Preparing Your Family for a Disaster

No one wants a disaster to happen close to where they live, but would you and your family be prepared if something did happen?  Disasters can be large, or they can be small, but many of the steps your family can take to prepare will help you regardless of the type of disaster.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), recommends that every house have an Emergency Supply Kit.  The kit could be invaluable in the event of an emergency, whether the disaster was a major snowstorm that caused power outages or a man-made disaster that caused you to evacuate your home.

Having an emergency supply kit in your home, and even a smaller version in your car, is very important.  When disasters happen, you and your family may not be able to leave your home for supplies.  You also may not be have time to stop at a store to pick up extra items.  Additionally, after a disaster, local officials and relief workers may be in your area, but they cannot reach everyone immediately.  Depending on the disaster and its severity, it could take hours or days to reach you and your family.  That is why every house should have emergency supplies.  No one wants to have a disaster happen, but don’t you want to be prepared if there is one?

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps

Once you and your family have gathered all of your supplies, pack them in an easy to carry container. Remember to keep items in airtight plastic bags.  Disasters can happen anytime, anywhere, and when a disaster strikes you may not have much time to respond.

Additional Items to Consider

Does anyone need daily medications?  (Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications)  Does anyone have any special dietary concerns?

Safe Generator Use

Take the Appropriate Steps to Stay Safe
The following information, developed by the American Red Cross with technical advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Fire Protection Association (publisher of the National Electric Code®) and the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, is provided to address questions about using a generator when disaster or emergency strikes.

How to Buy a Generator
If you choose to buy a generator, make sure you get one that is rated for the amount of power that you think you will need. Look at the labels on lighting, appliances, and equipment you plan to connect to the generator to determine the amount of power that will be needed to operate the equipment.

For lighting, the wattage of the light bulb indicates the power needed. Appliances and equipment usually have labels indicating power requirements on them. Choose a generator that produces more power than will be drawn by the combination of lighting, appliances, and equipment you plan to connect to the generator including the initial surge when it is turned on. If your generator does not produce adequate power for all your needs, plan to stagger the operating times for various equipment.

If you cannot determine the amount of power that will be needed, ask an electrician to determine that for you. (If your equipment draws more power than the generator can produce, then you may blow a fuse on the generator or damage the connected equipment.)

How to Use a Generator at Home
The primary hazards to avoid when using a generator are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust, electric shock or electrocution, and fire. Follow the directions supplied with the generator. Every year, people die in incidents related to portable generator use.

Never Use a Portable Generator Indoors
This includes inside a garage, carport, basement, crawlspace, or other enclosed or partially-enclosed area, even with ventilation. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent CO buildup in the home. The CO from generators can rapidly lead to full incapacitation and death, but CO can't be seen or smelled. Even if you cannot smell exhaust fumes, you may still be exposed to CO. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY - DO NOT DELAY.

Because you may have windows open to get fresh air while the power is out, be sure to place the generator away from windows, doors, and vents that could allow CO to come indoors. To avoid electrocution, keep the generator dry and do not use in rain or wet conditions. To protect the generator from moisture, operate it on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure, such as under a tarp held up on poles. Do not touch the generator with wet hands.

It is a good idea to install battery-operated CO alarms or plug-in CO alarms with battery back-up in your home, according to the manufacturer's installation instructions. If CO gas from the generator enters your home and poses a health risk, the alarm will sound to warn you. Test the battery frequently and replace when needed.

Be sure to turn the generator off and let it cool down before refueling. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.

Store fuel for the generator in an approved safety can. Use the type of fuel recommended in the instructions or on the label on the generator. Local laws may restrict the amount of fuel you may store, or the storage location. Ask your local fire department for additional information about local regulations. Store the fuel outside of living areas in a locked shed or other protected area. Do not store it near a fuel-burning appliance, such as a natural gas water heater in a garage. If the fuel is spilled or the container is not sealed properly, invisible vapors from the fuel can travel along the ground and can be ignited by the appliance's pilot light or by arcs from electric switches in the appliance.

Plug appliances directly into the generator. Or, use a heavy duty, outdoor-rated extension cord that is rated (in watts or amps) at least equal to the sum of the connected appliance loads. Check that the entire cord is free of cuts or tears and that the plug has all three prongs, especially a grounding pin.

Never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet, a practice known as “back feeding.” This is an extremely dangerous practice that presents an electrocution risk to utility workers and neighbors served by the same utility transformer. It also bypasses some of the built-in household protection devices.

