Chemical Emergencies
Chemicals Are an Important Part of Life
Chemicals
are a natural and important part of our environment. Even though we often don't think about it, we use chemicals every day.
Chemicals help keep our food fresh and our bodies clean. They help our plants grow and fuel our cars. And chemicals make it
possible for us to live longer, healthier lives.
Under certain conditions, chemicals can be poisonous or have a harmful effect
on your health. Some chemicals which are safe, and even helpful in small amounts, can be harmful in larger quantities or under
certain conditions.
Chemical accidents do happen . . . at home and in the community, and the
American Red Cross wants you to be prepared.
How You May Be Exposed to a Chemical
You
may be exposed to a chemical in three ways:
- Breathing the chemical
- Swallowing contaminated food, water, or medication
- Touching the chemical, or coming into contact with clothing or things that
have touched the chemical.
Remember, you may be exposed to chemicals even though you may not be able
to see or smell anything unusual.
Chemical Accidents Can Be Prevented
Many
people think of chemicals as only those substances used in manufacturing processes. But chemicals are found everywhere--in
our kitchens, medicine cabinets, basements, and garages. In fact, most chemical accidents occur in our own homes. And they
can be prevented.
Children and Poisoning
The most common
home chemical emergencies involve small children eating medicines. Experts in the field of chemical manufacturing suggest
taking hazardous materials out of sight could eliminate up to 75 percent of all poisoning of small children.
Keep all medicines, cosmetics, cleaning products, and other household chemicals
out of sight and out of reach of children. If your child should eat or drink a non-food substance, find any containers immediately
and take them to the phone. Call the Poison Control Center or Emergency Medical Services (EMS), or 9-1-1, if you have it in
your area, or call the operator giving this information. Follow their instructions carefully. Often the first aid advice found
on containers may not be appropriate. So, do not give anything by mouth until you have been advised by medical professionals.
Home Product Precautions
Other home
accidents can result from trying to improve the way a product works by adding one substance to another, not following directions
for use of a product, or by improper storage or disposal of a chemical.
The first precaution you can take is to avoid mixing common household chemical
products. Some combinations of these products, such as ammonia and bleach, can create toxic gases.
A second important precaution is to always read the directions before using
a new product. Some products should not be used in a small confined space to avoid inhaling dangerous vapors. Other products
should not be used without gloves and eye protection to help prevent the chemical from touching your body. Read and follow
the directions.
Another effective way to protect yourself and your family is to store chemical
products properly. Non-food products should be stored tightly closed in their original containers so you can always identify
the contents of each container and how to properly use the product.
Never smoke while using household chemicals. Don't use hair spray, cleaning
solutions, paint products, or pesticides near the open flame of an appliance, pilot light, lighted candle, fireplace, wood
burning stove, etc. Although you may not be able to see or smell them, vapor particles in the air could catch fire or explode.
If you should spill a chemical, clean it up immediately with some rags, being
careful to protect your eyes and skin. Allow the fumes in the rags to evaporate outdoors in a safe place, then dispose of
them by wrapping them in a newspaper and then placing them in a sealed plastic bag. Dispose of these materials with your trash.
If you don't already have one, buy a fire extinguisher that is labeled for A, B, and C class fires and keep it handy.
Buy only as much of a chemical as you think you will use. If you have product
left over, try to give it to someone who will use it. Take care to dispose of it properly. Improper disposal can result in
harm to yourself or members of your family, accidentally contaminate our local water supply, or harm other people.
It is also important to dispose of products properly to preserve our environment
and protect wildlife. Plus, some products can be recycled and further protect our environment.
Many household chemicals can be taken to your local household hazardous waste
collection facility. Many facilities accept pesticides, fertilizers, household cleaners, oil-based paints, drain and pool
cleaners, antifreeze, and brake fluid. If you have questions about how to dispose of a chemical, call the facility or the
environmental or recycling agency to learn the proper method of disposal.
Family Disaster Plan
Making a Family Disaster Plan will help each family member to stay calm in an emergency. But most important,
planning ahead can save the lives of the people you love. The plan should include what task each family member is responsible
for during an emergency, where supplies are kept, how family members will let one another know where they are going if they
are evacuated, and where everyone will meet when the disaster is over. A brochure describing how to make a Family Disaster
Plan is available from your local Red Cross chapter.
