY · Assume all wires on the ground are electrically charged. This includes cable TV feeds. · Look for and replace frayed or cracked extension and appliance cords, loose prongs, and plugs. · Exposed outlets and wiring could present a fire and life safety hazard. · Appliances that emit smoke or sparks should be repaired or replaced. · Have a licensed electrician check your home for damage. GAS SAFETY · Smell and listen for leaky gas connections. If you believe there is a gas leak, immediately leave the house and leave the door(s) open. · Never strike a match. Any size flame can spark an explosion. · Before turning the gas back on, have the gas system checked by a professional. GENERATOR SAFETY · Follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines when using generators. · Use a generator or other fuel-powered machines outside the home. CO fumes are odorless and can quickly overwhelm you indoors. · Use the appropriate sized and type power cords to carry the electric load. Overloaded cords can overheat and cause fires. · Never run cords under rugs or carpets where heat might build up or damage to a cord may go unnoticed. · Never connect generators to another power source such as power lines. The reverse flow of electricity or 'backfeed' can electrocute an unsuspecting utility worker. HEATING SAFETY · Kerosene heaters may not be legal in your area and should only be used where approved by authorities. · Do not use the kitchen oven range to heat your home. In addition to being a fire hazard, it can be a source of toxic fumes. · Alternative heaters need their space. Keep anything combustible at least 3 feet away. · Make sure your alternative heaters have 'tip switches.' These 'tip switches' are designed to automatically turn off the heater in the event they tip over. · Only use the type of fuel recommended by the manufacturer and follow suggested guidelines. · Never refill a space heater while it is operating or still hot. · Refuel heaters only outdoors. · Make sure wood stoves are properly installed, and at least 3 feet away from combustible materials. Ensure they have the proper floor support and adequate ventilation. · Use a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting nearby carpets, furniture or other combustible items. AND REMEMBER... · Be careful when using candles. Keep the flame away from combustible objects and out of the reach of children. · Some smoke alarms may be dependent on your home's electrical service and could be inoperative during a power outage. Check to see if your smoke alarm uses a back-up battery and install a new battery at least once a year. · Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home. · All smoke alarms should be tested monthly. All batteries should be replaced with new ones at least once a year. · If there is a fire hydrant near your home, keep it clear of debris for easy access by the fire department. |
CHEMICAL ATTACK
A chemical attack is the deliberate release of a toxic gas, liquid or solid that can poison people and
the environment.
Possible Signs of Chemical Threat
Many people suffering from watery eyes, twitching, choking, having trouble breathing or losing
coordination.
Many sick or dead birds, fish or small animals are also cause for suspicion.
If You See Signs of Chemical Attack: Find Clean Air Quickly
Quickly try to define the impacted area or where the chemical is coming from, if possible.
Take immediate action to get away.
If the chemical is inside a building where you are, get out of the building without passing through the
contaminated area, if possible.
If you can't get out of the building or find clean air without passing through the area where you see
signs of a chemical attack, it may be better to move as far away as possible and "shelter-in-place."
If you are outside, quickly decide what is the fastest way to find clean air. Consider if you can get out
of the area or if you should go inside the closest building and "shelter-in-place."
If You Think You Have Been Exposed to a Chemical
If your eyes are watering, your skin is stinging, and you are having trouble breathing, you may have
been exposed to a chemical.
If you think you may have been exposed to a chemical, strip immediately and wash. Look for a hose,
fountain, or any source of water, and wash with soap if possible, being sure not to scrub the
chemical into your skin. Seek emergency medical attention.
A chemical attack is the deliberate release of a toxic gas, liquid or solid that can poison people and
the environment.
Possible Signs of Chemical Threat
Many people suffering from watery eyes, twitching, choking, having trouble breathing or losing
coordination.
Many sick or dead birds, fish or small animals are also cause for suspicion.
If You See Signs of Chemical Attack: Find Clean Air Quickly
Quickly try to define the impacted area or where the chemical is coming from, if possible.
Take immediate action to get away.
If the chemical is inside a building where you are, get out of the building without passing through the
contaminated area, if possible.
If you can't get out of the building or find clean air without passing through the area where you see
signs of a chemical attack, it may be better to move as far away as possible and "shelter-in-place."
If you are outside, quickly decide what is the fastest way to find clean air. Consider if you can get out
of the area or if you should go inside the closest building and "shelter-in-place."