Future Generator Safety Considerations
The only recommended method to connect a generator to house wiring is by having a qualified electrician install a power transfer switch. This switch must be installed in accordance with the National Electrical Code® (NEC), which is published by the National Fire Protection Association, as well as all applicable state and local electrical codes. Call a qualified electrician or check with your utility company to see if they can install the appropriate equipment.

For power outages, permanently installed stationary generators are better suited for providing backup power to the home. Even a properly connected portable generator can become overloaded. This may result in overheating or stressing the generator components, possibly leading to a generator failure. Be sure to read instructions that come with the generator to make sure you operate it within its limitations for power output.

Protect Your Pets during Snowstorms

Make Sure Your Pets are prepared for Winter Weather

Winter weather can be hard on all of us. It can be particularly difficult on our pets that rely on us for their wellbeing, especially for outdoor dogs and cats. To help keep your entire family safe and warm, the American Red Cross has winter safety reminders for both you and your pets.

Pet Safety in the winter

• If possible, bring your pets inside during cold winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas and make sure they have access to non-frozen drinking water.
• If the animals are outside, make sure their access to food and water is not blocked by snow drifts, ice or other obstacles.

The following tips on winter pet safety are provided by the Humane Society of the United States:

• If pets cannot come indoors, make sure they are protected by a dry, draft-free enclosure large enough to allow them to sit and lie down, but small enough to hold in the pet’s body heat. Raise the floor a few inches off the ground and cover it with cedar shavings or straw. Turn the enclosure away from the wind and cover the doorway with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.
• Salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate a pet’s paws. Wipe their paws with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates their mouth.
• Antifreeze is a deadly poison. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze out of reach.

Before

Assemble an animal emergency supply kit in the event you have to evacuate your home for an emergency. This kit should contain:

• Water. At least three days of water specifically for your pets;
• Food. Three days of food in an airtight, waterproof container;
• Medications;
• Pet first aid kit. Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical needs;
• Collar with ID tag, harness or leash;
• Crate or other pet carrier;
• Sanitation materials to provide for your pet’s sanitation needs- litter box, newspapers, paper towels, garbage bags;
• A picture of you and your pet together in case you should be separated from your pet during an emergency; and
• Familiar items like toys or treats that may help reduce stress for your pet.

If you have to evacuate from your home, take your pet with you – you are responsible for the care of your pet. Most emergency shelters will not accept pets (with the exception of service animals) due to health reasons. Know which hotels in the area you plan to evacuate to. Choose a hotel that allows pets. If you plan to stay with family members or friends, be sure they can accommodate pets.

Some counties are planning temporary emergency animal shelter facilities. Call your local emergency management office, animal shelter or veterinarian to get advice and information on boarding your pet. Many of these facilities require your pet’s medical records.  Make sure all vaccinations are current.

Contact your local emergency manager if they need to be aware of special needs you may have, such as assistance with evacuation if you possess a guide dog or other service animal. Service animals are allowed on all means of public transportation and in all human shelters.

If you must leave your pet at home, provide access to someone in advance so they can check in. Choose and use an ID method for each animal- micro-chipping, ID tags on collar, photos of you with your animal. This is extremely important if your animals become lost. Confine your pet to a safe area inside -- NEVER leave your pet chained outside! Leave them loose inside your home with food and plenty of water.  Remove the toilet tank lid, raise the seat and brace the bathroom door open so they can drink. Place a notice outside in a visible area, advising what pets are in the house and where they are located. Provide a phone number where you or a contact can be reached as well as the name and number of your veterinarian.

During

If you are unable to evacuate with your pets, bring them inside immediately. Have newspapers on hand for sanitary purposes. Feed the animal’s moist or canned food so they will need less water to drink.

Animals have instincts about severe weather changes and will often isolate themselves if they are afraid. Bringing them inside early can stop them from running away. Never leave a pet outside or tied up during a storm. Separate dogs and cats. Even if your dogs and cats normally get along, the anxiety of an emergency situation can cause pets to act irrationally. Keep small pets away from cats and dogs.

After

In the immediate post-incident period the focus for emergency workers will be human safety. When circumstances allow, there will be personnel trained in animal emergencies integrated into the local incident management structure to assist emergency workers and citizens with animal needs. These may include “rescue” (capture and transport to safety) of displaced animals, identification, treatment, temporary shelter and care, and reunification with owners.

In the first few days after a disaster, leash your pets when they go outside. Always maintain close contact. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and your pet may become confused and lost. Check your yard for downed power lines, debris and displaced wildlife.

The behaviour of your pets may change after an emergency. Normally quiet and friendly pets may become aggressive or defensive. Watch animals closely. Leash dogs and place them in a fenced yard with access to shelter and water.

