Protect our Urban Forests - FIRE!

Statesman Journal
May 27, 2009



All around us are trees and other vegetation. In our yards, along the streets, in parks and office complex parking lots, we have an urban forest. This is part of what makes Oregon a beautiful place to live.

Some trees are native forest, remnants left behind as we built our cities, and are home to a variety of critters. However the trees got there, they now make up the forest we live in and should protect.

Now that we realize we live in a forest, we should start thinking about fire season. The weather is getting warmer — slowly — and as it does the danger to our homes and the forest around us increases. It is our responsibility to turn fire-vulnerable urban properties into areas where firefighters may more safely and effectively defend homes from disaster.

Complicated or large-scale changes and those that affect the structure of your house or its electrical wiring and plumbing should be carried out only by a professional contractor licensed to work in your state. But some things we can do on our own.

Remove vegetation, yard debris and other combustible materials that may be near your home. Excess vegetation and debris around structures and along driveways make great fuel. In some cases, it is also necessary to create fuel breaks along property lines and roadsides.

As with all disaster preparation, do what you can now to protect your home and our urban forest.

Jennifer Bailey, formerly of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is the Public Affairs Coordinator of Oregon Emergency Management. She may be reached at (503) 378-2911, Ext. 22294, or jbailey@oem.state.or.us.

Welcome the Oregon Public Affairs Team!

The Oregon Public Affairs Team (OPAT) for OEM is made up of state agency Public Affairs and Public Information Officers who give up their time to prepare for emergencies and work in the joint information center during a Governor declared state of emergency. Members of OPAT are experienced in public affairs and work through all forms of media to provide valuable information to the people affected by the event. OPAT meets monthly to discuss preparedness and disaster PR strategies. During a disaster event OPAT will be the public's key source of emergency messages.

As a contributor OPAT will take over posting up-to-date information the blog and twitter as well as perform PR duties needed by the disaster's joint information center. We would like to thank the members of OPAT and welcome them to the blog! You can click on their profile to the right to find out more as we build the team.

Statesman Journal Column May 20

Businesses must plan for sick workers

Be prepared and know what to do when staffers are unable to come to work

Jennifer Bailey

Has anyone in your company been sick this year? Have employees had to stay home with sick children? Have employees come to work sick and spread germs to others just because you didn't have any other way to stay in business?

When we think of disasters, we usually think of flooding or winter storms. The recent flu scare was a bit of a wake-up call to some. Sick employees can be a disaster that will cause businesses to suffer, and in this economy most can't afford to be closed even one day.

Previously, we have discussed what small businesses can do to stay in business immediately after a big storm, stressing the importance of having a Continuity of Operations Plan. If your business does not have such a plan, you may find yourself floundering when your employees call in sick.

To make sure your business continues running smoothly with fewer employees, include a section of information in your Continuity of Operations Plan that addresses this issue. When you write your epidemic Continuity of Operations Plan, a few questions that need to be answered are:

-Who will be in charge, and who will take over if that person is not available?

-Who can work from home?

-Which staffers, materials, procedures and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep the business operating?

-Do you have an emergency fund to get through tough times?

-How can you provide good customer service and meet deadlines with fewer employees?

More information about Continuity of Operations Plan plans is available on the Internet, and Oregon Emergency Management would also be happy to assist. Planning ahead can save you money.

Jennifer Bailey, formerly of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is the Public Affairs Coordinator of Oregon Emergency Management. She may be reached at (503) 378-2911, Ext. 22294, or jbailey@oem.state.or.us.

Additional Facts
Learn more

Please send questions about emergency preparedness to be answered in this column to jbailey@oem.state.or.us. Other information may be found at www.oregon.gov/omd/oem or www.fema.gov.

Plan to take care of yourself after crisis

May 13, 2009
First responders might not have access to areas.

