- Celebrate Everyday Heroes; Support Whole Community Preparedness-
SEATTLE—National Emergency Medical Services Week brings together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day life saving of emergency medicine’s “front line.” Observances run 15-21 May, with 18 May set aside as Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Day.
This year’s theme is Everyday Heroes, and according to FEMA Regional Administrator Ken Murphy, it’s all about celebrating EMS providers—first responders, hospitals, emergency physicians and public health providers, and engaging the Whole Community in reducing risk and saving lives.
“Our nation’s EMS providers do an incredible job, often risking their own lives to save ours. But they can’t do it all alone. National EMS Week offers an opportunity to celebrate this nation’s first responders, while sounding a clarion call for all of us to help them help us,” said Murphy.
“Planning for disasters means that we must plan for the Whole Community, including people of different ages and those with access and functional needs. It means planning for children, planning for the elderly, and planning for families without access to personal transportation. It means meeting our first responders more than half way when the chips are down.”
Tips to help be better prepared for emergencies, and enhance access to help during disasters include:
• Check on your access to 9-1-1. Some areas may not have 9-1-1.
Some have E-9-1-1 where an address is automatically stored in a data base.
Know what is available where you live and work.
• Build a “72 hour Disaster Kit” make a disaster plan, and keep a well-stocked
First Aid Kit.
• Make a list of emergency phone numbers. Write down the numbers you need in
your disaster plan and display them near all telephones in the house.
• Make sure your house number is visible from the street. Make it easier for
police, fire officials or emergency medical personnel to find your house.
Put large house numbers in a highly visible area. Make sure the numbers are
well-lit and can be seen at night.
• Keep a clear and up-to-date record of immunizations. This can help doctors
do a better job of diagnosing problems in an emergency.
• Write down medical conditions, medications and dosages. Being prepared in
advance helps assure proper treatment and prevent drug interactions.
• Make a list of allergies and reactions, and consider medical I.D. bracelets
or tags.
• Take first-aid classes. A basic class will teach CPR and proper ways to
treat burns, wrap sprains, apply splints, and perform the Heimlich maneuver.
FEMA’s Resolve to be Ready in 2011 campaign promotes Whole Community involvement in disaster preparedness. “Become involved in programs that strengthen your community’s disaster resilience. Investigate training and volunteer opportunities available through the American Red Cross, Citizen Corps or Community Emergency Response Teams,” continued Murphy. “No matter how busy or hectic our daily routine, we all need to take the time to take positive action to prepare ourselves, our loved ones and our communities in the event of severe weather, earthquake—or any other major disaster.”
Resolve to be Ready in 2011 is led by FEMA’s Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and The Advertising Council. Individuals with medical skills who would like to volunteer in a disaster should see the Medical Reserve Corps Program webpage at www.medicalreservecorps.gov. For more information on National EMS Week observances, visit: http://www.acep.org/emsweek/ . For more information on the Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps, visit www.fema.gov, Ready.gov and CitizenCorps.gov.
Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. Social media links are provided for reference only. FEMA does not endorse non-government websites, companies or applications.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Showing posts with label disasters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label disasters. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
The 10 Deadliest Quakes in U.S. History
Interesting article posted on February 24, 2011 http://www.toponlinecolleges.com/blog/2011/the-10-deadliest-quakes-in-u-s-history/
The recent powerful earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand served as stark reminder of the unpredictability, helplessness and destruction that accompanies natural disasters. Those who live on or near the Pacific Ring of Fire, including Californians and Alaskans, are faced with the lingering threat of such an event each day. In an instant, their lives can be turned upside down — or ended — upon the sudden rupturing of a geological fault within the Earth's crust. Below are the deadliest, most dreadful earthquakes that have occurred in U.S. history (including those that occurred in territories that eventually became a part of the U.S.). If you're from the West Coast, then, chances are, you and your family can empathize with our friends in New Zealand.
