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Family Preparedness Index |
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Family Disaster Kit
Preparedness
Disasters happen anytime and anywhere. When disaster strikes, you may
not have much time to respond. Some disasters may call for you and your
family to evacuate (hurricanes, hazardous materials spills, fires).
Other disasters could mean that you and your family may be confined at
home.
Preparing a Family Disaster Kit can help your family endure an evacuation or home confinement.
Preparing a Family Disaster Kit can help your family endure an evacuation or home confinement.
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Prepare Your Kit:
- Gather the supplies that are listed. You may need them if your
family is confined at home or during an evacuation.
- Place the items you'd most likely need for an evacuation in an
easy-to-carry container.
- There are basic items you should stock for your home: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing, bedding, tools & emergency supplies, special items (prescription & non-prescription medications, sanitary items, important documents).
Water
- Store water in plastic containers. Avoid using milk cartons or
glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two
quarts of water daily. Hot environments and intense physical
activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and ill
people will need more.
- Store one (1) gallon of water per person day. Keep at least a three day supply per person (for drinking, food preparation and sanitation).
Food:
- Store at least a three day supply of nonperishable food. Select
foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and
little or no water. If you must heat food pack a can of sterno.
- Pack the following foods which can also be taken with you during
an evacuation:
-Ready to eat canned meat, fruits, vegetables, and staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.) Don't forget a non-electric can opener. -Canned juices, high energy foods, vitamins, baby formula & bottles, and powered milk.
Prescription Medications:
- Store in waterproof container, keep prescription records (check shelf life) accessible and current. Bring a medicine dropper and cooler (if needed for RX).
- Dentures, contact lenses, and eyewear.
First Aid Kit:
A well stocked first aid kit should include the following items:- Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes, 2" & 4" sterile gauze pads, 2" & 3" sterile roller bandages, triangular bandages, assorted safety pins.
- Lates gloves, sunscreen, scissors, tweezers, needle, moistened towelettes, antiseptic, thermometer, tongue blades, and tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant.
Non-Prescription Drugs:
- Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever.
- Anti-diarrhea medication, antacid, laxative.
- Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting) and Activated charcoal. (Only use if advised by the Poison Control Center 1-800-POISON-1).
Tools and Supplies:
Sanitation:
- Toilet paper, baby diapers, soap, liquid detergent, personal hygiene items, disinfectant, household chlorine bleach.
- Plastic bucket with tight lid and plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses).
Special Items:
- Games and books for children
- Important family documents (keep in waterproof container)
- -Birth, marriage and death certificates, driver's license, passport, insurance policies, social security card, health records, bank and credit card account numbers, safety deposit box keys
- -Inventory of valuable household goods
- -Important telephone numbers
Family Member Locator Plan
Preparedness
Advance preparations can help you check on your family more quickly
during an emergency. If a disaster strikes without warning during your
normal, busy, day how would you locate them?
Do something now to prepare:
Do something now to prepare:
- Make a list of the most logical places to look for each family member: work, school, friends, etc. . .
- Consider all times of the day.
- Don't forget mobile phone and pager numbers.
- Add a few friends, co-workers or neighbors just in case.
- Collect the phone numbers and organize them in a way that makes sense to you.
- Adapt the chart at the end of this section to help you organize your family's contact numbers.
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Your list is made, now what. . .
- Make plenty of copies.
- Share copies with family members both in and outside your household.
- Keep a copy everywhere you may need it: home (near the phone), in your car, at work, etc. . .
- Share the information with babysitters or other visitors to your home who may need to know.
- Discuss your plan with your family. Make sure they understand it and how to use it.
- Update the numbers when appropriate.
- Check the numbers at least bi-annually, when you change your clocks for instance.
Establish Physical Meeting Places
- One place outside your home to meet in the event there is a fire in the home.
- One place outside your neighborhood to meet in case you can not return to your home (in the event of an emergency).
Sheltering In-Place
Preparedness
Evacuation is not always the safest option in the event of a hazardous
material or other type of emergency. Your home or workplace can be a safe
haven from an emergency. Up-front preparations will help.