If You Think You Have Been Exposed to a Chemical
If your eyes are watering, your skin is stinging, and you are having trouble breathing, you may have
been exposed to a chemical.
If you think you may have been exposed to a chemical, strip immediately and wash. Look for a hose,
fountain, or any source of water, and wash with soap if possible, being sure not to scrub the
chemical into your skin. Seek emergency medical attention.
EXPLOSIONS:
If There is an Explosion
Take shelter against your desk or a sturdy table.
Exit the building ASAP.
Do not use elevators.
Check for fire and other hazards.
Take your emergency supply kit if time allows.
If There is a Fire
Exit the building ASAP.
Crawl low if there is smoke
Use a wet cloth, if possible, to cover your nose and mouth.
Use the back of your hand to feel the upper, lower, and middle parts of closed doors.
If the door is not hot, brace yourself against it and open slowly.
If the door is hot, do not open it. Look for another way out.
Do not use elevators
If you catch fire, do not run. Stop-drop-and-roll to put out the fire.
If you are at home, go to a previously designated meeting place.
Account for your family members and carefully supervise small children.
Never go back into a burning building.
If You Are Trapped in Debris
If possible, use a flashlight to signal your location to rescuers.
Avoid unnecessary movement so that you don't kick up dust.
Cover your nose and mouth with anything you have on hand. (Dense-weave cotton material can act
as a good filter. Try to breathe through the material.)
Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are.
If possible, use a whistle to signal rescuers.
Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause a person to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
If There is an Explosion
Take shelter against your desk or a sturdy table.
Exit the building ASAP.
Do not use elevators.
Check for fire and other hazards.
Take your emergency supply kit if time allows.
If There is a Fire
Exit the building ASAP.
Crawl low if there is smoke
Use a wet cloth, if possible, to cover your nose and mouth.
Use the back of your hand to feel the upper, lower, and middle parts of closed doors.
If the door is not hot, brace yourself against it and open slowly.
If the door is hot, do not open it. Look for another way out.
Do not use elevators
If you catch fire, do not run. Stop-drop-and-roll to put out the fire.
If you are at home, go to a previously designated meeting place.
Account for your family members and carefully supervise small children.
Never go back into a burning building.
If You Are Trapped in Debris
If possible, use a flashlight to signal your location to rescuers.
Avoid unnecessary movement so that you don't kick up dust.
Cover your nose and mouth with anything you have on hand. (Dense-weave cotton material can act
as a good filter. Try to breathe through the material.)
Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are.
If possible, use a whistle to signal rescuers.
Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause a person to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
NATURAL DISASTERS
Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as making an emergency supply
kit and developing a family communications plan, are the same for both a natural or man-made
emergency. However, there are important differences among natural disasters that will impact the
decisions you make and the actions you take. Some natural disasters are easily predicted, others
happen without warning. Planning what to do in advance is an important part of being prepared.
Find out what natural disasters are most common in your area. You may be aware of some of your
community’s risks: others may surprise you. Historically, flooding is the nation's single most
common natural disaster. Flooding can happen in every U.S. state and territory. Earthquakes are
often thought of as a West Coast phenomenon, yet 45 states and territories in the United States are
at moderate to high risk from earthquakes and are located in every region of the country. Other
disasters may be more common in certain areas. Tornadoes are nature's most violent storms and
can happen anywhere. However, states located in “Tornado Alley,” as well as areas in Pennsylvania,
New York, Connecticut, and Florida are at the highest risk for tornado damage. Hurricanes are
severe tropical storms that form in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and
in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Scientists can now predict hurricanes, but people who live in coastal
communities should plan what they will do if they are told to evacuate.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has information available about the following natural
disasters:
Earthquakes
Extreme Heat
Fires
Floods
Hurricanes
Landslide and Debris Flow (Mudslide)
Thunderstorms
Tornadoes
Tsunamis
Volcanoes
Wildfires
Winter Storms and Extreme Cold
Planning what to do in advance is an important part of being prepared. Find out what
natural disasters are most common in your area.
Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as making an emergency supply
kit and developing a family communications plan, are the same for both a natural or man-made
emergency. However, there are important differences among natural disasters that will impact the
decisions you make and the actions you take. Some natural disasters are easily predicted, others
happen without warning. Planning what to do in advance is an important part of being prepared.