1.San Francisco, California, 1906 — Roughly 3,000 Fatalities: Galveston and New Orleans are the only major American cities that have suffered comparably catastrophic natural disasters as San Francisco did in 1906. In addition to the scores of people who perished, it was estimated that the financial, trade and cultural center of the West accumulated $524 million in property loss, much of it due to the uncontrollable fires that engulfed the city after gas mains ruptured. Almost three out of four people were left homeless and were forced to relocate to different locations around the Bay Area. Initially, just 365 deaths were reported by city officials who didn't want to deter new potential residents and disrupt the city's rebuilding effort.
2.Unimak Island, Alaska, 1946 — 165 Fatalities: The 1946 Aleutian Islands earthquake resulted in a massive tsunami that killed 159 Hawaiians in Hilo, several Alaskans — Alaska was a U.S. territory at the time — and even one Californian. Waves ranging in height from 45 to 130 feet crashed into the coasts and caused panic among residents of coastal communities. Infamously, a wave more than 100 feet high toppled the Scotch Cap Lighthouse in Unimak Island, sweeping away and killing all five lighthouse keepers. Because the earthquake registered below an eight (7.8) and thus wasn't big enough to trigger a tsunami on its own, scientists hypothesize that the massive wave was caused by an underwater landslide.
3.Prince William Sound, Alaska, 1964 — 128 Fatalities: Longtime Anchorage residents will not soon forget the events of 1964. The Great Alaskan Earthquake, a magnitude 9.2, holds the distinction of being the most powerful recorded earthquake in North American history. Thirty blocks of poorly constructed buildings in the downtown area of state's biggest city were damaged or destroyed. Major landslides were the primary culprits, notably affecting a 130-acre area at Turnagain Heights and killing 30 people in Port Valdez. A 27-foot tsunami killed 23 people in Chenega and additional tsunami damage occurred in Hawaii and Japan.
4.Long Beach, California, 1933 — 115 Fatalities: Located in the highly populated Los Angeles area, Long Beach was a hub of activity during the early 1930s, which explains, in part, why the 1933 earthquake was so costly. Many of the fatalities were a result of poorly constructed buildings and the ensuing panic that occurred when earth began to move. Property damage cost about $40 million, a figure, along with the unnecessarily high death toll, that contributed to the passage of the Field Act, which mandated earthquake-proof construction of buildings in California.
5.Ka'u District, Island of Hawaii, 1868 — 77 Fatalities: More than 90 years before it officially became the 50th state, the Kingdom of Hawaii suffered a magnitude 7.9 earthquake that shredded the Kau, Keiawa, Ninole, Punaluu and Waiohinu areas, disintegrating wooden and straw houses and knocking over stone churches. A three kilometer-wide landslide submerged the hillside at Kapapala, killing 31 people and destroying everything that stood in its way. The Kau-Puna coast was struck with a tsunami that drowned 46 people. Fortunately, the more densely-populated modern Hawaii has yet to experience such an unforeseen disaster.
6.San Fernando, California, 1971 — 65 Fatalities: The images of collapsed freeway overpasses that we associate with more recent earthquakes originated with the 1971 San Fernando quake. Several major structures were damaged, including buildings at the Olive View and Veterans Administration Hospitals, as tectonic ruptures shook the area. It resulted in a $505 million in property damage and the injuries of more than 2,000 people.
7.Loma Prieta, California, 1989 — 63 Fatalities: The nation witnessed the Loma Prieta earthquake on live television as it interrupted the World Series, which, coincidentally, involved the two teams from the Bay Area. Little did most people know, including the fans, players and reporters in the stadium, that it was severe enough to cause 3,757 injuries and $6 billion in damage. In the subsequent days, television news programs relayed images of the collapse of the two-level Cypress Street Viaduct, a part of Interstate 880 in West Oakland, which killed 42 people. A 76-by-50-foot section of San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge also collapsed; one person who drove into the resulting gap in the road died.
8.Northridge, California, 1994 — 60 Fatalities: Five years after the Loma Prieta ordeal, Southern California was hit with convulsions almost as strong and even more destructive. The powerful ground acceleration caused roughly $20 billion in damage and injured more than 7,000 people, with the Northridge and Sherman Oaks areas bearing the brunt of the quake. Freeway overpasses collapsed, the scoreboard at Anaheim Stadium plunged into the seats and fires damaged parts of Malibu, San Fernando Valley and Venice. The delayed filming of various shows, including Seinfeld and General Hospital, was a notable disruption caused by the quake.