Family Disaster Supplies Kit
A Family
Disaster Plan should include a Family Disaster Supplies Kit.
Let each member of the family help put it together. The kit should include:
- A first aid kit
- A battery-operated radio, flashlight, and extra batteries
- Bath size towels
- Plastic garbage bags
- Wide tape
- A county map
- Bottled water (at least 3 gallons of water per person)
- Non-perishable snack food
- List of family medications, eyeglasses, hearing aids
Ask one person to be responsible for replacing water every three months and
food every six months. Batteries should also be replaced on a regular basis.
Tape the call letters and frequency numbers of your emergency alert radio
stations (EAS) on the radio and make sure everyone knows how to work the radio and put in fresh batteries. Also tape the channel
number of the television emergency broadcast stations on your TV.
Every member of the family should know where the Family Disaster Supplies
Kit is located--it should be stored within easy reach.
If you are a parent, don't assume that you will always be with your children
in an emergency. Make sure they know how to protect themselves if you are not available to help.
At the beginning of the school year, take time to study the school or day
care center emergency protective action plan, and discuss it with your children and their babysitters.
Major Chemical Emergencies
A major chemical
emergency is an accident that releases a hazardous amount of a chemical into the environment. Accidents can happen underground,
on railroad tracks or highways, and at manufacturing plants. These accidents sometimes result in a fire or explosion, but
many times you cannot see or smell anything unusual.
How You May Be Notified of a Major Chemical Emergency
In
the event of a major chemical emergency, you will be notified by the authorities. To get your attention, a siren could sound,
you may be called by telephone, or emergency personnel may drive by and give instructions over a loudspeaker. Officials could
even come to your door.
Listen carefully to radio or television emergency alert stations (EAS), and
strictly follow instructions. Your life could depend on it.
You Will Be Told:
- The type of health hazard
- The area affected
- How to protect yourself
- Evacuation routes (if necessary)
- Shelter locations
- Type and location of medical facilities
- And the phone numbers to call if you need extra help.
Do not call the telephone company, and do not call EMS, 9-1-1, or the operator
for information. Dial these numbers only for a possible life-threatening emergency.
Shelter in Place
One of the basic instructions
you may be given in a chemical emergency is to "shelter in place". This is a precaution aimed to keep you and your family
safe while remaining in your home. If you are told to shelter in place, take your children and pets indoors immediately.
While gathering your family, you can provide a minimal amount of protection
to your breathing by covering your mouth and nose with a damp cloth.
Close all windows in your home.
Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems
Close the fireplace damper
Go to an above-ground room (not the basement) with the fewest windows and
doors.
Take your Family Disaster Supplies Kit with you.
Wet some towels and jam them in the crack under the doors.
Tape around doors, windows, exhaust fans or vents. Use the plastic garbage
bags to cover windows, outlets, and heat registers.
If you are told there is danger of explosion, close the window shades, blinds,
or curtains. To avoid injury, stay away from the windows.
Stay in the room and listen to your radio until you are told all is safe
or you are told to evacuate.
Evacuation
Authorities may decide to
evacuate an area for your protection. Again, it is important to stay calm, listen carefully and follow all instructions.
If you are told to evacuate, listen to your radio to make sure the evacuation
order applies to you and to understand if you are to evacuate immediately or if you have time to pack some essentials. Do
not use your telephone.
If you are told to evacuate immediately:
If the authorities tell you to evacuate because of a possible chemical emergency,
take your Family Disaster Supplies Kit
A change of clothing for each member of the family
Medication, eyeglasses, hearing aids or dentures, or things like canes and
walkers
Personal items such as toothbrushes, deodorant, etc.
Items for your baby such as diapers, formula, or baby food
Books, puzzles or cards and games for entertainment.
Do not assume that a shelter will have everything you need. In most cases,
the shelters will provide only emergency items such as meals, cots, and blankets.
You don't need to turn off your refrigerator or freezer, but you should turn
off all other appliances and lights before locking your home as you leave.
Check on neighbors to make sure they have been notified, and offer help to
those with disabilities or other special needs. If you need a ride, ask a neighbor. If no neighbor is available to help you,
listen to the emergency broadcast station for further instructions.
