The Professional Expert

Emergency Preparedness - First Aid

We will go into first aid during another week, but since we are covering emergency preparedness, it makes sense to cover a few basics that one may encounter during/after a natural disaster. We will cover bleeding, burns, bruises, sprains and, broken bones, and shock.

When you see that someone needs attention, first check the area to make sure that there is still not imminent danger. If the victim was electrocuted, does the power need to be turned off first? If something fell, are there other objects that need to be secured?

If someone needs professional medical help, send someone to get help. We will discuss more life-threatening situations in a later week. But here are some ways to help those in need.

In case of serious injury, The Red Cross suggests the following action steps:  “Check, Call, Care.” First, check that it is safe to help the victim, and then check the victim. For injuries requiring immediate medical care, call for help. Then care for the victim.

There are some steps that you can take to care for someone who is hurt, but whose injuries are not life threatening.

Bleeding

In order to control bleeding, cover the wound with a dressing, such as a gauze pad or clean cloth. Press firmly. Elevate the wound. Cover with a roller bandage, such as an Ace Bandage.

If the bleeding continues, add additional dressings and press against the artery at a pressure point.  Have the victim lay down with feet and wound elevated.

Burns

For burns, cool with cool water and cover with clean dry bandage.

Bruises, Sprains and Broken Bones

For bruises and sprains, try not to move the affected part.  Apply a cold pack or ice to the injury. 

If you think a bone is broken, support both sides of the break with sticks, pieces of wood, or anything stiff in order to immobilize the injury. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Shock

In case of shock, the victim will look very pale and will feel lightheaded.  Keep them from getting too hot or cold; elevate their legs above the head.  Do not give food or drink, as they may vomit.  If available, you may give ice chips for the victim to suck on.

Emergency Preparedness - Natural Disaster Strikes

What to do in case of…

Thunderstorms

Find shelter in a building or a car (except a convertible).

Avoid using electrical appliances. Leaving the lights on is okay.

Avoid running the water such as taking a bath or shower.

Turn off the air conditioner to avoid damage from a power surge.

Close the blinds or shades over windows to help contain any glass in case a window breaks.

If you are caught outside:

Take shelter under shorter trees or, preferably, go to a low-lying, open place away from tall trees or metal objects.

Stay out of standing water!

Make yourself as small as possible by squatting as low as you can. Lying flat on the ground actually makes you a bigger target.

If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately!

Tornadoes

If a WATCH has been issued listen to local stations for updates. Be alert to the weather. Tornadoes are said to sound like freight trains.

If a WARNING has been issued, go to your predetermined safe place, either a basement or interior room or hallway with no windows.

If you are outside, find shelter, if possible, or lie flat in ditch or low-lying area.

If you are in a car or mobile home, get out and find shelter or a low-lying area.

If a tornado has damaged your area, watch out for fallen power lines and smell for gas leaks..  If you smell gas, do not turn on the flashlight, as it can cause a spark.  Some firefighters recommend that you leave batteries with, but not in, any flashlight near a gas appliance so that you have to think before you turn it on.

Fires

Get out of the house! Call the fire department at the neighbor’s house.

Exit using your predetermined escape routes.

If you must exit through smoke, stay low to the ground.

If you want to go through a closed door, check the door first. If it is warm, exit through the second way out.

If your escape routes are blocked, stay in the room with the door closed. Stay by the window to let people know you are in the room. If there is a phone in the room, call the fire department to let them know where you are.

Earthquakes

Go to a safe space in the room such as under a table or desk. If that is not an option, go to an inside wall where nothing will fall on you. Protect your eyes with your arm.

If you are in bed, hold on and stay there. Protect your head with a pillow.

If you are outside, find a spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines, and drop to the ground.

If you are in a car, slow down and drive to a spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Stay in the car until it is over.

After the earthquake, inspect for damage. Look for small fires and smell for a gas leak.

Expect aftershocks. If one occurs, find a safe spot again.

Hurricanes

Make sure all outside furniture, potted plants, and decorations are brought inside. If you have a pool, you can put the pool furniture in there.

Put hurricane shutters or plywood on windows.