9.Charleston, South Carolina, 1886 — 60 Fatalities: Few people realize the eastern U.S. is susceptible to earthquakes too. Charleston suffered through one of the largest quakes to hit the region in 1886, when 2,000 buildings around town — almost all of the buildings in the city — were damaged. Additional structural damage was reported as far away as Central Ohio and shaking could be felt as far away as Chicago and New Orleans. To this day, buildings battered by the quake still stand, adding to the historical mystique of the city.
10.Hebgen Lake, Montana, 1959 — 28 Fatalities: Yellowstone is no stranger to seismic activity — it experiences thousands of earthquakes each year, most of which are undetectable to people. On several occasions, a quake with a magnitude of six or greater has shaken the park, including one that occurred nearby Hebgen Lake in 1959. All of the fatalities were caused by an enormous landslide consisting of rocks, soil and trees that cascaded down Madison River Canyon. The mass of material halted the flow of the Madison River and created a 53-meter-deep lake. New geysers erupted, hot springs were muddied and steam emanated from cracks in the ground. The environmental impact of the quake made Yellowstone an even more fascinating study for geologists.
The recent powerful earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand served as stark reminder of the unpredictability, helplessness and destruction that accompanies natural disasters. Those who live on or near the Pacific Ring of Fire, including Californians and Alaskans, are faced with the lingering threat of such an event each day. In an instant, their lives can be turned upside down — or ended — upon the sudden rupturing of a geological fault within the Earth's crust. Below are the deadliest, most dreadful earthquakes that have occurred in U.S. history (including those that occurred in territories that eventually became a part of the U.S.). If you're from the West Coast, then, chances are, you and your family can empathize with our friends in New Zealand.
1.San Francisco, California, 1906 — Roughly 3,000 Fatalities: Galveston and New Orleans are the only major American cities that have suffered comparably catastrophic natural disasters as San Francisco did in 1906. In addition to the scores of people who perished, it was estimated that the financial, trade and cultural center of the West accumulated $524 million in property loss, much of it due to the uncontrollable fires that engulfed the city after gas mains ruptured. Almost three out of four people were left homeless and were forced to relocate to different locations around the Bay Area. Initially, just 365 deaths were reported by city officials who didn't want to deter new potential residents and disrupt the city's rebuilding effort.
2.Unimak Island, Alaska, 1946 — 165 Fatalities: The 1946 Aleutian Islands earthquake resulted in a massive tsunami that killed 159 Hawaiians in Hilo, several Alaskans — Alaska was a U.S. territory at the time — and even one Californian. Waves ranging in height from 45 to 130 feet crashed into the coasts and caused panic among residents of coastal communities. Infamously, a wave more than 100 feet high toppled the Scotch Cap Lighthouse in Unimak Island, sweeping away and killing all five lighthouse keepers. Because the earthquake registered below an eight (7.8) and thus wasn't big enough to trigger a tsunami on its own, scientists hypothesize that the massive wave was caused by an underwater landslide.
3.Prince William Sound, Alaska, 1964 — 128 Fatalities: Longtime Anchorage residents will not soon forget the events of 1964. The Great Alaskan Earthquake, a magnitude 9.2, holds the distinction of being the most powerful recorded earthquake in North American history. Thirty blocks of poorly constructed buildings in the downtown area of state's biggest city were damaged or destroyed. Major landslides were the primary culprits, notably affecting a 130-acre area at Turnagain Heights and killing 30 people in Port Valdez. A 27-foot tsunami killed 23 people in Chenega and additional tsunami damage occurred in Hawaii and Japan.
4.Long Beach, California, 1933 — 115 Fatalities: Located in the highly populated Los Angeles area, Long Beach was a hub of activity during the early 1930s, which explains, in part, why the 1933 earthquake was so costly. Many of the fatalities were a result of poorly constructed buildings and the ensuing panic that occurred when earth began to move. Property damage cost about $40 million, a figure, along with the unnecessarily high death toll, that contributed to the passage of the Field Act, which mandated earthquake-proof construction of buildings in California.