Take only one car to the evacuation site.
Close your car windows and air vents and turn off the heater or air conditioner.
Don't take shortcuts because a shortcut may put you in the path of danger.
For your safety, follow the exact route you are told to take.
Emergency Procedures for School Children
In
an emergency, your children may be sheltered in place or evacuated from school. If protective actions are being taken at your
children's school, do not go to the school. School personnel are trained to handle emergencies.
Do not call your child's school. You could tie up a phone line that is needed
for emergency communications.
For further information, listen to local emergency radio and TV stations
to learn when and where you can pick up your children.
Chemical Poisoning
There are several
symptoms of chemical poisoning whether by swallowing, touching, or breathing:
- Difficulty breathing
- Changes in skin color
- Headache or blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Irritated eyes, skin, throat
- Unusual behavior
- Clumsiness or lack of coordination
- Stomach cramps or diarrhea
If you think you have been exposed to a toxic chemical, call the poison control
center, EMS, or 9-1-1, or the operator, whichever applies to your area.
If you see or smell something that you think may be dangerous, or find someone
who has been overcome with toxic vapors, your first job is to make sure that you don't become a victim. If you remain in a
dangerous area and become injured or unconscious, you cannot help yourself or any victims.
Because chemical poisoning can be a life-threatening emergency:
- Send someone to call EMS, immediately.
- Tell the operator the location of the emergency and the phone number from
where you are calling.
- Describe what has happened, how many people are involved, and what is being
done to help.
- Stay on the phone until the operator tells you to hang up.
If you are trained in CPR or first aid, and feel confident that you are not
in danger, check the person for life-threatening injuries. Administer appropriate treatment, and then deal with the chemical
injuries.
If you have not recently taken a course in CPR or first aid, contact your
local Red Cross for course information and schedules.
First Aid Treatment for Chemical Burns
A
chemical burn can be minor or life threatening, but proper treatment can reduce the chance of infection and the damage caused
by contact with the chemical.
Remove any affected clothing or jewelry from the injury. Use lots of cool
running water to flush the chemical from the skin until emergency help arrives. The running water will dilute the chemical
fast enough to prevent the injury from getting worse.
Use the same treatment for eye burns and remove any contact lenses. Be careful
to flush the eye from the nose outward.
If no large amount of clean water is available, gently brush the chemical
off the skin and away from the victim and you.
If the chemical is on the face, neck, or shoulders, ask the victim to close
his or her eyes before brushing off the chemical.
Cover the wound very loosely with a dry, sterile or clean cloth so that the
cloth will not stick to the wound. Do not put any medication on the wound. Seek medical attention immediately.
If you believe you have been contaminated with a chemical, call the Poison
Control Center, EMS, 9-1-1, or the operator immediately. If medical help is not immediately available, remove your clothing
starting from the top and working your way down to your socks. Take care not to touch your contaminated clothing to your bare
skin. Place your clothing in a plastic bag so it cannot contaminate other people or things. Take a thorough shower to wash
any chemical away. Re-dress in clean clothing and go for medical help at your first opportunity
Who Helps in a Chemical Emergency
There
are many organizations that help the community in an emergency, such as police, fire, and sheriff departments, the American
Red Cross, and government agencies. All these groups coordinate their activities through the local office of emergency management.
In many areas there are local Hazardous Materials, or Haz-Mat Teams, who are trained to respond to chemical accidents. In
the event of a chemical emergency, it is very important that you follow the instructions of these highly trained professionals.
They know best how to protect you and your family
Important Points To Remember
- Chemicals are everywhere. They are an important part of life.
- The most common chemical accidents occur in our own homes and can be prevented.
- The best ways to avoid chemical accidents are to read and follow the directions
for use, storage, and disposal of the product.
- Don't mix products, especially household cleaning products.
- Develop a Family Disaster Plan and pack a Family Disaster Supplies Kit.
- In the event of an emergency, follow the instructions of the authorities
carefully. Listen to your emergency broadcast stations on radio and TV.
- Use your phone only in life-threatening emergencies, and then call the Poison
Control Center, EMS, 9-1-1, or the operator immediately.