Find out what natural disasters are most common in your area. You may be aware of some of your
community’s risks: others may surprise you. Historically, flooding is the nation's single most
common natural disaster. Flooding can happen in every U.S. state and territory. Earthquakes are
often thought of as a West Coast phenomenon, yet 45 states and territories in the United States are
at moderate to high risk from earthquakes and are located in every region of the country. Other
disasters may be more common in certain areas. Tornadoes are nature's most violent storms and
can happen anywhere. However, states located in “Tornado Alley,” as well as areas in Pennsylvania,
New York, Connecticut, and Florida are at the highest risk for tornado damage. Hurricanes are
severe tropical storms that form in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and
in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Scientists can now predict hurricanes, but people who live in coastal
communities should plan what they will do if they are told to evacuate.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has information available about the following natural
disasters:
Earthquakes
Extreme Heat
Fires
Floods
Hurricanes
Landslide and Debris Flow (Mudslide)
Thunderstorms
Tornadoes
Tsunamis
Volcanoes
Wildfires
Winter Storms and Extreme Cold
Planning what to do in advance is an important part of being prepared. Find out what
natural disasters are most common in your area.
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EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION
BIOLOGICAL THREAT
A biological attack is the deliberate release of germs or other biological substances that can make
you sick. Many agents must be inhaled, enter through a cut in the skin or be eaten to make you sick.
Some biological agents, such as anthrax, do not cause contagious diseases. Others, like the
smallpox virus, can result in diseases you can catch from other people. If There is a Biological
Threat Unlike an explosion, a biological attack may or may not be immediately obvious. While it is
possible that you will see signs of a biological attack, as was sometimes the case with the anthrax
mailings, it is perhaps more likely that local health care workers will report a pattern of unusual
illness or there will be a wave of sick people seeking emergency medical attention. You will probably
learn of the danger through an emergency radio or TV broadcast, or some other signal used in your
community. You might get a telephone call or emergency response workers may come to your
door.In the event of a biological attack, public health officials may not immediately be able to provide
information on what you should do. It will take time to determine exactly what the illness is, how it
should be treated, and who is in danger. However, you should watch TV, listen to the radio, or check
the Internet for official news including the following:
Are you in the group or area authorities consider in danger?
What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?
Are medications or vaccines being distributed?
Where? Who should get them?
Where should you seek emergency medical care if you become sick?
During a declared biological emergency:
1. If a family member becomes sick, it is important to be suspicious.
2. Do not assume, however, that you should go to a hospital emergency room or that any illness is
the result of the biological attack. Symptoms of many common illnesses may overlap.
3. Use common sense, practice good hygiene and cleanliness to avoid spreading germs, and seek
medical advice.
4. Consider if you are in the group or area authorities believe to be in danger.
5. If your symptoms match those described and you are in the group considered at risk,
immediately seek emergency medical attention.
If you are potentially exposed:
1. Follow instructions of doctors and other public health officials.
2. If the disease is contagious expect to receive medical evaluation and treatment. You may be
advised to stay away from others or even deliberately quarantined.
3. For non-contagious diseases, expect to receive medical evaluation and treatment.
If you become aware of an unusual and suspicious substance nearby:
1. Quickly get away.
2. Protect yourself. Cover your mouth and nose with layers of fabric that can filter the air but still
allow breathing. Examples include two to three layers of cotton such as a t-shirt, handkerchief
or towel. Otherwise, several layers of tissue or paper towels may help.
3. Wash with soap and water.
4. Contact authorities.
5. Watch TV, listen to the radio, or check the Internet for official news and information including
what the signs and symptoms of the disease are, if medications or vaccinations are being
distributed and where you should seek medical attention if you become sick.
6. If you become sick seek emergency medical attention.
A biological attack is the deliberate release of germs or other biological substances that can make
you sick. Many agents must be inhaled, enter through a cut in the skin or be eaten to make you sick.
Some biological agents, such as anthrax, do not cause contagious diseases. Others, like the
smallpox virus, can result in diseases you can catch from other people. If There is a Biological
Threat Unlike an explosion, a biological attack may or may not be immediately obvious. While it is
possible that you will see signs of a biological attack, as was sometimes the case with the anthrax
mailings, it is perhaps more likely that local health care workers will report a pattern of unusual
illness or there will be a wave of sick people seeking emergency medical attention. You will probably
learn of the danger through an emergency radio or TV broadcast, or some other signal used in your
community. You might get a telephone call or emergency response workers may come to your
door.In the event of a biological attack, public health officials may not immediately be able to provide
information on what you should do. It will take time to determine exactly what the illness is, how it
should be treated, and who is in danger. However, you should watch TV, listen to the radio, or check
the Internet for official news including the following:
Are you in the group or area authorities consider in danger?