5.Ka'u District, Island of Hawaii, 1868 — 77 Fatalities: More than 90 years before it officially became the 50th state, the Kingdom of Hawaii suffered a magnitude 7.9 earthquake that shredded the Kau, Keiawa, Ninole, Punaluu and Waiohinu areas, disintegrating wooden and straw houses and knocking over stone churches. A three kilometer-wide landslide submerged the hillside at Kapapala, killing 31 people and destroying everything that stood in its way. The Kau-Puna coast was struck with a tsunami that drowned 46 people. Fortunately, the more densely-populated modern Hawaii has yet to experience such an unforeseen disaster.
6.San Fernando, California, 1971 — 65 Fatalities: The images of collapsed freeway overpasses that we associate with more recent earthquakes originated with the 1971 San Fernando quake. Several major structures were damaged, including buildings at the Olive View and Veterans Administration Hospitals, as tectonic ruptures shook the area. It resulted in a $505 million in property damage and the injuries of more than 2,000 people.
7.Loma Prieta, California, 1989 — 63 Fatalities: The nation witnessed the Loma Prieta earthquake on live television as it interrupted the World Series, which, coincidentally, involved the two teams from the Bay Area. Little did most people know, including the fans, players and reporters in the stadium, that it was severe enough to cause 3,757 injuries and $6 billion in damage. In the subsequent days, television news programs relayed images of the collapse of the two-level Cypress Street Viaduct, a part of Interstate 880 in West Oakland, which killed 42 people. A 76-by-50-foot section of San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge also collapsed; one person who drove into the resulting gap in the road died.
8.Northridge, California, 1994 — 60 Fatalities: Five years after the Loma Prieta ordeal, Southern California was hit with convulsions almost as strong and even more destructive. The powerful ground acceleration caused roughly $20 billion in damage and injured more than 7,000 people, with the Northridge and Sherman Oaks areas bearing the brunt of the quake. Freeway overpasses collapsed, the scoreboard at Anaheim Stadium plunged into the seats and fires damaged parts of Malibu, San Fernando Valley and Venice. The delayed filming of various shows, including Seinfeld and General Hospital, was a notable disruption caused by the quake.
9.Charleston, South Carolina, 1886 — 60 Fatalities: Few people realize the eastern U.S. is susceptible to earthquakes too. Charleston suffered through one of the largest quakes to hit the region in 1886, when 2,000 buildings around town — almost all of the buildings in the city — were damaged. Additional structural damage was reported as far away as Central Ohio and shaking could be felt as far away as Chicago and New Orleans. To this day, buildings battered by the quake still stand, adding to the historical mystique of the city.
10.Hebgen Lake, Montana, 1959 — 28 Fatalities: Yellowstone is no stranger to seismic activity — it experiences thousands of earthquakes each year, most of which are undetectable to people. On several occasions, a quake with a magnitude of six or greater has shaken the park, including one that occurred nearby Hebgen Lake in 1959. All of the fatalities were caused by an enormous landslide consisting of rocks, soil and trees that cascaded down Madison River Canyon. The mass of material halted the flow of the Madison River and created a 53-meter-deep lake. New geysers erupted, hot springs were muddied and steam emanated from cracks in the ground. The environmental impact of the quake made Yellowstone an even more fascinating study for geologists.
Friday, December 3, 2010
CANDY CANES, MISTLETOE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS?
Resolving to be Ready in 2011 - Important Gifts for Important People
SEATTLE – From winter storms, floods and even pandemic contagion— all disasters have one thing in common: they remind us of the importance of pre-disaster preparedness. But good intentions need to turn into tangible deeds, and according to FEMA Regional Administrator Ken Murphy, there’s no time like the holidays to start, by resolving to be ready before disaster strikes.
“The holiday season is a great time to give important, inexpensive gifts that say: ‘I want you to be safe!’ and reduce risk exposure for friends and loved ones,” said Murphy. “Gifts that can save lives are a wonderful way of welcoming in 2011. The dialogue and the mindset that goes along with it may mean even more than the gift itself.”
