*Image obtained from NOAA, http://www.srh.noaa.gov/oun/?n

*Image obtained from NOAA,
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/oun/?n=events‐20130520‐damagephotos
Types of Emergencies and Disasters
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Drought
Earthquakes
Extreme Heat
Floods
Hurricanes
Landslides and Mudslides
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Lightning
Tornadoes
Tsunamis
Volcanoes
Wildfires
Winter Weather
What’s Missing? *Images obtained from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/
Technological Disasters
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Nuclear accidents
Oil spills
Natural gas leaks
Other hazardous spills & accidents
Structural collapses
Cyber disruptions
Image obtained from NASA; http://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/multi_wavelength_feb_25_pre‐flare.jpg
Bringing Civilization to Its Knees
Terrorism
• Conventional Explosive
• Radiation Dispersion Device
• Chemical Attacks (air, water, food supply)
• Biological Threats (anthrax, small pox, plague)
• Cyber Terrorism
Car Bombing
Image obtained from Federal Bureau of Investigations. http://www.fbi.gov/about‐
us/investigate/terrorism
Investigating for Anthrax or Amerithrax
Image obtained from Federal Bureau of Investigations.
http://www.fbi.gov/about‐us/history/famous‐
cases/anthrax‐amerithrax/amerithrax‐investigation
. Oklahoma City Bombing
Image obtained from Federal Bureau of Investigations. http://www.fbi.gov/about‐us/history/famous‐cases/oklahoma‐city‐
bombing
Pandemic
H3N2v
H1N1
H1N2v
*Image of flying pig obtained from public domain. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Baby_back_ribs.JPG
Ataxic Neurodegenerative Satiety Deficiency Syndrome
*Image obtained from CDC.
*Image obtained from CDC.
Potential Pandemics
• Influenza
• SARS/MERS
• Other ???
1918‐19 Flu Pandemic (Jan. 1918 – Dec. 1920)
Mortality
Worldwide:
50 Million
United States:
675,000 *Image obtained from DHHS; http://www.flu.gov/pandemic/history/1918/the_pandemic/index.html
Risk Communications:
• Prepare yourself to communicate effectively, both what to say and how to say it.
• Provide knowledge and encourage action: o
o
o
o
Preparedness;
Sheltering in Place; Evacuating;
Avoiding post‐disaster dangers. • Instill appropriate levels of concern for preparedness, survival, and recovery.
Risk Communication
Reactions to communications occur along a scale:
Apathy > Ignorance > Concern > Fear > Panic
• Communications must strike a balance between Concern and Fear, avoiding Panic.
• Pre‐emergency communications may lean more heavily toward Fear to motivate preparation.
• In times of great danger, experience shows that most people remain calm.
Understanding & Suppressing Panic
• Panic: a reaction born of fear so intense it interferes with normal thought processes, and results in unthinking reactions and irrational behavior.
• Panic is contagious and can spread quickly through a group of people in emergency situations (think “stampede”).
• Panic is more common when the threat is immediate and unexpected.
• Panic can be suppressed by:
o The authority of a strong leader;
o The distractions of constructive group activities;
o Appeals to the common good. Practical Preparedness
Image from clipart, Microsoft Office.
"Used with permission from Microsoft.“
www.Microsoft.com Exercise: Emergency Preparedness Kit
Prepare a Guide for Assembling a Kit
• Count off into 4 groups.
• Use easel pads to make a list of items with blank lines for scoring by each item.
• On separate page, list at least 3 important things to consider when preparing, storing and maintaining a kit.
Preparedness Kit: Here’s a hint.
Image from clipart, Microsoft Office.
"Used with permission from Microsoft.“
www.Microsoft.com Emergency Preparedness Kits
Key Supplies (http://www.ready.gov/build‐a‐kit) 1) Water, one gallon per person per day for at least 3 days.
2) Food, at least a three‐day supply of non‐perishable food.
3) Battery‐powered radio with NOAA Weather band and extra batteries.
4) Flashlight and extra batteries.
5) First Aid kit.
6) Whistle or horn to signal for help.
7) Garbage bags and plastic ties.
8) Dust masks to help filter the air.
9) Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
10) Can opener for food, as needed.
Emergency Preparedness Kits
Optional Items (http://www.ready.gov/build‐a‐kit) 1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
Rain gear.
Mess kits (paper cups, plates, plastic utensils).
$$$‐‐Cash or traveler's checks, change.
Paper products (tissue/towels).
Fire Extinguisher.
Tent.
Compass.
Matches in a waterproof container.
Signal flare.
Paper, pencil.
Personal hygiene items.
Disinfectant (lysol, bleach).
Chlorine bleach for water purification and disinfectant.
Medicine dropper.
Important Documents (insurance policies, identification, bank records).
Emergency Preparedness Kits
Additional Issues to consider
• Storage (what and where).
• Rotation (how and how often).
• Special needs (varies by family).