What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?
Are medications or vaccines being distributed?
Where? Who should get them?
Where should you seek emergency medical care if you become sick?
During a declared biological emergency:
1. If a family member becomes sick, it is important to be suspicious.
2. Do not assume, however, that you should go to a hospital emergency room or that any illness is
the result of the biological attack. Symptoms of many common illnesses may overlap.
3. Use common sense, practice good hygiene and cleanliness to avoid spreading germs, and seek
medical advice.
4. Consider if you are in the group or area authorities believe to be in danger.
5. If your symptoms match those described and you are in the group considered at risk,
immediately seek emergency medical attention.
If you are potentially exposed:
1. Follow instructions of doctors and other public health officials.
2. If the disease is contagious expect to receive medical evaluation and treatment. You may be
advised to stay away from others or even deliberately quarantined.
3. For non-contagious diseases, expect to receive medical evaluation and treatment.
If you become aware of an unusual and suspicious substance nearby:
1. Quickly get away.
2. Protect yourself. Cover your mouth and nose with layers of fabric that can filter the air but still
allow breathing. Examples include two to three layers of cotton such as a t-shirt, handkerchief
or towel. Otherwise, several layers of tissue or paper towels may help.
3. Wash with soap and water.
4. Contact authorities.
5. Watch TV, listen to the radio, or check the Internet for official news and information including
what the signs and symptoms of the disease are, if medications or vaccinations are being
distributed and where you should seek medical attention if you become sick.
6. If you become sick seek emergency medical attention.
NUCLEAR BLASTS
A nuclear blast is an explosion with intense light and heat, a damaging pressure wave and
widespread radioactive material that can contaminate the air, water and ground surfaces for miles
around. During a nuclear incident, it is important to avoid radioactive material, if possible. While
experts may predict at this time that a nuclear attack is less likely than other types, terrorism by its
nature is unpredictable.
IF THERE IS A NUCLEAR BLAST
If there is advanced warning of an attack:
Take cover immediately, as far below ground as possible, though any shield or shelter will help
protect you from the immediate effects of the blast and the pressure wave.
If there is no warning:
Quickly assess the situation.
Consider if you can get out of the area or if it would be better to go inside a building to limit the
amount of radioactive material you are exposed to.
If you take shelter go as far below ground as possible, close windows and doors, turn off air
conditioners, heaters or other ventilation systems.
Stay where you are, watch TV, listen to the radio, or check the Internet for official news as it
becomes available.
To limit the amount of radiation you are exposed to, think about shielding, distance and time.
Shielding: If you have a thick shield between yourself and the radioactive materials more of the
radiation will be absorbed, and you will be exposed to less.
Distance: The farther away you are away from the blast and the fallout the lower your exposure.
Time: Minimizing time spent exposed will also reduce your risk.
Use available information to assess the situation. If there is a significant radiation threat, health care
authorities may or may not advise you to take potassium iodide. Potassium iodide is the same stuff
added to your table salt to make it iodized. It may or may not protect your thyroid gland, which is
particularly vulnerable, from radioactive iodine exposure. Plan to speak with your health care
provider in advance about what makes sense for your family.
For more information, see Potassium Iodide from Centers for Disease Control.
For more general information, see "Are you Ready?" from Federal Emergency Management
Agency.
A nuclear blast is an explosion with intense light and heat, a damaging pressure wave and
widespread radioactive material that can contaminate the air, water and ground surfaces for miles
around. During a nuclear incident, it is important to avoid radioactive material, if possible. While
experts may predict at this time that a nuclear attack is less likely than other types, terrorism by its
nature is unpredictable.
IF THERE IS A NUCLEAR BLAST
If there is advanced warning of an attack:
Take cover immediately, as far below ground as possible, though any shield or shelter will help
protect you from the immediate effects of the blast and the pressure wave.
If there is no warning:
Quickly assess the situation.
Consider if you can get out of the area or if it would be better to go inside a building to limit the
amount of radioactive material you are exposed to.
If you take shelter go as far below ground as possible, close windows and doors, turn off air
conditioners, heaters or other ventilation systems.
Stay where you are, watch TV, listen to the radio, or check the Internet for official news as it
becomes available.
To limit the amount of radiation you are exposed to, think about shielding, distance and time.
Shielding: If you have a thick shield between yourself and the radioactive materials more of the
radiation will be absorbed, and you will be exposed to less.