The Resolve to be Ready in 2011 initiative is led by FEMA’s Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and The Advertising Council. For more information on the Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps, visit Ready.gov and CitizenCorps.gov.
Emergency and preparedness items that might make great gifts this Holiday Season include:
• Portable, battery powered radio with NOAA Weather Radio channels, and extra batteries.
• Enrollment in a CPR or first-aid class.
• GPS units for vehicles.
• Emergency generators.
• Emergency cell phones.
• Carbon Monoxide and Smoke detectors.
• Appropriate fire extinguishers (kitchen, garage, car).
• Disaster kits for homes, offices and autos (first aid kits, food, water and prescription medications for 72 hours, eyeglasses, extra clothing, blankets, flashlights, spare batteries, heavy-duty work gloves, and sturdy pair of shoes).
• Emergency escape ladders for second-story exit in a fire.
• Car kits (emergency flares, shovels, ice scrapers, flashlights and fluorescent distress flags).
• Pet Disaster kits (food, water, leashes, dishes and carrying case or crate).
• A camp stove with extra fuel.
• The gift of a gardener to cut back combustible vegetation from wildfire-vulnerable homes.
• National Flood Insurance.
-MORE-
Resolving to be Ready//Add One
Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
SEATTLE – From winter storms, floods and even pandemic contagion— all disasters have one thing in common: they remind us of the importance of pre-disaster preparedness. But good intentions need to turn into tangible deeds, and according to FEMA Regional Administrator Ken Murphy, there’s no time like the holidays to start, by resolving to be ready before disaster strikes.
“The holiday season is a great time to give important, inexpensive gifts that say: ‘I want you to be safe!’ and reduce risk exposure for friends and loved ones,” said Murphy. “Gifts that can save lives are a wonderful way of welcoming in 2011. The dialogue and the mindset that goes along with it may mean even more than the gift itself.”
The Resolve to be Ready in 2011 initiative is led by FEMA’s Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and The Advertising Council. For more information on the Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps, visit Ready.gov and CitizenCorps.gov.
Emergency and preparedness items that might make great gifts this Holiday Season include:
• Portable, battery powered radio with NOAA Weather Radio channels, and extra batteries.
• Enrollment in a CPR or first-aid class.
• GPS units for vehicles.
• Emergency generators.
• Emergency cell phones.
• Carbon Monoxide and Smoke detectors.
• Appropriate fire extinguishers (kitchen, garage, car).
• Disaster kits for homes, offices and autos (first aid kits, food, water and prescription medications for 72 hours, eyeglasses, extra clothing, blankets, flashlights, spare batteries, heavy-duty work gloves, and sturdy pair of shoes).
• Emergency escape ladders for second-story exit in a fire.
• Car kits (emergency flares, shovels, ice scrapers, flashlights and fluorescent distress flags).
• Pet Disaster kits (food, water, leashes, dishes and carrying case or crate).
• A camp stove with extra fuel.
• The gift of a gardener to cut back combustible vegetation from wildfire-vulnerable homes.
• National Flood Insurance.
-MORE-
Resolving to be Ready//Add One
Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Don't lose your money
For those of you who receive Federal Benefit checks or other pension checks, I'll bet you never thought of this one. Disasters affect every aspect of our lives.
For example:
Each year, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve Bank encourage people who receive federal benefit checks to sign up for direct deposit. For those who depend on the mail for their Social Security benefits, a difficult situation can become worse if they are evacuated or lose their mail service - as 85,000 check recipients learned after Hurricane Katrina. Switching to electronic payment is one simple, significant way people can protect themselves before disaster strikes. It also eliminates the risk of stolen checks. More information, including the Go Direct Disaster Preparedness Toolkit is available ta http://www.godirect.org
For example:
Each year, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve Bank encourage people who receive federal benefit checks to sign up for direct deposit. For those who depend on the mail for their Social Security benefits, a difficult situation can become worse if they are evacuated or lose their mail service - as 85,000 check recipients learned after Hurricane Katrina. Switching to electronic payment is one simple, significant way people can protect themselves before disaster strikes. It also eliminates the risk of stolen checks. More information, including the Go Direct Disaster Preparedness Toolkit is available ta http://www.godirect.org
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Be Prepared for ALL types of disasters - Statesman Column
August 12, 2009
Jennifer Bailey • August 12, 2009
Though some areas are more prone to certain types of disasters, for example an earthquake in California or terrorist attacks in New York, no area on Earth is completely immune.