Emergency Preparedness Kits
Storage
• Store in easy‐to‐carry containers: plastic boxes, unused trashcan, or large camping backpack.
• Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.
• Store boxed food in tightly closed containers to protect from pests and extend shelf life.
• Store in cool, dry, easily accessible.
• All family members should know location of kit.
Emergency Preparedness Kits
Rotation
• Throw out cans that becomes swollen or corroded.
• Use foods before they go bad and replace with fresh.
• Place new items at the rear and older in the front.
• Change stored food and water supplies every six months. Write dates on all containers.
• Re‐think needs every year, update kit as needs change.
Emergency Preparedness Kits
Special Needs, specific to family
• Dietary (salt, sugar, gluten, baby foods).
• Medications (OTC and prescription).
• Vision Aids (sunglasses, eyeglasses, contacts).
• Mobility assistance (cane, walker, wheelchair).
• Infant needs (formula, food, diapers, wipes).
• Pet Needs (food, water, leash, muzzle, etc.).
Other Preparedness Issues
• Be aware of the types of emergencies likely to occur in your area.
• Have a “family” plan for emergencies:
o Local and out‐of‐town contact;
o Meeting place: neighborhood and regional;
o Access to critical information.
• Be prepared to be out‐of‐touch (separations and cell phones issues).
Can you depend on gov’t in times of emergency?
*Image obtained from Federal Emergency Management Agency photos. http://www.fema.gov/media‐library/assets/images/45504?id=14881
Sheltering in Place
• Stay indoors, even if the weather appears calm.
• Shelter in a windowless interior room or closet, stay away from windows and exterior doors.
• Be aware that tornadoes can occur during hurricanes.
• Bathtubs can provide extra shelter.
• Additional items needed: Plywood, duct tape, plastic sheeting & tarps.
• Be prepared to relocate if your home is damaged.
Next Topic: Evacuation
*Image obtained from Jefferson Parish Louisiana government website. http://www.jeffparish.net/index.aspx?page=203
*Federal Emergency Management Agency, Photo by Ed Edahl
http://www.fema.gov/media‐library/assets/images/46080
Evacuation Issues
• One should never ignore an evacuation order.
• One should take only essential items.
• Always follow designated evacuation routes, expect heavy traffic.
• Most shelters and some hotels don’t accept pets. Evacuation Preparation
When a hurricane watch is issued, you should:
• Review your emergency plans and check kit contents.
• Prepare emergency kit for car: food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, first aid, fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, etc.
• Fill car with gas tank.
• Secure outside items: grills, furniture, boats, etc.
• Cover windows and doors with storm shutters or plywood.
• If you have pets, plan for their evacuation.
• Turn off utilities at meters (electricity, gas, water).
Post‐Disaster Dangers
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Structural instability: home & buildings.
Lack of transportation: vehicles & roads/bridges.
Gas leaks and electrical hazards.
Carbon Monoxide: gas & charcoal grills, generators, power washers.
Lack of access to money.
Lack of access to healthcare: treatment & drugs. Health Issue Examples: Contagious (Cholera); Injury (chain saw); Contamination (Tetanus).
Proliferation of Pests: rats, roaches, spiders, mosquitos, etc.
Emotional Distress, Depression, PTSD.
Emergency First Aid
Key Issues:
• Do No Harm.
• Know Limitations.
st
• Get Training: 1 Aid, CPR, MHFA. Disaster‐Related Resources
Ready.gov, Prepare, Plan, Stay Informed
http://www.ready.gov/
Department of Homeland Security
http://www.dhs.gov/preventing‐terrorism
Red Cross http://www.redcross.org/find‐help
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/index.asp
Federal Emergency Management Agency
http://www.fema.gov/
The National Preparedness Community
http://community.fema.gov/connect.ti/readynpm/grouphome
FEMA http://www.community.fema.gov/connect.ti/cfghome/grouphome
Severe Weather Preparedness Week
Flood Awareness Week
Tsunami Preparedness Week
Air Quality Awareness Week
Safe Boating Week
Heat Awareness Day
Hurricane Preparedness Week
Rip Current Awareness Week
Lightning Safety Awareness Week
Skywarn Recognition Day
March 2‐8, 2014
Mar 16‐22, 2014
Mar 23‐29, 2014
Apr 28‐May 2, 2014
May 17‐23, 2014
May 23, 2014
May 25‐May 31, 2014
Jun 1‐7, 2014
Jun 22‐28, 2014
Dec 7, 2013
Alabama
Severe Weather Awareness Week
Flood Awareness Week
Hurricane Awareness Week
Fall Severe Weather Awareness Day
Winter Weather Awareness Week
Feb 16‐21, 2014*
Mar 16‐22, 2014
May 25‐May 31, 2014
Oct 16, 2013
Nov 17‐22, 2013
*Image obtained from National Weather Service. http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/severeweather/severewxcal.shtml#alabama