- If you are told to "shelter in place", go inside, close all windows and
vents and turn off all fans, heating or cooling systems. Take family members and pets to a safe room, seal windows and doors,
and listen to emergency broadcast stations for instructions.
- If you are told to evacuate immediately, take your Family Disaster Supplies Kit. Pack only the bare essentials, such as medications, and leave your home
quickly. Follow the traffic route authorities recommend. Don't take short cuts on the way to the shelter.
- If you find someone who appears to have been injured from chemical exposure,
make sure you are not in danger before administering first aid.
- And lastly, remember, the best way to protect yourself and your family is
to be prepared.
The American Red Cross is an organization managed by volunteers from your
community. Although it receives no money from the government, it is chartered by the U.S. Congress to provide disaster relief.
All help given to people during a chemical, house fire, storm, or other emergency is free of charge and supported through
charitable contributions and the United Way.
Emergency help may include shelter, meals, replacement of essential medication,
and personal hygiene supplies. The Red Cross may also help reunite families by staying in touch with all evacuation sites.
The strength of the Red Cross is its core of volunteers who work in all levels
of the organization. If you would like more information about becoming a Red Cross volunteer, either in Disaster Services,
Health and Safety, Blood Services, or community programs, call your local Red Cross chapter.
Important telephone numbers emergency medical service: 9-1-1
If an accident involving hazardous materials occurs, you will be notified
by the authorities as to what steps to take. You may hear a siren, be called by telephone, or emergency personnel may drive
by and give instructions over a loudspeaker. Officials could even come to your door. If you hear a warning signal, you should
go indoors and listen to a local Emergency Alert System (EAS) station for emergency instructions from county or state officials.
Ask your local office of emergency management or Red Cross chapter which stations carry official messages in your community.
- Keep an eye on the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of light, or increasing
wind. Listen for the sound of thunder.
- If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck
by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately.
- Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for the latest weather forecasts.
When a Storm Approaches...
- Find shelter in a building or car. Keep car windows closed and avoid convertibles.
- Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances.
Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. (Leaving electric lights on, however, does not increase the chances
of your home being struck by lightning.)
- Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any other purpose.
- Turn off the air conditioner. Power surges from lightning can overload the
compressor, resulting in a costly repair job!
- Draw blinds and shades over windows. If windows break due to objects blown
by the wind, the shades will prevent glass from shattering into your home.
If Caught Outside...
- If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees.
- If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately!
Protecting Yourself Outside...
- Go to a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles, or metal objects.
Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding.
- Be a very small target! Squat low to the ground. Place your hands on your
knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible.
- Do not lie flat on the ground--this will make you a larger target!
After the Storm Passes...
- Stay away from storm-damaged areas.
- Listen to the radio for information and instructions.
If Someone is Struck by Lightning...
- People struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and can be handled
safely.
- Call for help. Get someone to dial 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical
Services (EMS) number.
- The injured person has received an electrical shock and may be burned, both
where they were struck and where the electricity left their body. Check for burns in both places. Being struck by lightning
can also cause nervous system damage, broken bones, and loss of hearing or eyesight.
- Give first aid. If breathing has stopped, begin rescue breathing. If the
heart has stopped beating, a trained person should give CPR. If the person has a pulse and is breathing, look and care for
other possible injuries. Learn first aid and CPR by taking a Red Cross first aid and CPR course. call your local Red Cross chapter for class schedules and fees.
Tornado
- Pick a place where family members could gather if a tornado is headed your
way. It could be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep
this place uncluttered.
- If you are in a high-rise building, you may not have enough time to go to
the lowest floor. Pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing--
- First aid kit and essential medications.
- Canned food and can opener.
- At least three gallons of water per person.
- Protective clothing, bedding, or sleeping bags.
- Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
- Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
- Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water if authorities
advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn natural gas service back on.)
Stay Tuned for Storm Warnings
- Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.
- Know what a tornado WATCH and WARNING means:
- A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in your area.
- A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed for
your area. Go to safety immediately.
- Tornado WATCHES and WARNINGS are issued by county or parish.
When a Tornado WATCH Is Issued...
- Listen to local radio and TV stations for further updates.