As much as people travel these days, you might end up somewhere in a disaster that you never considered before.
There is nothing smarter than being prepared for the unexpected.
There are two types of trauma: physical and mental. Physical trauma includes the body's response to serious injury and threat.
Studies of survivors have found that people who had thought about possible disastrous events in advance reacted faster and better than people who had not. You do not want to have to think during a disaster, you want to react appropriately and quickly.
No one wants to dwell on scary things, but planning evacuation routes out of your home and knowing where you would go is just like knowing where the exits are at the movie theater or having a smoke detector in your home.
Jennifer Bailey • August 12, 2009
Though some areas are more prone to certain types of disasters, for example an earthquake in California or terrorist attacks in New York, no area on Earth is completely immune.
As much as people travel these days, you might end up somewhere in a disaster that you never considered before.
There is nothing smarter than being prepared for the unexpected.
There are two types of trauma: physical and mental. Physical trauma includes the body's response to serious injury and threat.
Studies of survivors have found that people who had thought about possible disastrous events in advance reacted faster and better than people who had not. You do not want to have to think during a disaster, you want to react appropriately and quickly.
No one wants to dwell on scary things, but planning evacuation routes out of your home and knowing where you would go is just like knowing where the exits are at the movie theater or having a smoke detector in your home.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Myth 6 Nothing like that could ever happen here
Though some areas are more prone to certain types of disasters, for example earthquakes in California, or terror attacks in New York, no area on earth is completely immune. Also, as much as people travel these days, you might end up somewhere in a disaster situation that you never considered before.
There is nothing smarter than being prepared for the unexpected. You don't want to be one of the dependent ones.
There are two types of trauma - physical and mental. Physical trauma includes the body's response to serious injury and threat. Mental trauma includes frightening thoughts and painful feelings. Mental trauma can produce strong feelings. It can also produce extreme behavior; such as intense fear or helplessness, withdrawal or detachment, lack of concentration, irritability, sleep disturbance, aggression, hypervigilance, (intensely watching for more distressing events), or flashbacks (sense that event is reoccuring).
Studies of survivors have found that those who had thought about possible disasterous events in advance, even just a small amount, reacted faster and better than those who hadn't. You do not want to have to think during a disaster, you want to just react appropriately and quickly.
No one wants to dwell on scary things, but planning evacuation routes out of your home, knowing where you would go, etc. is just like knowing where the exits are at the movie theater or having a smoke dectector in your home. Please put just a little more effort into considering other possibilites such as earthquake, chemical emergencies, pandemics, wind storms, and floods. Make sure every member of your family is ready and confident.
There is nothing smarter than being prepared for the unexpected. You don't want to be one of the dependent ones.
There are two types of trauma - physical and mental. Physical trauma includes the body's response to serious injury and threat. Mental trauma includes frightening thoughts and painful feelings. Mental trauma can produce strong feelings. It can also produce extreme behavior; such as intense fear or helplessness, withdrawal or detachment, lack of concentration, irritability, sleep disturbance, aggression, hypervigilance, (intensely watching for more distressing events), or flashbacks (sense that event is reoccuring).
Studies of survivors have found that those who had thought about possible disasterous events in advance, even just a small amount, reacted faster and better than those who hadn't. You do not want to have to think during a disaster, you want to just react appropriately and quickly.
No one wants to dwell on scary things, but planning evacuation routes out of your home, knowing where you would go, etc. is just like knowing where the exits are at the movie theater or having a smoke dectector in your home. Please put just a little more effort into considering other possibilites such as earthquake, chemical emergencies, pandemics, wind storms, and floods. Make sure every member of your family is ready and confident.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
People do odd things during a disaster
Statesman Journal Column
July 15, 2009
Prepare to survive disasters
I've seen and heard of a few things that were done during disasters that are funny to talk about later, but not the best course of action during a disaster.