- "Sheltering In-Place" or "Protecting In-Place" means staying inside your home or other building until emergency officials give an "all-clear" signal. Sheltering In-Place can be your safest option in some emergencies.
- Sheltering In-Place is most commonly used for hazardous material emergencies but can also be used during some storms and some police emergencies where evacuation and exposure to the outside can be life-threatening.
- Sheltering In-Place preparations complement your other family emergency preparedness efforts.
Sheltering In-Place supplies
- Battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, battery powered or cellular phone (if no phone in room).
- Snack foods, water or drinks, pet foods.
- Plastic sheeting for windows, doors, air vents or other opening. You may want to pre-cut and label them.
- Rolls of duct tape for the plastic sheeting.
- Towel for under the door.
- First aid kit.
Prepare your home before. . .
- Choose a room for a "safe-room": Ideally, the room has few windows, large enough to hold the number of people you wish and has access to water. A bedroom with an adjoining bath is a great place.
- Prepare window coverings: Windows should be sealed to prevent hazards from entering. Measure windows and skylights - cut plastic (adding 6" to the borders) to be placed over the windows. Label the sheets for each window. For a serious wind condition think about something heavier to guard against broken glass entering the room (wood, heavy cardboard, even a mattress).
- Assemble shelter in-place supplies: Your supplies should be stored in the pre-designated room. An under-the-bed box may work well or use a container that fits on a closet shelf or in a cabinet.
Sheltering In-Place Procedures. . .
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- Stay inside the enclosed building or your "safe room". If possible bring pets inside.
- Close and lock all windows and doors to the outside. Close drapes or shades over all windows. Push wet towels under the doors to help seal against outside air if appropriate.
- Turn off all heating/air conditioning systems, and switch inlets or vents to the "closed" positions. Extinguish fireplace fires and close dampers.
- In the shelter room - use tape and precut/labeled plastic sheeting to seal around doors, windows, heating vents, skylights, or any opening which could let air in.
- Seal bathroom exhaust fans or grills, rang vents, dryer vents, and other openings (in shelter room only).
- If there is no phone in your designated shelter room, bring along a battery- operated or cellular phone.
- Listen to the Emergency Alert System radio messages and follow the instructions. Other local stations may carry the instructions.
- Do no go outside or attempt to drive unless specifically told to do so. Evacuation procedures may vary by area of danger.
- Once the emergency has passed, ventilate your entire house.
Sheltering In-Place DON'TS. . .
- Don't call the school to try to pick up your children. They will be safer sheltering in-place at the school than they would be riding in your vehicle. (Also: The school may be outside hazard area - depending upon the emergency).
- Don't: Leave your shelter until the "all clear" signal is sounded.
- Don't: Risk your safety for pets. If they can't be found within a minute or two, you'll have to shelter in-place without them.
- Don't: Call 9-1-1 for a Non-Emergency.
- Don't: Wait until the disaster strikes to prepare. . . It's never too early!
Potential emergency
public information sources:
EAS stations in Bergen County: WJUX 103.1FM WWDJ 970 AM WFDU 89.1 FM WRPR 90.3 FM |
Flash Flood
Preparedness
Flash floods occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall,
a dam or levee failure or a sudden release of water held by an ice jam.
Flash floods can roll boulders, tear out trees, destroy buildings and
bridges. Flash floods can also trigger catastrophic mudslides.
Flash floods are the #1 weather related killer in the United States.
The following terms may be used by the National Weather service:
A Flash Flood or Flood Watch means that flash flooding or flooding is possible within the designated watch area.
A Flash Flood or Flood Watch means that flash flooding or flooding has been reported or is imminent - take necessary steps at once. An Urban and Small Stream Advisory means that flooding of small streams, streets, and low-lying areas (such as railroad underpasses and urban storm drains) is occurring.
A Flash Flood or Flood Statement is follow-up information regarding a flash/flood event.
Flash floods are the #1 weather related killer in the United States.
National Weather Service. . .
Staying current with forecasts from the National Weather Service can be an important part of flood preparedness. Individuals can purchase a NOAA weather radio to directly hear the forecasts, advisories, watches and/or warnings. Some NOAA weather radios can alarm when there is a serious/dangerous weather condition. These radios are available at many stores.The following terms may be used by the National Weather service:
A Flash Flood or Flood Watch means that flash flooding or flooding is possible within the designated watch area.
