Friday, August 23, 2013

Friday, August 23, 2013

BE PREPARED!

The most important thing you can do as hurricane season approaches is to get yourself, your family and your home prepared. By starting early, youll avoid the rush at home supply stores, grocery stores and other venues typically crowded and often chaotic when hurricane watches and warnings are issued. You should stock six basics for your home: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items. Keep the items you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry containersuggested items are marked with an asterisk (*). Possible containers include a large, covered trash container, a camping backpack, or a duffle bag. Make your preparations easier by downloading the checklists Paper cups, plates, or plastic utensils included with each category and use them as you shop and store your Battery-operated radio and extra batteries Flashlight and extra batteries supplies. Cash or travelers checks, change Non-electric can opener, utility knife Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type Water Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid Tube tent using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons Pliers or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least Tape two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense Matches in a waterproof container physical activity can double that amount. Children, Aluminum foil nursing mothers, and ill people will need more. Plastic storage containers Store one gallon of water per person per day. Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person (two quarts Paper, pencil for drinking, two quarts for each person in your household for food Needles, thread preparation/sanitation).* Medicine dropper Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water Food Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods Whistle that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no Plastic sheeting water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Include a selection of the following foods Sanitation in your Disaster Supplies Kit: Toilet paper, towelettes Soap, liquid detergent Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables Feminine supplies Canned juices Personal hygiene items Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.) Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses) High energy foods Plastic bucket with tight lid Vitamins Disinfectant Food for infants Household chlorine bleach Comfort/stress foods

Tools and Supplies

(2) pair large medical grade non-latex gloves. Adhesive tape, 2 width. Anti-bacterial ointment. Cold pack. Scissors (small, personal). Tweezers. CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield. Non-Prescription Drugs Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever Anti-diarrhea medication Antacid (for stomach upset) Laxative

Food and Water

Sanitation, Clothing and Bedding

First Aid and NonPrescription Drugs

First Aid Kit

Clothing and Bedding

Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. (20) adhesive bandages, various sizes. (1) 5 x 9 sterile dressing. (1) conforming roller gauze bandage. (2) triangular bandages. (2) 3 x 3 sterile gauze pads. (2) 4 x 4 sterile gauze pads. (1) roll 3 cohesive bandage. (2) germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer. (6) antiseptic wipes.

*Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person. Sturdy shoes or work boots Rain gear Blankets or sleeping bags Sunglasses

Special Items
For Baby*
Formula Diapers

Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons.

continue on next page

Friday, August 23, 2013

from previous page

Bottles Powdered milk Medications Heart and high blood pressure medication Insulin Prescription drugs Denture needs Contact lenses and supplies Extra eye glasses

For Adults*

During a Hurricane
If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should:
Listen to the radio or TV for information. Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors. Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed. Turn off propane tanks. Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies. Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.

Entertainment

Board games and other games that dont require batteries or electricity, books for adult readers and for children.

Possessions and Documents

Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container: Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds Passports, National Identification card, immunization records Bank account numbers Credit card account numbers and companies Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates) Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the supplies kit in the trunk of your car. Keep items in airtight plastic bags. Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh. Replace your stored food every six months. Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc. Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.

You should evacuate under the following conditions:

If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions. If you live in flood prone areas. If you feel you are in danger.

If you are unable to evacuate, go to your safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:

Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors. Close all interior doorssecure and brace external doors. Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm - winds will pick up again. Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level. Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.

Friday, August 23, 2013

Know Your Shelter

There are 32 CATEGORY ONE SHELTERS Shelters which may be used during a hurricane or other hazard event.
CHRIST CHURCH Arthur Smith Primary Accommodation 75 (Water Tank Available) POTABLE AND NON-POTABLE Blackman and Gollop Primary Accommodation 70 (Water Tank Available) POTABLE AND NON-POTABLE (Wheel Chair Accessible) Christ Church Foundation Accommodation 75 (Water Tank Available) POTABLE AND NON-POTABLE Christ Church Girls School Accommodation 90 (Water Tank Available) POTABLE AND NON-POTABLE St. Christopher Primary Accommodation 75 (Water Tank Available) POTABLE AND NON-POTABLE ST. PHILIP Hilda Skeene Primary Accommodation 32 (Water Tank Available) NON-POTABLE Reynold Weekes Primary Accommodation 60 St. Philip Primary Accommodation 45

