Major Natural Disasters

Disasters and emergencies can sometimes develop quicky. Dam failures. flash floods. tornadoes, and earthquakes, for example, can strike with little or no advance warning.

Other types if disasters and emergencies are proceded by a build-up period that provides more time for taking effective protective measures. For example, winter storms can be tracked for days, and people in affected ares can be notified well in advance. Severe thunderstorms may be tracked for hours. On large rivers, floods can be predicted to provide considerable warning time for people in the danger area. Even in cases of tornadoes, the forecast of weather conditions may permit some warning of possible disaster.

Some of these disasters or emergencies are more likely to occur in certain parts of the country. For example, hurricanes are more common along the Gulf and Atlantic States. Yet, no certain area is entirely free from possible disasters of one type or another.

This Section is Intended to help you prepar for those disasters that may occur in this area and to tell you the proper actions to take.

General Guidance

There are certain things you can do that will help you prepare fpor and cope with alomost any type of emergency.

The most basic thing to remember is to KEEP CALM. This may ean the difference between lif and death. In many disasters, people have been killed or injured needlessly because they took thoughtless actions.

In time of emergency, taking proper action may save your life. TAKE TIME TO THINK, and then take the considered action that the situation calls for. Usually, this will be the action you have planned in advance, or the action you are instructed to take by resposible authorities.

WHAT TO DO WHEN THERE IS AN EMERGENCY
If you hear an emergency notification message, listen to the radio for further emergency information and follow the official instructions being broadcast.

IF YOU HAVE TO EVACUATE
Listen to a battery-powered radio for further information and location of emergency shelters.

Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
Take your disaster supply kit.
Lock your home.
Use travel routes specified by local officials.
If you are sure you have time - shut off water, gas, and electricity, if
instructed to do so.
Let others know when you left and where you are going.
Make arrangements for pets (Animals will not be allowed in public shelters).

After a Natural Disaster

USE EXTREME CAUTION IN ENTERING OR WORKING IN BUILDINGS that may have been damaged or weekend by the disaster, as they may be leaking gas lines or flammable material present.

DON'T TAKE LANTERNS, TORCHES, OR LIGHTED CIGARETTES into buildings that have been flooded or otherwise damged, since there may be leaking gas lines or flammable material present.

STAY AWAY FROM FALLEN OR DAMAGED ELECTRICAL WIRES which may still be dangerous. (consider ALL wires to be dangerous, including telephone wires.)

CHECK FOR LEAKING GAS PIPELINES IN YOUR HOME. Do this by SMELL ONLY - DON'T USE MATCHES OR CANDLES.

If you smell gas:

Leave the house immediatley and leave the front door open.
Notify the gas company or call 911 from another building (using the phone in your house can cause an explosion).
DO NOT re-enter the house until you are told it is safe to do so.

IF ANY OF YOUR ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES ARE WET first turn off the main power swith. (Caution: Don't do any of these thigs while you are wet or standing in water.) If fuses blow when the electric power is restored, turn off the main power switch again and then inspect for short circuits on your home wiring, appliabces, and equipment.

CHECK YOU FOOD AND WATER SUPPLIES BEFORE USE Foods that require refrigeration may be spoiled if electric power has been off for some time. Also, don't eat any food that has come in contact with flood waters. Be sure to follow the instructions of local authorities concerning us of food and water supplies.

STAY AWAY FROM DISASTER AREAS Sight seeing will interfere with first aid or rescue work and may be dangerous.

DON'T DRIVE UNLESS NECESSARY and drive with caution. Watch for hazards to yourself and others and report them to local aithorities.

NOTIFY YOUR RELATIVES after an emergency so they will know you are safe. However, keep calls brief so as not to tie up the phone lines.

DO NOT PASS RUMORS or exaggerate reports of damage.

FOLLOW ADVICE AND INSTRUCTION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT on ways to help yourslef and your community recover from emergency.