In Emergency Management, we commonly talk about two phases of a disaster. Phase 1 is response and phase 2 is recovery. I would like to break it down ever further.
Phase 1 begins with you responding and taking care of yourself. You are your own first responder. It is commonly suggested that you be able to care for yourself for at least 72 hours, but two weeks would be even better because truthfully, we don't know when the firefighters, police, ambulance and other "first responders" will be able to get to you.
During Hurricane Katrina, I took a turn manning the public emergency phone line in Mississippi. I received a call from a town asking when help was going to arrive. The town was completely blocked off by debris, hot electrical wires, downed bridges and ruined roads. It was impossible to get there any way but by air. Mississippi at that time only had access to five helicopters. They had to pull two back from rescuing folks off their roofs. They got to the town as soon as they could. Those people had to be their own first responders.
I hate to make it sound like you are on your own, but in the beginning … you are on your own. Your local public safety agencies will get to you as soon as possible. They will be swamped with requests for assistance. The more self-sufficient you can be, the more you will help your community.
So really there are three phases: 1. Personal responsibility 2. Response by trained personnel 3. Recovery
Be ready. Be self-sufficient. A complete list of recommended emergency kit items is posted on the Oregon Emergency Management Blog http://oem-oregon.blogspot.com.
Jennifer Bailey, formerly of FEMA, is the Public Affairs Coordinator of Oregon Emergency Management. She may be reached at (503) 378-2911, Ext. 22294 or jbailey@oem.state.or.us.Additional Facts
Learn more
Please send questions about emergency preparedness to be answered in this column to jbailey@oem.state.or.us. Other information may be found at www.oregon.gov/omd/oem or www.fema.gov

Spring Cleanup can be dangerous

According the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health [NIOSH] each year, approximately 36,000 people are treated in emergency rooms for injuries from using chain saws.
Spring cleanup activities can be hazardous but the use of chain saws is one of the most dangerous. Hazards that could be encountered include downed power lines, carbon monoxide from equipment, injury from falls, or being hit by motor vehicles.
Chain saws are widely used to remove fallen trees and tree branches after winter weather. One way to avoid injury is to follow manufacturer’s instructions and properly sharpen and lubricate chain saw blades with bar and chain oil. The operator should periodically check and adjust the tension of the chain saw blade to ensure good cutting action.
Choose the proper size of chain saw to match the job, and include safety features such as a chain brake, front and rear hand guards, stop switch, chain catcher and a spark arrester. Wear a hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, heavy work gloves, and cut-resistant leg wear.
Avoid power lines. This is important for everyone, not just chain saw users and always cut at waist level or below to ensure that you maintain secure control over the chain saw. Keep bystanders away. If injury occurs, apply direct pressure over site(s) of heavy bleeding; this act may save lives.
Remember that all gasoline-powered engines produce carbon monoxide. This gas can rapidly build up in a closed in area, and individuals can be overcome without even realizing it. Confusion, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and weakness may set in too quickly for victims to save themselves and can be deadly.

Excerpt from draft of new FEMA guidelines for handling pets in emergency operations

The following is a brief introduction to - A Guide for State, Territorial, Tribal, and Local Governments.  The guide is very long and is currently only in draft form. It will be posted on the FEMA.gov website when it is in its final version.

DRAFT - Incorporating Household Pets and Service Animals Considerations into Emergency Operations Plans - DRAFT

Today, more than 60 percent of American households own a pet, an increase from 56 percent in 1988. Nearly half of pet owners consider their animals to be members of the family. The power of the relationship between people and their pets or service animals is readily apparent during disaster evacuations. Prior to the landfall of Hurricane Katrina, storm evacuees refused to leave their residences because first responders would not allow their pets to evacuate with them. This endangered or cost the lives of both the owners and their pets; as a result of this situation, the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act was enacted by Congress in 2006. This legislation was designed to ensure that governments plan for the evacuation, rescue, sheltering, and essential needs of household pets and service animals in the wake of a disaster.

Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 302 is designed to provide guidance for incorporating Household Pets and Service Animals Plans (HPSAPs) into State, Territorial, Tribal, and Local emergency operations plans (EOPs). Each HPSAP should comply with the PETS Act, which contains the following provisions:

·        It requires that local emergency preparedness operational plans take into account the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals prior to, during, and following a major disaster or emergency.

·        It requires the provision of essential assistance (e.g., rescue, care, shelter, and basic needs) to individuals with household pets and service animals, and to their animals, following a disaster.

In support of the PETS Act, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued Disaster Assistance Policy (DAP) 9523.19 entitled, “Eligible Costs Related to Pet Evacuations and Sheltering.” This policy guides the reimbursement process for governments seeking public assistance for pet-related emergency activities. According to DAP 9523.19, governments that receive evacuees from areas declared a major disaster or emergency may seek reimbursement for eligible pet rescue, sheltering, and evacuation-support costs. Governments outside the designated disaster area may seek reimbursement under mutual aid protocols through the affected and supported states. For more detail, please refer directly to DAP 9523.19, which can be found on FEMA’s Public Assistance Web page.

This CPG not only reflects the requirements of the PETS Act of 2006, but it also incorporates National Incident Management System (NIMS) and National Response Framework (NRF) concepts and recommendations from the 2005 Nationwide Plan Review (NPR) as part of a larger planning modernization effort.

Introduction

Based on human and pet population estimates from 2007, there were 82 million cats living with humans in this country. Three out of ten people reading this guide will own a cat. Combine this statistic with the number of domestic dogs, 72 million, gives us an estimated number of 154 million dogs and cats in the nation. In the same year, the human population of the United States was estimated to be 301 million. There is almost one pet for every two people. This fact alone is staggering; and, considering that dog and cat owners spent $23.2 million on veterinary expenditures last year, it’s safe to say that pet welfare is an important aspect of daily life.

Historical incidents have shown that citizens may refuse to evacuate from a disaster area when first responders will not provide for the care of their household pets. These pet owners may choose to shelter in place with their animals and manage the consequences of a disaster alone. Depending on the severity of destruction, rescue workers may not reach such individuals for days or weeks. Human life and safety would clearly be in jeopardy during such situations. Considering these facts, ensuring animal welfare by incorporating household pet and service animal considerations into emergency operational plans is vital to protecting human life and safety.

Have a kit ready for support in aftermath of a disaster

May 6, 2009
What would you do for first 72 hours after an emergency?
We received an interesting phone call a few weeks ago following the column on what to do if you are at the beach and you feel an earthquake.
In the column I asked you to think through your initial reaction: what you would or would not do, where you would go, etc.
My goal in these scenarios is to get you to think and perhaps discuss with your families some basic behaviors that may keep you alive immediately following an event. Studies have shown that when we are scared our brains may shut down, especially if it is something we have never experienced or thought about before.
During the initial phase of an emergency, you will be responsible for yourself and your family. It could take hours or even weeks for emergency responders to get to you.
Local government emergency management agencies, fire fighters, police, hospitals, utilities, road crews and many more local folks will begin doing their jobs as quickly as possible but will also have families that experienced the disaster.
Instructions will be given over radio, TV and alarm systems when available. Shelters may be established, food and water provided and people directed to evacuation routes.
However, we must all be prepared to care for ourselves for at least 72 hours in case these first responders cannot get to us. It is our responsibility to have a 72-hour emergency kit that includes the basics of water, food, medicine, sanitary needs, radio, flashlight, and clothes, among other items.
A complete list of recommended items is posted on the Oregon Emergency Management Blog http://oem-oregon.blogspot.com/2009/04/72-i-do-do-you.html. I have a 72-hour kit in my trunk, do you? Look over the list of items and if you have any questions or suggestions to add to your emergency kit, let us talk about it in the comments below.