Six Roads Church of Christ Accommodation 40 ST. JAMES Gordon Greenidge Primary Accommodation 50 (Water Tank Available) NON-POTABLE Wheelchair Accessible Queens College Accommodation 100 (Water Tank Available) NON-POTABLE ST. MICHAEL SCHOOL/CHURCH Charles F. Broome Memorial Primary Accommodation 100 (Water Tank Available) POTABLE WATER MINOR REPAIRS Combermere School Accommodation 100 MINOR REPAIRS Ellerslie Secondary School Accommodation 55 (Water Tank Available) POTABLE AND NON-POTABLE MINOR REPAIRS George Lamming Primary Accommodation 72 (Water Tank Available) POTABLE WATER Wheelchair accessible St. Leonards Boys Secondary Accommodation 55 (Water Tank Available) NON-POTABLE WATER Wheelchair accessible

St. Matthews Primary Accommodation 45 (Water Tank Available) NON-POTABLE WATER St. Stephens Primary Accommodation 100 (Water Tank Available) NON-POTABLE WATER Westbury Primary Accommodation 100 (Water Tank Available) MINOR REPAIRS ST. MICHAEL Black Rock Seventh Day Adventist Accommodation 80 Dalkeith Methodist Church Accommodation 34 Wheelchair accessible ST. PETER SCHOOL/CHURCH Coleridge and Parry School Accommodation 165 (Water Tank Available) POTABLE AND NON-POTABLE Wheelchair accessible Roland Edwards Primary Accommodation 35 (Water Tank Available) NON-POTABLE Wheelchair accessible ST. LUCY SCHOOL/CHURCH Ignatius Byer Primary Accommodation 60 (Water Tank Available) POTABLE AND NON-POTABLE Wheelchair accessible

ST. LUCY Connell Pentecostal House of Prayer Accommodation 50 WATER COOLER ST. THOMAS SCHOOL/CHURCH Hillaby/Turners Hall Primary Accommodation 35 (Water Tank Available) NON-POTABLE Lester Vaughan School Accommodation 115 ST. GEORGE SCHOOL/CHURCH Cuthbert Moore Primary Accommodation 60 (Water Tank Available) NON-POTABLE Wheelchair accessible Ellerton Primary Accommodation 100 (Water Tank Available) NON-POTABLE ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL/CHURCH St. Bernards Primary Accommodation 40 (Water Tank Available) POTABLE Wheelchair accessible ST. JOHN SCHOOL/CHURCH St. John Primary Accommodation 55 (Water Tank Available) NON-POTABLE ST. ANDREW SCHOOL/CHURCH A. DaCosta Edwards Primary Accommodation 40 (Water Tank Available)

Friday, August 23, 2013

Ways to treat water

will also improve the taste of stored water.

You can use household liquid bleach to kill microorganisms. Use only regular household liquid bleach that contains 5.25 to 6.0 percent sodium hypochlorite. Do not use scented Boiling bleaches, colour-safe bleaches, or Boiling is the safest method of treating bleaches with added cleaners. water. In a large pot or kettle, bring water to a NOTE: The potency of bleach diminishes with rolling boil for 1 full minute, keeping in mind time, use bleach from a newly opened or that some water will evaporate. Let the water unopened bottle. cool before drinking. Boiled water will taste better if you put Add 16 drops (1/8 teaspoon) of bleach oxygen back into it by pouring the water back per gallon of water, stir and let stand for 30 and forth between two clean containers. This minutes.

Chlorination

The water should have a slight bleach odour. If it doesnt, then repeat the dosage and let stand another 15 minutes. If it still does not smell of bleach, discard it and find another source of water. NOTE: Other chemicals, such as iodine or water treatment products (sold in camping or surplus stores) that do not contain 5.25 to 6.0 percent sodium hypochlorite as the only active ingredient, are not recommended and should not be used.

If the electricity goes off ...

FIRST THEN ...
Use perishable food from the refrigerator, pantry, garden, etc. Use the foods from the freezer. To limit the number of times you open the freezer door, post a list of freezer contents on it. In a wellfilled, well-insulated freezer, foods will usually still have ice crystals in their centres (meaning foods are safe to eat) for at least two days. Check to make sure the seal on your freezer door is still in good condition.

FINALLY ...

Begin to use non-perishable foods and staples.

Friday, August 23, 2013

Help a neighbour who may require assistance - this includes infants, the elderly and people with disabilities.