Distance: The farther away you are away from the blast and the fallout the lower your exposure.
Time: Minimizing time spent exposed will also reduce your risk.
Use available information to assess the situation. If there is a significant radiation threat, health care
authorities may or may not advise you to take potassium iodide. Potassium iodide is the same stuff
added to your table salt to make it iodized. It may or may not protect your thyroid gland, which is
particularly vulnerable, from radioactive iodine exposure. Plan to speak with your health care
provider in advance about what makes sense for your family.
For more information, see Potassium Iodide from Centers for Disease Control.
For more general information, see "Are you Ready?" from Federal Emergency Management
Agency.
RADIATION THREAT
A radiation threat, commonly referred to as a "dirty bomb" or "radiological dispersion device
(RDD)", is the use of common explosives to spread radioactive materials over a targeted area. It is
not a nuclear blast. The force of the explosion and radioactive contamination will be more localized.
While the blast will be immediately obvious, the presence of radiation will not be clearly defined until
trained personnel with specialized equipment are on the scene. As with any radiation, you want to try
to limit exposure. It is important to avoid breathing radiological dust that may be released in the air.
If There is a Radiation Threat or "Dirty Bomb"
If you are outside and there is an explosion or authorities warn of a radiation release nearby, cover
your nose and mouth and quickly go inside a building that has not been damaged. If you are already
inside check to see if your building has been damaged. If your building is stable, stay where you are.
Close windows and doors; turn off air conditioners, heaters or other ventilation systems.
If you are inside and there is an explosion near where you are or you are warned of a radiation
release inside, cover nose and mouth and go outside immediately. Look for a building or other
shelter that has not been damaged and quickly get inside.
Once you are inside, close windows and doors; turn off air conditioners, heaters or other ventilation
systems.
If you think you have been exposed to radiation, take off your clothes and wash as soon as possible.
Stay where you are, watch TV, listen to the radio, or check the Internet for official news as it
becomes available.
Remember: To limit the amount of radiation you are exposed to, think about shielding,
distance and time.
Shielding: If you have a thick shield between yourself and the radioactive materials more of the
radiation will be absorbed, and you will be exposed to less.
Distance: The farther away you are away from the blast and the fallout the lower your exposure.
Time: Minimizing time spent exposed will also reduce your risk.
As with any emergency, local authorities may not be able to immediately provide information on
what is happening and what you should do. However, you should watch TV, listen to the radio, or
check the Internet often for official news and information as it becomes available.
For more general information, see "Are you Ready?" from Federal Emergency Management
Agency.
A radiation threat, commonly referred to as a "dirty bomb" or "radiological dispersion device
(RDD)", is the use of common explosives to spread radioactive materials over a targeted area. It is
not a nuclear blast. The force of the explosion and radioactive contamination will be more localized.
While the blast will be immediately obvious, the presence of radiation will not be clearly defined until
trained personnel with specialized equipment are on the scene. As with any radiation, you want to try
to limit exposure. It is important to avoid breathing radiological dust that may be released in the air.
If There is a Radiation Threat or "Dirty Bomb"
If you are outside and there is an explosion or authorities warn of a radiation release nearby, cover
your nose and mouth and quickly go inside a building that has not been damaged. If you are already
inside check to see if your building has been damaged. If your building is stable, stay where you are.
Close windows and doors; turn off air conditioners, heaters or other ventilation systems.
If you are inside and there is an explosion near where you are or you are warned of a radiation
release inside, cover nose and mouth and go outside immediately. Look for a building or other
shelter that has not been damaged and quickly get inside.
Once you are inside, close windows and doors; turn off air conditioners, heaters or other ventilation
systems.
If you think you have been exposed to radiation, take off your clothes and wash as soon as possible.
Stay where you are, watch TV, listen to the radio, or check the Internet for official news as it
becomes available.
Remember: To limit the amount of radiation you are exposed to, think about shielding,
distance and time.
Shielding: If you have a thick shield between yourself and the radioactive materials more of the
radiation will be absorbed, and you will be exposed to less.
Distance: The farther away you are away from the blast and the fallout the lower your exposure.
Time: Minimizing time spent exposed will also reduce your risk.
As with any emergency, local authorities may not be able to immediately provide information on
what is happening and what you should do. However, you should watch TV, listen to the radio, or
check the Internet often for official news and information as it becomes available.
For more general information, see "Are you Ready?" from Federal Emergency Management
Agency.