Jennifer Bailey, formerly of FEMA, is the Public Affairs Coordinator of Oregon Emergency Management. She may be reached at (503) 378-2911, Ext. 22294 or jbailey@oem.state.or.us. Additional Facts - good kits can be found at several businesses - one good web site is www.quakedog.com/emergencykits72
Please send questions about emergency preparedness to be answered in this column to jbailey@oem.state.or.us. Other information may be found at www.oregon. gov/omd/oem or www.fema.gov.

Prevention & Treatment Of H1N1 (Swine Flu)

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against this new H1N1 virus. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.

Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.

Other important actions that you can take are:

• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
• Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues and other related items might could be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. If you are sick, stay home for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

 What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. CDC recommends that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where people have been identified with new H1N1 flu and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people, except to seek medical care.

If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Are there medicines to treat infection with this new virus?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with the new H1N1 flu virus. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. During the current outbreak, the priority use for influenza antiviral drugs during is to treat severe influenza illness.

Contamination & Cleaning

How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?
Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface.

What kills influenza virus?
Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]). In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time. For example, wipes or gels with alcohol in them can be used to clean hands. The gels should be rubbed into hands until they are dry.

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination? 
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, for example, and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

How should waste disposal be handled to prevent the spread of influenza virus?

To prevent the spread of influenza virus, it is recommended that tissues and other disposable items used by an infected person be thrown in the trash. Additionally, persons should wash their hands with soap and water after touching used tissues and similar waste.

How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?
Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface.

What kills influenza virus?
Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]). In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time. For example, wipes or gels with alcohol in them can be used to clean hands. The gels should be rubbed into hands until they are dry.

How should waste disposal be handled to prevent the spread of influenza virus?
To prevent the spread of influenza virus, it is recommended that tissues and other disposable items used by an infected person be thrown in the trash. Additionally, persons should wash their hands with soap and water after touching used tissues and similar waste.

What household cleaning should be done to prevent the spread of influenza virus?
To prevent the spread of influenza virus it is important to keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.

How should linens, eating utensils and dishes of persons infected with influenza virus be handled?
Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first. Linens (such as bed sheets and towels) should be washed by using household laundry soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting. Individuals should avoid “hugging” laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating themselves. Individuals should wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub immediately after handling dirty laundry. Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.

This information and more can be found at http://www.dhs.gov/xprepresp/programs/swine-flu.shtm

National Arson Awareness Week

National Arson Awareness Week, 3-9 May 2009
Arson For Profit
Release Date: April 27, 2009Release Number: R10-09-60
» 2009 Region X News Releases
SEATTLE, Wash. -- Next week (3-9 May 2009) is National Arson Awareness Week, and the U.S. Fire Administration has partnered up with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Fire Arms; the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud and the International Association of Arson Investigators to educate the public on arson hazards. This year’s theme will focus on Arson for Profit, and according to FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Dennis Hunsinger, arson for profit is more than insurance fraud—it can turn deadly.
"Arson fires easily spread to adjacent properties, and can injure and kill innocent neighbors and bystanders," said Hunsinger. "According to the National Fire Incident Reporting System, arson for profit accounts for 28 percent of civilian fire deaths nation-wide."
National Fire Protection Association figures (2005) estimate that the 323,900 intentional fires in their databanks resulted in 490 civilian fire deaths, 3 firefighter on duty deaths, 1,500 civilian fire injuries, 7,600 firefighter on duty injuries and caused over $1.1 billion in direct property damage. The insurance Information Institute reports that arsonists destroyed nearly $900 million in insured property, and killed 295 civilians in 2007.
"Arson for profit affects everyone, through loss of life, increased insurance premiums, and related expenses for fire and law enforcement professionals," continued Hunsinger. "We can all help reduce and prevent these serious crimes by reporting suspicious activity, and by supporting local Neighborhood Watch programs and local fire department initiatives."
Arson Awareness Week information is available from the USFA (www.usfa.fema.gov), the Coaltion Against Insurance Fraud (www.insurancefraud.org) InterFIRE (www.interfire.org) and Firehouse Magazine (www.firehouse.com). For more information contact USFA at 1-888-603-3100.
FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism and man-made disasters