Disasters happen anytime and anywhere. And when disaster strikes, you may not have much time to respond. After a disaster, local officials and relief workers will be on the scene, but in some cases they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it may take days. Would your family be prepared to cope with the emergency until help arrives?
In the event of a major emergency, authorities may notify you. A siren could sound, you may be called by phone, or emergency personnel may drive by and give instructions over a loudspeaker. Officials may come to your door. Listen carefully to radio or television and follow instructions strictly. You will be told the type of health hazard, the area affected, how to protect yourself, evacuation routes, shelter locations, type and location of medical facilities, and phone numbers to call if you need extra help.
One of the basic instructions you may be given in an emergency is to shelter-in-place.
This precaution is aimed to keep you and your family safe while remaining in your home. If you are told to shelter-in-place, take your children and pets indoors immediately. While gathering your family, you can provide a minimal amount of protection to your breathing by covering your mouth and nose with a damp cloth. Then take the following precautions:
- Close all windows in your home
- Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems
- Close the fireplace damper
- Go to an above ground room (not the basement) with the fewest windows and doors
- Take your family disaster supply kit with you
- Wet some towels and jam them in the crack under the doors
- Put tape around doors, windows, exhaust fans or vents
- Use plastic garbage bags to cover windows, outlets and heat registers
- If you are told there is danger of explosion, close the window shades, blinds or curtains
- To avoid injury, stay away from the windows
- Stay in the room and listen to your radio until you are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate
Authorities may decide to evacuate an area for your protection. Again, it is important to stay calm, listen carefully and follow all instructions. If you are told to evacuate, listen to your radio to make sure the evacuation order applies to you and to understand if you are to evacuate immediately or if you have time to pack some essentials. Do not use your telephone. The telephone lines will be needed for emergency operations.
