For the purposes ol Technological Disas community will moi the low elevation of 1 not be underestimat hazardous material; military installations, or bomb threats. Emergency prepare* following is a gener Planning C< □ Identify potentio □ Discuss with yc ^J Know how, wh( □ Obtain first-aid □ Create a Family Preparatior □ Store water and □ Organize first-a □ Create and ston □ Secure applianc Update your err Response d 1. STAY CALM. 2. Recognize the 3. Take safety pre 4. Check for injur 5. Check for safe electric lines; ti safety problen matches or op off or on becc 6. Wear laced c 7. Tune radio to i to find a shelte 8. Use the telephi 9. Follow your fc information. 10. In public build declared safe 11. Report damag 14 Flash Flood Warning An imminent or occurring: A life-threatening flood. It is either detected by weather radar, indicated by stream gauges, or reported by storm spotters. A flash flood is a flood that occurs very quickly; it is caused by heavy rainfall over a short period of time or from a dam break. A warning means to leave low-lying or flood prone areas. Thunderstorm Risk Terms Used in Hazardous Weather Outlooks SLIGHT RISK: Severe thunderstorms are expected to be few or isolated. MODERATE RISK: Severe thunderstorms are expected to be more organized, numerous, or widespread. HIGH RISK: Severe thunderstorms with the potential for tornadoes, damaging windstorms, and/or large hail are expected. In the event of a severe storm, take the necessary precautions based upon if the storm is a thunderstorm or a winter blizzard. When a thunderstorm threatens, get inside a home or large building, or inside an enclosed vehicle. Avoid open doors and windows, fireplaces, radiators, stoves, metal pipes, sinks, telephone, and electrical appliances. Realize that some objects, like metal and water, conduct electricity in a thunderstorm. If no structure is available, your best protection is a cave, ditch, or canyon. When you feel the electrical charge - if you hair stands on end or your skin tingles - lightning may be about to strike. Drop to the ground immediately. Be prepared to render first-aid for injuries in a thunderstorm. A person struck by lightning receives a severe electrical shock and may be burned, but they carry no electrical charge and may be handled safely. It may be possible to revive a person struck by lightning who has stopped breathing and has no heartbeat using prompt mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and CPR. In any severe storm, particularly winter storms, stay indoors and do not go outside unless absolutely necessary. Be prepared at home by having an emergency heat source in case of power failure. Also, have battery-powered equipment, sufficient food supply, and other supplies such as blankets and candles readily available. If you have a heart condition, avoid overexertion from such things as shoveling snow. Heart attacks are a major cause of deaths during and after winter storms. If you are outside, dress appropriately and be aware of the chill factor if winds are present. Be aware of elderly persons in your area that may need assistance in a severe storm, particularly after a snow storm. If you live in a rural area, make sure you can survive at home for several days in case of prolonged power loss or other unexpected events. If you travel frequently, consider a winter survival kit for your car. This winter survival kit could include sleeping bags, flares, high energy foods, (candy, raisins, nuts, energy bars), first aid kit, flashlights, extra clothing, knives, compass, emergency candles and matches, maps, jumper cable, tow chain, shovel, windshield scraper, and sack of sand. Your car will help you keep warm, visible and alive should you be trapped in a winter storm. A lighted candle will help keep you from freezing, but you must remember to have a window open slightly for ventilation. When traveling, always keep the fuel tank in your car at least half full. 22 TECHNOLOGICAL DISASTERS These disasters are often insidious proceeding with little or no warning, and may be triggered by an accident. Although there are many kinds of technological disasters, the most common involve fires or explosions. Other kinds of technological disasters include transportation accidents, airplane accidents, structural failures, and hazardous material incidents. Major transportation corridors are likely places for hazardous material incidents. Also, the sewer treatment facility in the city is another potential risk to the community. Planning and preparation for technological disasters is difficult because such disasters are often unpredictable. However there are several things you can do to plan and react to such disasters. Knowing where potential risks are located will help you plan. The key to planning for such disasters is to know a route to get away from the area affected. In case a toxic substance is released into the air, keep upwind. Fire Fire hazards can destroy homes, property and lives as the 2003 wild fires in California demonstrated. Although a similar wild fire in this community presents little risk, houses along wooded areas, such as the river, should take precautions. However, wild fires are not the only fire hazards; everyone should be familiar with fire prevention measures at home. Make sure your home and property is free of combustible materials, or that they are safely cleared and stored. In buildings, do not run wires or extension cords under carpets or rugs. Plan escape routes and procedures from a building and practice drills. Know the fastest way out, have alternate exits, and conduct fire drills. Have escape ladders for all windows higher than eight feet off the ground (especially for children). In case of a fire, HAVE A PLACE TO MEET. This helps prevent going back into a burning building to needlessly looking for someone who is already outside. Have working fire extinguishers in the house and car which you inspect or replace often. Be prepared to follow the instructions of emergency personnel. If in a burning building and you cannot get out, block smoke from entering using wet towels or cloth. If you should catch on fire, do not run. Drop to the ground and start rolling over and over to smother the flames. If you see someone on fire use a coat or blanket, not your bare hands, to smother the flames. Watch to see that children do not go back inside a burning building to rescue a pet or prize possession. Know how to turn off the gas and electricity, if possible, from the outside of the house. In a public building, follow the established evacuation procedures. Aircraft Accident Although the likelihood of this type of disaster happening in Marriott-Slaterville is unlikely, the community is within the flight path of three major airports, including one military installation. Should this unlikely event occur, the state and federal governments will take charge of the situation. The community will defer to state and federal authorities in all aspects of a airplane crash. In the event of a plane crash, assess the situation. If the plane crashed into or near a home, school, or building, immediately call 9-1-1 and evacuate. Maintain a safe distance from a crashed aircraft. Move away and upwind from the downed plane while remaining cautious for a possible explosion. Ensure that no one returns to buildings for any reason until such buildings are officially declared safe by the authorities. 23