A Flash Flood or Flood Watch means that flash flooding or flooding has been reported or is imminent - take necessary steps at once. An Urban and Small Stream Advisory means that flooding of small streams, streets, and low-lying areas (such as railroad underpasses and urban storm drains) is occurring.
A Flash Flood or Flood Statement is follow-up information regarding a flash/flood event.
Before a flood occurs. . .
- Find out if you live in a flood prone area. You can check with
your local building department to see the flood maps for your
municipality.
- If you are in a flood zone - purchase sufficient flood insurance. Flood losses are not covered under normal homeowner's insurance.
- Learn how your community would alert you if a flood was occurring or predicted.
- Pre-assemble flood-fighting supplies like plastic sheeting, lumber, sandbags.
- Have check valves installed in building sewer traps to prevent flood waters from backing up in sewer drains.
- As a last resort have large corks or stoppers to plug showers, tubs or basins from water rising up through the pipes.
- Maintain a disaster supply kit at home. A kit will have (at
minimum):
- First aid supplies
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Non-perishable food
- Drinking water
- Blanket(s) or sleeping bag(s)
- Rain gear or a change of clothing
During the flood. . .
- Monitor commercial radio, television, NOAA Weather radio or your Emergency Alerting Station for information.
- Be prepared to evacuate to higher ground if ordered to do so by authorities.
- Adhere to any emergency orders of authorities.
- Bring possessions inside the house or secure them.
- Do not touch any electrical appliances that are wet or standing in water.
- Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.
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Flood dangers do
not end when the water begins to recede. Listen to a radio
or television and do not return home until authorities
indicate it is safe to do so.
Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance - infants, elderly people and people with disabilities. |
After the flood. . .
- If food or medicine has come in contact with flood waters, throw it out.
- Stay out of buildings if flood waters remain around the building.
After the flood. . .
- When entering buildings after a flood use extreme caution.
- Wear sturdy shoes and use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights when examining buildings.
- Examine walls, floors, doors and windows to make sure that the building is not in danger of collapse.
- Watch out for animals, like snakes, that may have come into your home with flood waters.
- Take pictures of the damage - both of the house and it's contents for insurance claims.
- Look for fire hazards.
- Broken or leaking gas lines.
- Flooded electrical circuits.
- Submerged furnaces or electrical appliances.
- Flammable or explosive materials coming from upstream.
- Report potential emergencies to authorities.
- It's best to have a professional pump out a basement - to avoid further structural damage. FEMA recommends pumping out about one-third of the water per day.
High Heat
Preparedness
Heat kills by pushing the body beyond its limits. Under normal
conditions, the body's internal thermostat produces perspiration that
evaporates and cools the body. However, in extreme heat and high
humidity, evaporation is lowered and the body must work extra hard to
maintain a normal temperature.
Children under the age of five and the elderly are more susceptible to the effects of heat.
Heat terms of the National Weather Service
A Heat Advisory is issued when the heat index is expected to be between 105-115 degrees for less than 3 hours a day.
An Excessive Heat Warning is issued when the heat index is expected to exceed 115 degrees during the day or the heat index will exceed 105 degrees for more than 3 hours for two consecutive days.
The Heat Index is what the temperature feels like to the human body based on both the air temperature and humidity.
Children under the age of five and the elderly are more susceptible to the effects of heat.
Heat terms of the National Weather Service
A Heat Advisory is issued when the heat index is expected to be between 105-115 degrees for less than 3 hours a day.
An Excessive Heat Warning is issued when the heat index is expected to exceed 115 degrees during the day or the heat index will exceed 105 degrees for more than 3 hours for two consecutive days.
The Heat Index is what the temperature feels like to the human body based on both the air temperature and humidity.
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Heat Facts . . .
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WHAT YOU CAN DO. . .
- Stay indoors as much as possible
- Spend whatever time possible in air conditioning - if air conditioning is not available stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine or go to a public building where air conditioning is available.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light colored clothing. Light colors reflect more of the sun's energy than dark colors.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Water's the best. Avoid drinks containing alcohol or caffeine.