Make sure gas tank on car is full.

Get these items ready in case you need to evacuate:

• Prescription medications and medical supplies
• Bedding and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows
• Bottled water
• Non-perishable snack items
• First aid kit
• Battery-operated radio, flashlight, and extra batteries for each
• Car keys
• Maps with contact phone numbers
• Provisions for pets
• Important Family Documents

Evacuate if advised to do so by local officials.

If you do evacuate, turn off the gas and water. The gas will need to be turned back on by a professional.

If you do not evacuate, stay indoors, in the center of your home away from windows. During the “eye” of the storm it will suddenly get very calm, however it is only half over, and the back side of the hurricane can cause even more damage. Be aware that tornadoes can also occur during hurricanes.

Floods

If a flood WATCH is issued, move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.

Make sure gas tank on car is full.

Get these items ready in case you need to evacuate:

• Prescription medications and medical supplies
• Bedding and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows
• Bottled water
• Non-perishable snack items
• First aid kit
• Battery-operated radio, flashlight, and extra batteries for each
• Car keys
• Maps with contact phone numbers
• Provisions for pets
• Important Family Documents

If a flood WARNING is issued, immediately evacuate if told to do so.

Move to higher ground.

Do not drive around barricades.

If your car stalls in rising waters, abandon the car and climb to higher ground.

Tomorrow, we’ll discuss some basic first aid…

Emergency Preparedness - Supplies

Now is the time to get your emergency supplies together. Here are some suggestions.

From “Preparing for Disaster.” Developed by the American Red Cross and the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency:

There are six basics you should stock for your home: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items. Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry container–suggested items are marked with an asterisk(*). Possible containers include a large, covered trash container, a camping backpack, or a duffle bag. 

Water

• Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more.
• Store one gallon of water per person per day.
• Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for each person in your household for food preparation/sanitation).*

Food

• Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit:
• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
• Canned juices
• Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.)
• High energy foods
• Vitamins
• Food for infants
• Comfort/stress foods

First Aid Kit
Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car.

• (20) adhesive bandages, various sizes.
• (1) 5″ x 9″ sterile dressing.
• (1) conforming roller gauze bandage.
• (2) triangular bandages.
• (2) 3 x 3 sterile gauze pads.
• (2) 4 x 4 sterile gauze pads.
• (1) roll 3″ cohesive bandage.
• (2) germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• (6) antiseptic wipes.
• (2) pair large medical grade non-latex gloves.
• Adhesive tape, 2″ width.
• Anti-bacterial ointment.
• Cold pack.
• Scissors (small, personal).
• Tweezers.
• CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield.

Non-Prescription Drugs

• Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Antacid (for stomach upset)
• Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
• Laxative
• Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)

Tools and Supplies

• Mess kits, or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils*
• Emergency preparedness manual*
• Battery-operated radio and extra batteries*
• Flashlight and extra batteries*
• Cash or traveler’s checks, change*
• Non-electric can opener, utility knife*
• Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type
• Tube tent
• Pliers
• Tape
• Compass
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Aluminum foil
• Plastic storage containers
• Signal flare
• Paper, pencil
• Needles, thread
• Medicine dropper
• Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
• Whistle
• Plastic sheeting
• Map of the area (for locating shelters)

Sanitation

• Toilet paper, towelettes*
• Soap, liquid detergent*
• Feminine supplies*
• Personal hygiene items*
• Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
• Plastic bucket with tight lid
• Disinfectant
• Household chlorine bleach

Clothing and Bedding
*Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.

• Sturdy shoes or work boots*
• Rain gear*
• Blankets or sleeping bags*
• Hat and gloves
• Thermal underwear
• Sunglasses

Special Items

• Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons
• Written instructions for how to turn off gas, electricity, and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you’ll need a professional to turn natural gas service back on.)

For Baby*

• Formula
• Diapers
• Bottles
• Powdered milk
• Medications

For Adults*

• Heart and high blood pressure medication
• Insulin
• Prescription drugs
• Denture needs
• Contact lenses and supplies
• Extra eye glasses

Entertainment

• Games and books

Important Family Documents

• Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container:
  • Will, insurance policies, contracts deeds, stocks and bonds
  • Passports, social security cards, immunization records
  • Bank account numbers
  • Credit card account numbers and company numbers. You can make a copy of your credit card to get this information.
• Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
• Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
• Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the supplies kit in the trunk of your car.
• Keep items in airtight plastic bags. Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh. Replace your stored food every six months. Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.
• Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.

