Are you prepared for:

 

 Pandemic Influenza?

       A.  Learn the facts about pandemic influenza

          

Fire?

         A.  Dangers of Fire

         B.  Developing a Family Fire Plan

         C.  Preventing Fires

         D.  If a Fire Starts

         E.  If You Can't Escape

Wildfires?  

        A.  Three Classes of Wildfires

        B.  Wildfire Preparedness

        C.  During a Wildfire

 Earthquakes?

        A.  An Earthquake Is...

        B..  Damage Caused by Earthquakes

        C.  Likelihood of an Earthquake 

Severe Weather (Heat and Cold)?

 

Pandemic Influenza: 

*  Store a two-week supply of water and food.

*   Plan for disruption in usual services.

*   Stay home if you are sick.

*   Make good hygiene a habit:

    a.  Cover your mouth with your sleeve - not your hands.

    b.  Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water frequently.

    c.  Avoid touching your face.

 

 Dangers of Fire:

 

 *  Asphyxiation

 *  Heat

 *  Smoke

 

Developing a Family Fire Plan

*  Install smoke alarms - if deaf, install audible alarms, and visual smoke

     signals.

*  Identify and plan two escape routes.

*  Practice the escape plan.

*  Practice alerting family members.

*  Learn the fire department's emergency number.

 

 Preventing Fires 

*   Conduct a home hazard hunt.

*   Inspect wood stoves and chimneys annually.

*   Purchase only "laboratory-tested" heaters.

*   Keep matches and lighters away from children.

*   Check electrical wiring.

*   Keep combustibles away from the stove.

 

 If a Fire Starts 

*   Get out quickly if unsafe. 

      a.  For a small fire: use ABC fire extinguisher or use wet towels to put out fire.

      b.  For a small kitchen/grease fire: baking soda or pan lid.

      c.  If clothes on fire: stop, drop and roll or smother with blanket.

*   Go to the meeting place.

*   Call the fire department

 

If You Can't Escape During a Wildfire

 

*   Listen for emergency information.

*   Confine pets or arrange for pets to stay with a friend or relative.

*   Move flammable furniture to the center of the home.

*   Remove flammable drapes and curtains.

*   Close all doors and windows.

 

 

After a Wildfire

 

*   Use caution when reentering.

*   Inspect the roof immediately.

*   Have propane or heating oil tanks inspected.

*   Check the stability of trees around the home.  If there is no power, check main

     breaker.

 

An Earthquake Is. . .

 

A sudden slipping or movement of a portion of the Earth’s crust, caused by a sudden release of stresses, usually less than 25 mile below the surface.

 

Damage Caused by Earthquakes 

*   Collapsed buildings

*   Damage to utilities, structures, and roads

*   Fires and explosions

*   Structural instability

 

Likelihood of an Earthquake 

The greatest likelihood of a major earthquake is in:

 

*   The Western United States.

*   The New Madrid Fault Zone in Missouri.

*   A few pockets

 

 

In addition to the local concerns for disasters, i.e., fire, and earthquakes, CERT training provides information for a variety of disaster dangers in different areas.  There is a possibility of being on a vacation or business trip and encounter a disaster.  Disaster preparedness provides vital information and process of dealing with the unexpected.