First there was a really nice couple in Delaware that "didn't need any help" after the devastating flood. They moved their TV into the "dry" room and slept, ate and watched TV in there. When they needed to get anywhere, they took a small rowboat.
Besides the bacteria in the water and the mold, there was also the issue of using electricity in such a situation. They were very nice people but were not prepared to evacuate.
Next we have the older lady who, during an earthquake, decided to hold a large heavy mirror up over the mantle of the fireplace so it wouldn't fall. What should she have done? Duck, cover and hold — not hold the mirror.
And then there's the young couple who went to the Mississippi coast to watch the hurricane. Enough said about that.
It may seem that these people are the minority, but the truth is most people think they will be OK and can do whatever they want -It's the others who need to be prepared, have an emergency kit and have a plan.
"We've got stuff around the house, the animals surely will be OK, nothing ever happens here anyway, right?"
Wrong.
Don't be in denial.
Don't think that these things will never happen to you. If they don't — great! But if they do?
Please be prepared for as many situations as you can. It's like teaching your children to look both ways before crossing the street. I'm telling you — look both ways!
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.
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.
July 15, 2009
Prepare to survive disasters
I've seen and heard of a few things that were done during disasters that are funny to talk about later, but not the best course of action during a disaster.
First there was a really nice couple in Delaware that "didn't need any help" after the devastating flood. They moved their TV into the "dry" room and slept, ate and watched TV in there. When they needed to get anywhere, they took a small rowboat.
Besides the bacteria in the water and the mold, there was also the issue of using electricity in such a situation. They were very nice people but were not prepared to evacuate.
Next we have the older lady who, during an earthquake, decided to hold a large heavy mirror up over the mantle of the fireplace so it wouldn't fall. What should she have done? Duck, cover and hold — not hold the mirror.
And then there's the young couple who went to the Mississippi coast to watch the hurricane. Enough said about that.
It may seem that these people are the minority, but the truth is most people think they will be OK and can do whatever they want -It's the others who need to be prepared, have an emergency kit and have a plan.
"We've got stuff around the house, the animals surely will be OK, nothing ever happens here anyway, right?"
Wrong.
Don't be in denial.
Don't think that these things will never happen to you. If they don't — great! But if they do?
Please be prepared for as many situations as you can. It's like teaching your children to look both ways before crossing the street. I'm telling you — look both ways!
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
How do I know if I live in a flood zone?
There are a few ways to find out if you live in a flood zone or what the flood risk is at your location. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a great web site at www.floodsmart.gov where you can enter your address in the One-step flood risk profile on the left side of the page.
This will tell if your property is at low to severe risk of flooding. It will also give you an estimate of what flood insurance premiums may cost and a list of insurance agents in your area.
On www.floodsmart.gov you can also find information on flood insurance benefits, types of policies, questions to ask your insurance agent, questions to ask your real estate agent, and how to buy flood insurance.
If you already have a home-owner’s insurance agent, they should also be able to tell you the level of flood risk for your property. You could also contact your local City or County Emergency Manager or planning department.
After purchasing flood insurance there is a 30 waiting period for it to take effect so this is a very good time to take action.
Please send questions concerning disasters, emergencies and preparedness to jbailey@oem.state.or.us. I will be happy to answer them in the column.
This will tell if your property is at low to severe risk of flooding. It will also give you an estimate of what flood insurance premiums may cost and a list of insurance agents in your area.
On www.floodsmart.gov you can also find information on flood insurance benefits, types of policies, questions to ask your insurance agent, questions to ask your real estate agent, and how to buy flood insurance.
If you already have a home-owner’s insurance agent, they should also be able to tell you the level of flood risk for your property. You could also contact your local City or County Emergency Manager or planning department.
After purchasing flood insurance there is a 30 waiting period for it to take effect so this is a very good time to take action.
Please send questions concerning disasters, emergencies and preparedness to jbailey@oem.state.or.us. I will be happy to answer them in the column.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
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.
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.
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