- Eat light meals spread out over the day.
- Reduce activity levels when possible in hot weather.
- Avoid using salt tablets unless directed by a physician.
- Avoid getting sunburned - use protection if you must go outside.
Watch out for others. Check on your neighbors and family - especially
those who are elderly and/or children. High heat can kill.
Parents and caretakers should be careful not to overdress children and to give them plenty of fluids.
Parents and caretakers should be careful not to overdress children and to give them plenty of fluids.
IN YOUR HOME. . .
- Protect windows, shades, draperies, awnings or louvers on windows can reduce the effects of the morning or afternoon sun by as much as 80%.
- Install temporary reflectors, such as aluminum foil covered cardboard to reflect any heat back outside.
- Keep the cool air inside by weather-stripping doors and windowsills.
- Storm windows can keep the heat of a house in the summer out the same way they keep the cold out in the winter.
- Inspect, clean or replace your air conditioners filters regularly.
- Heavy use of air conditioners and other electrical devices may contribute to power outages or reductions. Turn off what electrical devices you don't need.
- Check central air conditioning ducts for proper installation.
- Insulate spaces around window air conditioners.
- Close any floor heat registers.
In a normal year, approximately 175 Americans die from extreme heat.
| Don't leave children, a frail elderly or disabled person or pets in an enclosed car -- not even for a minute -- as temperatures can quickly climb to dangerous levels. |
HEAT DISORDERS. . .
Sunburn - Symptoms: skin redness and pain, possible swelling,
blisters, fever, headaches.
First Aid: take a shower, using soap to remove oils that may block pores, preventing the body from cooling naturally. If blisters occur, apply dry, sterile dressings and get medical attention.
Heat Cramps - Symptoms: painful spasms usually in leg and abdominal muscles. Heavy sweating.
First Aid: firm pressure on cramping muscles or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue.
Heat Exhaustion - Symptoms: heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy. Weak pulse. Normal temperature possible. Fainting, vomiting.
First Aid: get victim to lie down in a cool place. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air-conditioned place. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue. If vomiting occurs, seek immediate medical attention.
Heat Stroke (Sun Stoke) - Symptoms: high body temperature (106 +). Hot, dry skin. Rapid, strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. Victim will likely not sweat.
First Aid: This is a severe medical emergency. Call the emergency medical service by dialing 9-1-1. Delay can be fatal. Do not give fluids. Move victim to cooler environment. Cool bath or sponging may reduce body temperature before ambulance arrives. Use extreme caution.
First Aid: take a shower, using soap to remove oils that may block pores, preventing the body from cooling naturally. If blisters occur, apply dry, sterile dressings and get medical attention.
Heat Cramps - Symptoms: painful spasms usually in leg and abdominal muscles. Heavy sweating.
First Aid: firm pressure on cramping muscles or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue.
Heat Exhaustion - Symptoms: heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy. Weak pulse. Normal temperature possible. Fainting, vomiting.
First Aid: get victim to lie down in a cool place. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air-conditioned place. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue. If vomiting occurs, seek immediate medical attention.
Heat Stroke (Sun Stoke) - Symptoms: high body temperature (106 +). Hot, dry skin. Rapid, strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. Victim will likely not sweat.
First Aid: This is a severe medical emergency. Call the emergency medical service by dialing 9-1-1. Delay can be fatal. Do not give fluids. Move victim to cooler environment. Cool bath or sponging may reduce body temperature before ambulance arrives. Use extreme caution.
Electrical Outages & Home Safety
Preparedness
IF THE POWER GOES OUT:- Check your fuse or breaker box for blown fuses or tripped
circuits. If they are okay, see if neighbors are without power.
- Call your utility immediately, you may be asked for
information, or hear a message if the situation has already been
reported. 9-1-1 is for reporting emergencies ONLY.
- Turn off all electrical equipment to prevent overloading
the system when power is restored.
- Turn on a porch light and one inside light so you and
utility crews will know when service is restored.
- Listen to the radio (battery-powered) for updates on
major electrical outages.
- If your neighbors' power comes back on, but yours does not, call
your utility company again.