For more information, you can visit the Red Cross at www.redcross.org.

Tomorrow we’ll discuss what to do if an actual natural emergency strikes…

Emergency Preparedness - Family Disaster Plan

It is a good time to review your family disaster planning - what to do in case of fire, flood, tornado, storm, or other emergency.

Know the most likely natural disasters for your area. Your local Red Cross chapter or emergency management office can help you find out what they are.

With the family, go over the possible natural disasters and what to do in each case.

Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado:

Review:
Tornado WATCH: conditions are favorable for a tornado to form
Tornado WARNING: a tornado has been spotted

In the case of a severe storm, especially a tornado, the basement is the best place to be. If you do not have one, get real chummy with a neighbor who does or go to an interior room or hallway with no windows.

Fire:

Determine at least two ways to escape every room in your home.

Know how to use the escape ladder, if your sleeping areas are on the second or third floors.

Make sure everyone knows where to meet in case you need to evacuate. We meet at the mailbox or in front of the neighbor’s home if the mailbox is not an option.

Everyone should know how to use the fire extinguisher.

Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.

Earthquake:

Choose a safe place in each room, such as under a table or desk. If nothing like that is available, choose an inside wall where nothing can fall on you.

Hurricane or Other Evacuation Situation:

Review:
Hurricane WATCH: hurricane conditions are possible within 36 hours
Hurricane WARNING: hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours

Know where you would go if you needed to evacuate.  Choose several places such as a friend’s home in another city, a hotel, or a shelter. Know the location of your local shelters.

Determine how you would care for your pets in the case of an evacuation. Pets are not allowed at local shelters.

Have a local map on hand in case you need to take unfamiliar routes during an evacuation.

Keep important phone numbers including your evacuation destinations with the map.

Other Basics:

Make sure everyone in the family knows your address and phone number.

Decide on an out-of-state friend or relative to be the contact point for your family in case you get split up during an emergency. Everyone should know their number, too.

Even young children should know how to phone emergency services (i.e. 911). It is also a good idea to have a list of emergency phone numbers, including Poison Control by the phone.

Each family member should know how and when to turn off the utilities, such as water, gas, and electricity, at the main switches.

For more detailed information on disaster planning, visit the Red Cross at www.redcross.org.

Tomorrow we’ll discuss the supplies you should have handy…

Emergency Preparedness - Around the House

Springtime gives a hint of the sunny, warm summer weather to come.  However, there is a darker side to summer weather, the occasional big storm, tornado, or hurricane.  Spring is a good time to review preparations for the (remote) possibility of “the big one.” 

Around the House:

It is a good idea to clean up any debris left over from the winter, especially those things that reappear after the snow melts, such as toys, gloves, newspapers and other debris. 

Check around for broken tree branches and other damage from the winter’s snow and ice.  Remove diseased and damaged limbs.

This is also a good time to look around for anything that could become airborne during a strong windstorm and cause damage to the house or car.

Make sure all of the windows work, so there can be a quick exit if necessary. If you are on the second floor, have a plan for getting to the ground floor, such as having a foldable ladder already upstairs.

Check the fire extinguishers. Look at the gauge and verify that the pressure is in the green.

Make sure there are smoke alarms outside each sleeping area and on each level of your home. Test them and vacuum away dust monthly and replace the batteries once a year. Replace the smoke alarms every ten years since they become less sensitive over time.

If your home uses natural gas, consider getting Carbon Monoxide Detectors.

If you are along the coast where hurricanes are possible, install hurricane shutters or purchase ½” precut outdoor plywood for your windows. Install the anchors around your window and pre-drill the holes in the plywood so you are ready to put them up quickly if needed.

Understand your home insurance policy. Some natural disasters, such as flooding, may not be covered.

Tomorrow we’ll discuss Family Disaster Planning…