Emergency Preparedness
Prepare for Emergencies in 3 Easy Steps
Emergency Preparedness
Your family may not be together when an emergency happens that’s why it is important to have a plan in place. Sit down and talk to your family about how you will reach each other in different situations. Make sure everyone can get to a safe place and find each other in the event of an emergency.
During an emergency you may not be able to get food or water for days or weeks, and your electricity may not be working. The following items should be part of your emergency kit and should be kept in a container that could be easily carried if you need to leave home:
- Water
- Canned or Dried Food
- Can Opener
- Battery Powered Radio
- Flashlight
- Extra Batteries
- Prescription Medications
- First-aid Kit
- Extra Money
- Blankets
It is important to stay calm in an emergency. Get as much information about the situation as possible. In case there is no electricity, make sure you have a battery-powered radio with extra batteries so you can listen for updates and instruction.
City, County and State officials have developed emergency plans.
In the event of an actual emergency it is important to follow their instructions and advice. They will provide you with the latest information.Disaster Supply Calendar
A guide to purchasing disaster survival supplies over a 5-month (20-week) period.
WEEK 1(GROCERY STORE)
TO DO:
Find out what kinds of disasters can happen in your area. Date each perishable food item using marking pen.
WEEK 2 (HARDWARE STORE)
TO DO:
Complete a personal assessment of your needs and resources in a changed disaster environment.
Encourage your neighbors to do the same.
WEEK 3(GROCERY STORE)
TO DO:
Be a part of a support network in your area to identify and obtain resources needed to cope effectively with disaster.
WEEK 4 (HARDWARE STORE)
TO DO:
Encourage the network to develop a personal disaster plan.
Share copies of the following with network: emergency information list, medical information, disability-related supplies and special equipment list and personal disaster plan.
WEEK 5 (GROCERY STORE)
TO DO:
Make a floor plan of your home including primary escapes routes.
Identify safe places to go in case of fire, tornado, storm and flood.
Practice a fire drill, tornado drill & flood plans with your network.
WEEK 6 (FIRST AID SUPPLIES)
TO DO:
Check with child’s day care center or school to find out about their disaster plans.
Ask you local emergency management office if emergency transportation services are available in case of evacuation.
WEEK 7 (GROCERY STORE)
TO DO:
Encourage network to establish out-of-town contacts to call in case of emergency.
Share this information within your network.
Make arrangements for your network to check on each other immediately after an evacuation order or a disaster.
WEEK 8 (FIRST AID SUPPLIES)
TO DO:
Place a pair of shoes and a flashlight by your bed so they are handy in an emergency.
If visually impaired, store a talking clock and one or more white canes.
If visually impaired, mark your disaster supplies in Braille or with fluorescent tape.
WEEK 9 (GROCERY STORE)
TO DO:
Agree on a signal with your network that indicates you are okay and have left the disaster site.
If you have a communication disability, store a word or letter board in your disaster supplies kit.
WEEK 10 (HARDWARE STORE)
TO DO:
With your network, find the gas and water meter shutoffs of each home. Discuss when it is appropriate to turn these off.
Attach a wrench next to the shutoff valve of each meter so it will be there when needed.
Make photocopies of important papers and store safely.
WEEK 11 (GROCERY STORE)
TO DO:
Test your smoke detector(s). Replace the battery in each that does not work.
Replace any smoke detector that does not work.
WEEK 12 (ANIMAL CARE STORE) – Skip if you have no pets
VETERINARIAN:
TO DO:
Develop a pet care plan in case of disaster.
Make photocopies of all vaccination records and put them in your disaster supplies kit.
Put extra harness, leash and ID tags in your kit too.
WEEK 13 (HARDWARE STORE)
TO DO:
Take a first aid/CPR class.
Strap your water heater to wall studs using perforated metal tape.
WEEK 14 (GROCERY STORE)
TO DO:
Discuss with your network and neighbors what help you may need in an emergency and how best to assist them.
Practice using alternative methods of evacuation with your network.
WEEK 15 (HARDWARE STORE)
TO DO:
Make arrangements to bolt bookcases and cabinets to wall studs.
Label equipment and attach instruction cards.
WEEK 16 (GROCERY STORE)
TO DO:
Develop a disaster supplies kit for your automobile(s).
WEEK 17 (GROCERY STORE)
FIRST AID SUPPLIES:
TO DO:
Arrange for a friend or neighbor to help your children if you are not able to respond or are away at work.
WEEK 18 (HARDWARE STORE)
TO DO:
Install latches on cupboards and secure movable objects.
Put away a blanket or sleeping bag for each household member.
WEEK 19 (GROCERY STORE)
TO DO:
Review your insurance coverage with your agent to be sure you are covered for the disasters that may occur in your area. Obtain additional coverage, as needed.
Purchase and have installed an emergency escape ladder for upper story windows, if needed.
WEEK 20 (HARDWARE STORE)
SPECIALTY STORE:
Get extra battery for motorized mobility units
TO DO:
City, County and State officials have developed emergency plans.
In the event of an actual emergency it is important to follow their instructions and advice. They will provide you with the latest information.Disaster Supply Calendar
A guide to purchasing disaster survival supplies over a 5-month (20-week) period.
WEEK 1(GROCERY STORE)
- 1 gallon water*
- 1 large can juice*
- 1 jar peanut butter
- 1 can meat*
- Hand-operated can opener
- Permanent marking pen
- Baby food, diapers & pet food, if needed.
TO DO:
Find out what kinds of disasters can happen in your area. Date each perishable food item using marking pen.