- Be alert to changing weather conditions. Blowing debris or the sound of
an approaching tornado may alert you. Many people say it sounds like a freight train.
When a Tornado WARNING Is Issued...
- If you are inside, go to the safe place you picked to protect yourself from
glass and other flying objects. The tornado may be approaching your area.
- If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy building or
lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area.
- If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head for safety
(as above).
After the Tornado Passes...
- Watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of the damaged area.
- Listen to the radio for information and instructions.
- Use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage.
- Do not use candles at any time.
Wildfire
More and more people are making their homes in woodland settings in or
near forests, rural areas, or remote mountain sites. There, homeowners enjoy the beauty of the environment but face the very
real danger of wildfire.
Wildfires often begin unnoticed. They spread quickly, igniting brush, trees,
and homes. Reduce your risk by preparing now before wildfire strikes. Meet with your family to decide what to do and where
to go if wildfires threaten your area. Follow the steps listed below to protect your family, home, and property.
Practice Wildfire Safety
- People start most wildfires...find out how you can promote and practice
wildfire safety.
- Contact your local fire department, health department, or forestry office
for information on fire laws. Make sure that fire vehicles can get to your home. Clearly mark all driveway entrances and display
your name and address.
- Report hazardous conditions that could cause a wildfire.
- Teach children about fire safety. Keep matches out of their reach.
- Post fire emergency telephone numbers.
- Plan several escape routes away from your home by car and by foot.
- Talk to your neighbors about wildfire safety. Plan how the neighborhood
could work together after a wildfire. Make a list of your neighbors' skills, such as medical or technical. Consider how you
could help neighbors who have special needs, such as elderly or disabled persons. Make plans to take care of children who
may be on their own if parents can't get home.
Protect Your Home
- Regularly clean roof and gutters.
- Inspect chimneys at least twice a year. Clean them at least once a year.
Keep the dampers in good working order. Equip chimneys and stovepipes with a spark arrester that meets the requirements of
National Fire Protection Association Code 211. (Contact your local fire department for exact specifications.)
- Use 1/2-inch mesh screen beneath porches, decks, floor areas, and the home
itself. Also, screen openings to floors, roof, and attic.
- Install a smoke detector on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms;
test monthly and change the batteries at least once each year.
- Teach each family member how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC type) and
show them where it's kept.
- Keep a ladder that will reach the roof.
- Consider installing protective shutters or heavy fire-resistant drapes.
- Keep handy household items that can be used as fire tools: a rake, axe,
handsaw or chainsaw, bucket, and shovel.
Before Wildfire Threatens
- Design and landscape your home with wildfire safety in mind.
- Select materials and plants that can help contain fire rather than fuel
it.
- Use fire resistant or non-combustible materials on the roof and exterior
structure of the dwelling. Or treat wood or combustible material used in roofs, siding, decking, or trim with UL-approved
fire-retardant chemicals.
- Plant fire-resistant shrubs and trees. For example, hardwood trees are less
flammable than pine, evergreen, eucalyptus or fir trees.
Create a 30- to 100-Foot Safety Zone Around Your Home.
- Within this area, you can take steps to reduce potential exposure to flames
and radiant heat. Homes built in pine forests should have a minimum safety zone of 100 feet. If your home sits on a steep
slope, standard protective measures may not suffice. Contact your local fire department or forestry of fice for additional
information.
- Rake leaves, dead limbs, and twigs. Clear all flammable vegetation.
- Remove leaves and rubbish from under structures and dispose of them properly.
- Thin a 15-foot space between tree crowns, and remove limbs within 15 feet
of the ground.
- Remove dead branches that extend over the roof.
- Prune tree branches and shrubs within 15 feet of a stovepipe or chimney
outlet.
- Ask the power company to clear branches from powerlines.
- Remove vines from the walls of the home.
- Mow grass regularly.
- Clear a 10-foot area around propane tanks and the barbecue. Place a screen
over the grill--use non-flammable material with mesh no coarser than one-quarter inch.
- Regularly dispose of newspapers and rubbish at an approved site. Follow
local burning regulations.
- Place stove, fireplace, and grill ashes in a metal bucket, soak in water
for two days, then bury the cold ashes in mineral soil.