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Important Information when Reporting a Power Outage:
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DOWNED UTILITY LINES
If you see any wire lying on the ground (or dangling in the air)
don't touch it with anything - stay back. Call your utility company
immediately. Keep kids and pets away.
NEVER touch a downed wire. Electricity can travel through your body causing serious injury or death. If you see a downed line take these precautions:
Expect every wire/line to be "live". The line does not have to spark or sizzle to carry electricity. Cable, phone and alarm lines may be ELECTRIFIED. Do no touch.
If a power line is touching someone stay away - you cannot help. If you touch the person, you could become a victim too.
Call 9-1-1 for emergency help.
If a utility line falls across your vehicle, don't get out! Wait for emergency help to arrive.
Never touch metal (like fences or guard rails) that have a wire laying on it. It may be electrified.
NEVER touch a downed wire. Electricity can travel through your body causing serious injury or death. If you see a downed line take these precautions:
Expect every wire/line to be "live". The line does not have to spark or sizzle to carry electricity. Cable, phone and alarm lines may be ELECTRIFIED. Do no touch.
If a power line is touching someone stay away - you cannot help. If you touch the person, you could become a victim too.
Call 9-1-1 for emergency help.
If a utility line falls across your vehicle, don't get out! Wait for emergency help to arrive.
Never touch metal (like fences or guard rails) that have a wire laying on it. It may be electrified.
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Emergency Lighting: Flashlights: Each person should have their own flashlight. Store extra bulbs and batteries. Light-sticks: Self-contained chemical lights that are activated by bending. Work well as night-lights for children. Candles: Can be dangerous |
STAYING WARM
Outages can occur at any time of year, but during cold weather the
temperature inside your home can drop rapidly. Tips for staying
warm:
Save Body Heat - Wear a hat, even while sleeping. Wear loose
layers of clothing to trap body heat. Use blankets.
Lock in Home Heat - Pick one room (on a sunny side of the
house) and close it off to keep the heat in.
Emergency Kit Check
List
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Who to call to report a power outage in Bergen County: PSE&G....................800-436-7734 |
HOUSEHOLD TIPS:
Your Freezer will keep food frozen during an outage for
about two days if it's full; one day if it's less than
half-full. Don't open the door.
Protect your pipes: If the power is out and the weather is freezing, keep a steady drip of cold water on an inside faucet and wrap pipes to prevent damage.
Automatic Garage Door Openers won't work if the power is out. Check to see if you have a manual override.
Home Computers: Install a surge protector (not just a power strip) to protect your computer from power surges.
Charcoal or propane grills: NEVER use a cooking device designed for outdoors inside the home. They produce carbon monoxide which can be deadly.
Cordless phones won't work if the power is out, Have a backup phone that does not need electricity to work.
Generators: Never connect a home generator to a wall outlet. If used incorrectly, portable or auxiliary generators used for backup power at home can ruin your electrical system and start a fire. They can also feed electricity back into the utility system. This is very dangerous for crews repairing lines.
Home generators should be installed by a licensed electrical contractor. Generators installed in accordance with electrical safety codes, require an electrical permit and an electrical inspection.
Improperly installed or improperly used generators pose a serious - sometimes fatal - risk to homeowners and utility workers.
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Protect your pipes: If the power is out and the weather is freezing, keep a steady drip of cold water on an inside faucet and wrap pipes to prevent damage.
Automatic Garage Door Openers won't work if the power is out. Check to see if you have a manual override.
Home Computers: Install a surge protector (not just a power strip) to protect your computer from power surges.
Charcoal or propane grills: NEVER use a cooking device designed for outdoors inside the home. They produce carbon monoxide which can be deadly.
Cordless phones won't work if the power is out, Have a backup phone that does not need electricity to work.
Generators: Never connect a home generator to a wall outlet. If used incorrectly, portable or auxiliary generators used for backup power at home can ruin your electrical system and start a fire. They can also feed electricity back into the utility system. This is very dangerous for crews repairing lines.
Home generators should be installed by a licensed electrical contractor. Generators installed in accordance with electrical safety codes, require an electrical permit and an electrical inspection.
Improperly installed or improperly used generators pose a serious - sometimes fatal - risk to homeowners and utility workers.
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