Family Disaster Planning

Many families already have an emergency plan for a house fire, so making an all-hazard plan will just add a few more details. Every member of the family will have a role during an emergency, so it is important to share ideas, responsibilities and work as a team when you create your plan.

• Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.
• Everyone in the family should know the address and phone number of the designated meeting place. Pick two places to meet:

1.              1. Outside your home in the case of a sudden emergency, like a fire; and
2.              2. Outside your neighbourhood in case you can't return home.

• Pick an out-of-town or out-of-state friend to be your "family contact." After a disaster, it is often easier to call long distance than to make a local call. All family members should call this person and tell them if they are safe, and where they are to help reduce panic during an emergency.
• Discuss what to do in an evacuation and keep reference materials distributed by utilities and emergency managers with evacuation zones and routes in a designated area. Take some time to plan for your pets.

Complete This Checklist

• Post emergency telephone numbers by phones (fire, police, ambulance, etc.).
• Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services number for emergency help.
• Show each family member how and when to turn off the water, gas and electricity at the main switches. Keep water and gas keys in central location.
• Annually check if you have adequate insurance coverage and determine if specific types of disasters like hurricanes are covered or excluded under your policy.
• Teach each family member how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC type) and show them where it's kept.
• Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on each level of your home (especially near bedrooms) and remember to change the batteries twice a year.
• Stock emergency supplies and assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit.
• Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR class.
• Determine the best escape routes from your home and mark them on a diagram in your family emergency kit. Find two ways out of each room.
• Identify the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster.

Special Needs

The Office of Emergency Management for the City of South Amboy has a form in place in conjunction with the County of Middlesex Emergency Management. It’s called Special Needs Form which can be picked up @ the Senior Citizen Resource Center. This will help the Local OEM and County OEM during an evacuation with any handicaps, medicines and special instructions to assist you.

Local OEM email: [email protected]  Phone: 732-588-5830 Fax: 732-588-5833

Family Emergency Kit

It is important to keep enough supplies in your home to meet the needs of your family for at least three days. Assemble a Family Emergency Kit with items you may need in an emergency or evacuation. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as suitcases, duffle bags or covered storage containers.

Include at a minimum:

• Water, two gallons of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers
• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• Family emergency contact information
• Cash or traveller’s checks and change

Additional items to consider include:

• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Fire extinguisher
• Multipurpose tool
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Duct tape
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Water

• Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles or plastic milk jugs. Avoid using containers that will break, such as glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers and ill people will need more.
• Store two gallons of water per person per day (one gallon for drinking, one gallon for food preparation/sanitation)
• Keep at least a three-day supply of water for each person in your household.

Food

• Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, little preparation or cooking and little or no water. Select food items that are compact and lightweight.
• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
• Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water)
• Staples--sugar, salt, pepper
• High energy foods--peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix
• Vitamins
• Foods for infants, elderly persons or persons on special diets
• Comfort/stress foods--cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant coffee, tea bags

First Aid Kit

• Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. Contact your local American Red Cross chapter to obtain a basic first aid manual. Each first aid kit should include:
• 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
• 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
• Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
• Triangular bandages (3)
• 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
• 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Needle
• Moistened towelettes
• Antiseptic
• Thermometer
• Tongue blades (2)
• Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
• Assorted sizes of safety pins
• Cleansing agent/soap
• Latex gloves (2 pair)
• Sunscreen

SUGGESTIONS AND REMINDERS

• Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the Family Emergency Kit in the trunk of your car.
• Keep items in air-tight plastic bags.
• Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh.
• Rotate your stored food every six months.
• Re-evaluate your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.
• Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.

Utilities

• Locate the main electric fuse box, water service main and natural gas main. Learn how and when to turn these utilities off. Teach all responsible family members. Keep necessary tools near gas and water shut-off valves.
• Remember, turn off the utilities only if you suspect the lines are damaged or if you are instructed to do so. If you turn the gas off, you will need a professional to turn it back on.

Evacuation Planning
If told to do so, evacuate immediately. Follow these tips when evacuating:

• Listen to your battery-powered radio and follow the instructions of local emergency officials.
• Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
• Take your family disaster supplies kit.
• Lock your home.
• Post a note telling others when you left and where you are going.
• Use travel routes specified by local authorities--don't use shortcuts because certain areas may be impassable or dangerous.
• Shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving, if instructed to do so.
• Make arrangements for your pets.

When checking for damage in your home after returning:

• Use flashlights--do not light matches or turn on electrical switches if you suspect damage.
• Check for fires, fire hazards and other household hazards.
• Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the water heater. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and get everyone outside quickly.
• Shut off any other damaged utilities.
• Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline and other flammable liquids immediately.