Check Your Home Floodwater safety

Check for gas leaks, then ensure that electrical, water and sewage systems If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. are functioning. As a precaution, boil any tap water you intend to use in order to eliminate Avoid contact with floodwater - It may be contaminated with sewage. any harmful bacteria. Dont allow children to play in or near flood water. Assess any damages your home has suffered. Dont walk, swim or drive through floodwater. In the event of lost power, do not turn on your power breakers until after If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around power has been restored. you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Once power has been restored, in order to prevent the risk of fire it is REMEMBER: crucial that you monitor its performance both by sight and smell. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet. If you see any sparks or smell anything burning, immediately shut off Two feet of water will float most cars; two feet of moving water will sweep away most cars. your power supply and get professional assistance.

Friday, August 23, 2013

After a Hurricane

Continue listening to the radio for the latest updates. Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the hurricane or tropical storm has ended. If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe. But at all times:

Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads. Stay off the streets. If you must go out watch for fallen objects; downed electrical wires; and weakened walls, bridges, roads, and sidewalks. Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company. Walk carefully around the outside your home and check for loose power lines, gas leaks and structural damage. Stay out of any building if you smell gas, floodwaters remain around the building or your home was damaged by fire and the authorities have not declared it safe. Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes. If you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering. Use battery-powered flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles. Note: The flashlight battery may produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present. If you are returning home or helping someone the flashlight should be turned on outside before entering. Watch your pets closely and keep them under your direct control. Use a stick to poke through debris. Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure its not contaminated. Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out. Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury. Use the telephone only for emergency calls.

Friday, August 23, 2013

REASSURING CHILDREN AFTER A DISASTER

Suggestions to help reassure children include the following:

Personal contact is reassuring. Hug and touch your children. Calmly provide factual information about the recent disaster and current plans for insuring their safety along with recovery plans. Encourage your children to talk about their feelings. Spend extra time with your children such as at bedtime. Re-establish your daily routine for work, school, play, meals, and rest. Involve your children by giving them specific chores to help them feel they are helping to restore family and community life. Praise and recognise responsible behaviour. Understand that your children will have a range of reactions to disasters. Encourage your children to help update your a family disaster plan. If you have tried to create a reassuring environment by following the steps above, but your child continues to exhibit stress, if the reactions worsen over time, or if they cause interference with daily behaviour at school, at home, or with other relationships, it may be appropriate to talk to a professional. You can get professional help from the childs primary care physician, a mental health provider specialising in childrens needs, or a member of the clergy.

Friday, August 23, 2013

If you have to evacuate

There may be conditions under which you will decide to get away or there may be situations when you are ordered to leave. Follow these guidelines for evacuation: Plan places where your family will meet, both within and outside of your immediate neighbourhood. Have a Family Emergency Plan to decide these locations before a disaster. If you have a car, keep a half tank of gas in it at all times in case of an unexpected need to evacuate. Plan to take one car per family to reduce congestion and delay. Become familiar with alternate routes out of your area. Choose several destinations in different directions so you have options in an emergency. Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather. Follow recommended evacuation routes.

Do not take shortcuts; they may be blocked. Be alert for road hazards such as washedout roads and downed power lines. Do not drive into flooded areas. If you do not have a car, plan how you will leave if you have to. Make arrangements with family or friends or your District Emergency Organisation. Take your emergency supply kit unless you have reason to believe it has been contaminated. Listen to a battery-powered radio. Plan how you will care for your pets in an emergency. If time and conditions allow: Call or email family and friends, tell them where you are going. Secure your home by closing and locking doors and windows. Unplug electrical equipment such as radios, televisions and small appliances. Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in unless there is a risk of flooding. If there is damage to your home and you are instructed to do so, shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving. Leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going. Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that provides some protection such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts and a cap. Check with neighbours who may need a ride.

Coping with a disaster

Understand the individual effects of a disaster. Everyone who sees or experiences a disaster is affected by it in some way. It is normal to feel anxious about your own safety and that of your family and close friends. Profound sadness, grief and anger are normal reactions to an abnormal event. Acknowledging your feelings helps you recover. Focusing on your strengths and abilities helps you heal. Accepting help from community programs and resources is healthy. Everyone has different needs and different ways of coping. It is common to want to strike back at people who have caused great pain. Children and older adults are of special concern in the aftermath of disasters. Even individuals who experience a disaster second hand through exposure to extensive media coverage can be affected.