Disaster
Preparation
eBook
If Disaster Struck Today,
What Would You Do?
BE PREPARED
Let's face it, people caught up in the chaos of a
disaster are rarely at their best. They're usually in a
state of shock, scared and confused, desperately
wondering what they should do next. So, the question
is, if a disaster struck today, what would you do?
Well, it comes down to this - the best way to stay safe
during a disaster is to be prepared. During the minutes
immediately following a disaster, it's important to
know that you can fend for yourself, your family and
Top 12 Steps
to Follow After a
Disaster Strikes.
1. Slow Down!
Look for Safety Hazards.
Your first concern needs to be to
ensure the safety of your loved
ones including you/r pets. Check to
see if anyone is injured and, if
applicable, address any injuries that
need your immediate attention and
take care of them first. Walk around
your home/building, looking for
structural damage that may make it
unsafe to stay inside.
2. Communication
During a disaster you can’t rely on
phones because connections will
not only quickly become
bombarded but they are better left
open for emergency responders. If
you can get a cellular connection,
you should be able to text which
would be a more reliable option.
3. Locate Warm/Dry Clothing
and Durable Footwear
Weather conditions can change fast
during and after a disaster, so it's
important to look for warm, dry
clothing, a good pair of socks,
durable shoes and gloves. People
who are well prepared for a disaster
often keep a set of these items
under their beds so they'll have
easy access to them if they have to
get out of the house quickly.
4. Turn off the Utilities/Avoid Carbon
Monoxide Poisoning
During a disaster the electrical service
can end up disrupted or the conditions
can cause electrical fixtures to separate
or cause wires to come loose, conditions
that can create a shock as well as be a
fire hazard. In addition, if you hear a
hissing sound or smell propane or
natural gas, evacuate immediately, find
the gas meter and turn off the gas. If
you need to cook, use charcoal burning
stoves and BBQ's, staying away from
vents, open doors and windows.
5. Preserving Sentimental Items
If you're prepared for a disaster, you
probably keep sentimental items and
important documents together in a safe,
easy to reach place. If you're not prepared,
there are a few things to you can do to
keep them from further damage. For
example, photographs, wet books and
documents that canít be air dried within a
couple of days can be frozen to prevent
mold growth. If available, you can use dry
ice as part of a freeze drying process.
6. Conserve Your Water
Water will quickly become precious
resource following a disaster. As
soon as possible following a
disaster you need to turn the water
off at the main valve to make sure
that the water that's currently in the
home remains uncontaminated.
7. Avoid Cross Contamination
Cross contamination is often a
problem during disasters, especially
when it's a sewage issue. If the
contamination problem seems to be
located in a specific room, don't
move items in that room to a
different location in the home
because it will simply transfer the
contamination. Avoid body contact
with the contaminated sewage and
affected items until the problem
can be dealt with.
8. Fire Protection
If you've turned off the electricity
and you're certain your home is
safe, gather together any fire
extinguishers you have and share
them with your neighbors. You'll not
only help prevent other fires in your
community, you'll be doing your
neighbors a huge favor.
9. Watch out for Drowning Hazards
Stay away from moving water,
regardless of how slow it's flowing
or how deep it looks and never
drive on flooded roads. Play it safe
and follow any warnings you see
about water on roadways. If you
end up caught in a location where
the flood water is rising, wear a life
jacket or keep another kind of
flotation device handy.
10. Avoid Temperature Related Issues
&
If you're dealing with significant amounts
of water that is less than 75 degrees, take
breaks away from the water, change into
dry clothes if possible and wear rubber
boots. If you're dealing with hot weather
conditions, drink a lot of water if
available, stay in cool areas, wear light
colored, lightweight clothing and save
outdoor activities for the cooler early
morning or late evening hours.
11. Call a Restoration Company
Before you contact your insurance
company call a certified restoration
company and have them assess the
damage. If damage is less than the
deductible you may decide not to
file it. Insurance companies will
establish a claim, whether they pay
out on it or not, which can have a
significant impact your insurance
premiums.
12. Call Your Insurance Company
If it makes sense to do so, call your
insurance company after you've had
your restoration company assess
the damage.
For more information about preventing injury
following a disaster visit
http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/injury/facts.asp.
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1-800-91-WATER.COM