- Store gasoline, oily rags, and other flammable materials in approved safety
cans. Place cans in a safe location away from the base of buildings.
- Stack firewood at least 100 feet away and uphill from your home. Clear combustible
material within 20 feet. Use only UL-approved woodburning devices.
Plan Your Water Needs
- Identify and maintain an adequate outside water source such as a small pond,
cistern, well, swimming pool, or hydrant.
- Have a garden hose that is long enough to reach any area of the home and
other structures on the property.
- Install freeze-proof exterior water outlets on at least two sides of the
home and near other structures on the property. Install additional outlets at least 50 feet from the home.
- Consider obtaining a portable gasoline-powered pump in case electrical power
is cut off.
When Wildfire Threatens
- If you are warned that a wildfire is threatening your area, listen to your
battery-operated radio for reports and evacuation information. Follow the instructions of local officials.
- Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction
of escape. Shut doors and roll up windows. Leave the key in the ignition. Close garage windows and doors, but leave them unlocked.
Disconnect automatic garage door openers.
- Confine pets to one room. Make plans to care for your pets in case you must
evacuate.
- Arrange temporary housing at a friend or relative's home outside the threatened
area.
If Advised to Evacuate, Do So Immediately
- Wear protective clothing--sturdy shoes, cotton or woolen clothing, long
pants, a long-sleeved shirt, gloves, and a handkerchief to protect your face.
- Take your Disaster Supplies Kit.
- Lock your home.
- Tell someone when you left and where you are going.
- Choose a route away from fire hazards. Watch for changes in the speed and
direction of fire and smoke.
If You're sure You Have Time, Take Steps to Protect
Your Home
Inside:
- Close windows, vents, doors, venetian blinds or non-combustible window coverings,
and heavy drapes. Remove lightweight curtains.
- Shut off gas at the meter. Turn off pilot lights.
- Open fireplace damper. Close fireplace screens.
- Move flammable furniture into the center of the home away from windows and
sliding-glass doors.
- Turn on a light in each room to increase the visibility of your home in
heavy smoke.
Outside:
- Seal attic and ground vents with pre-cut plywood or commercial seals.
- Turn off propane tanks.
- Place combustible patio furniture inside.
- Connect the garden hose to outside taps.
- Set up the portable gasoline-powered pump.
- Place lawn sprinklers on the roof and near above-ground fuel tanks. Wet
the roof.
- Wet or remove shrubs within 15 feet of the home.
- Gather fire tools.
Emergency Supplies
When wildfire threatens, you won't have time to shop or search for supplies.
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit with items you may need if advised to evacuate. Store these supplies in sturdy,
easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, dufflebags, or trash containers.
Include:
- A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that
won't spoil.
- One change of clothing and footwear per person and one blanket or sleeping
bag per person.
- A first aid kit that includes your family's prescription medications.
- Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty
of extra batteries.
- An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash, or traveler's checks.
- Sanitation supplies.
- Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
- An extra pair of eyeglasses.
- Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Assemble a smaller
version of your kit to keep in the trunk of your car.
Create a Family Disaster Plan
Wildfire and other types of disasters--hurricane, flood, tornado, ealthquake,
hazardous matenals spill, winter storm--can strike quickly and without warning. You can cope with disaster by preparing in
advance and working together. Meet with your family to create a disaster plan. To get started. . .
Contact your local Red Cross chapter
- Find out about the hazards in your community.
- Ask how you would be warned.
- Find out how to prepare for each type of disaster.
Meet With Your Family
- Discuss the types of disasters that could occur.
- Explain how to prepare and respond to each type of disaster.
- Discuss where to go and what to bring if advised to evacuate.
- Practice what you have discussed.
Plan How Your Family Will Stay in Contact if Separated
by Disaster
- Pick two meeting places:
- A place a safe distance from your home in case of a home fire.
- A place outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home.
- Choose an out-of-state friend as a "check-in contact" for everyone to call.
Complete These Steps
- Post emergency telephone numbers by every phone.
- Show responsible family members how and when to shut off water, gas, and
electricity at main switches.
- Contact your local fire department to learn about home fire hazards.
- Learn first aid and CPR. Contact your local American Red Cross chapter for
information and training.