WEEK 2 (HARDWARE STORE)
- Duct tape
- 2 flashlights with batteries
- Matches in water-proof container
- Heavy cotton or hemp rope
- Also, a leash or carrier for your pet
TO DO:
Complete a personal assessment of your needs and resources in a changed disaster environment.
Encourage your neighbors to do the same.
WEEK 3(GROCERY STORE)
- 1 gallon water*
- Laxative
- 1 can meat*
- Aspirin/non-aspirin pain reliever
- 1 can fruit*
- Feminine hygiene supplies
- Paper & pencils
- Map of the area (Available at the Health Department)
- 1 gallon of water for each pet
TO DO:
Be a part of a support network in your area to identify and obtain resources needed to cope effectively with disaster.
WEEK 4 (HARDWARE STORE)
- Signal flares
- Compass
- Patch kit & can of seal-in-air product for the tires of mobility aids.
- Also, extra medications/prescriptions marked emergency use.
TO DO:
Encourage the network to develop a personal disaster plan.
Share copies of the following with network: emergency information list, medical information, disability-related supplies and special equipment list and personal disaster plan.
WEEK 5 (GROCERY STORE)
- 1 gallon water*
- 2 rolls of toilet paper
- 1 can meat*
- 1 can fruit*
- Extra toothbrush
- Travel-size toothpaste
- 1 can vegetables*
- Foods for special diets, if needed
TO DO:
Make a floor plan of your home including primary escapes routes.
Identify safe places to go in case of fire, tornado, storm and flood.
Practice a fire drill, tornado drill & flood plans with your network.
WEEK 6 (FIRST AID SUPPLIES)
- Safety pins
- Adhesive tape
- Latex gloves
- Sunscreen
- Gauze pads
- Roller bandages
- Sterile adhesive band-ages in assorted sizes
- Also, extra hearing aid batteries, if needed
TO DO:
Check with child’s day care center or school to find out about their disaster plans.
Ask you local emergency management office if emergency transportation services are available in case of evacuation.
WEEK 7 (GROCERY STORE)
- 1 gallon water*
- 1 can soup*
- 1 can fruit*
- 1 can vegetables*
- 1 Sewing kit
- Disinfectant
- Baby food, diapers, & pet food, if needed
TO DO:
Encourage network to establish out-of-town contacts to call in case of emergency.
Share this information within your network.
Make arrangements for your network to check on each other immediately after an evacuation order or a disaster.
WEEK 8 (FIRST AID SUPPLIES)
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Thermometer
- Needles
- Disposable wipes
- Petroleum jelly
- 2 tongue blades
- Liquid antibacterial hand soap
- Extra eyeglasses, if needed
TO DO:
Place a pair of shoes and a flashlight by your bed so they are handy in an emergency.
If visually impaired, store a talking clock and one or more white canes.
If visually impaired, mark your disaster supplies in Braille or with fluorescent tape.
WEEK 9 (GROCERY STORE)
- 1 can soup*
- Liquid dish soap
- Household bleach
- Antacid
- 1 box heavy-duty garbage bags
- Saline solution and a contact lens case, if needed.
TO DO:
Agree on a signal with your network that indicates you are okay and have left the disaster site.
If you have a communication disability, store a word or letter board in your disaster supplies kit.
WEEK 10 (HARDWARE STORE)
- Battery-powered radio
- Wrench(es) needed to turn off utilities
- Waterproof plastic container to store important papers
- Cash for fees, etc.
TO DO:
With your network, find the gas and water meter shutoffs of each home. Discuss when it is appropriate to turn these off.
Attach a wrench next to the shutoff valve of each meter so it will be there when needed.
Make photocopies of important papers and store safely.
WEEK 11 (GROCERY STORE)
- 1 large can juice*
- 1 box quick energy snacks
- Large zip-lock bags
- 3 rolls toilet paper
- Medicine dropper
TO DO:
Test your smoke detector(s). Replace the battery in each that does not work.
Replace any smoke detector that does not work.
WEEK 12 (ANIMAL CARE STORE) – Skip if you have no pets
- Litter box/pan
- Pet crate
- Extra water
- Extra harness, leash, ID tags, and food for your pet(s)
VETERINARIAN:
- Obtain current vaccinations and medical records of your animal(s)
- Medications
TO DO:
Develop a pet care plan in case of disaster.
Make photocopies of all vaccination records and put them in your disaster supplies kit.
Put extra harness, leash and ID tags in your kit too.
WEEK 13 (HARDWARE STORE)
- Whistle
- Crow bar
- Pliers
- Screwdriver
- Hammer
- Perforated metal (plumber’s) tape
TO DO:
Take a first aid/CPR class.
Strap your water heater to wall studs using perforated metal tape.
WEEK 14 (GROCERY STORE)
- 1 can meat*
- paper cups
- 1 can fruit*
- plastic cups
- 1 can vegetables*
- 1 package eating utensils
TO DO:
Discuss with your network and neighbors what help you may need in an emergency and how best to assist them.
Practice using alternative methods of evacuation with your network.
WEEK 15 (HARDWARE STORE)
- Wood screws
- Extra battery for portable radio
- Extra flashlight batteries
- Labels for your equipment & supplies
TO DO:
Make arrangements to bolt bookcases and cabinets to wall studs.
Label equipment and attach instruction cards.
WEEK 16 (GROCERY STORE)
- 1 can meat*
- 1 can vegetables*
- 1 box facial tissue
TO DO:
Develop a disaster supplies kit for your automobile(s).
WEEK 17 (GROCERY STORE)
- Dry cereal
- 1 box graham crackers
- Plastic containers with lids
FIRST AID SUPPLIES:
- Anti-diarrheal medicine
- Rubbing alcohol
- Antiseptic
- Syrup of ipecac & activated charcoal
TO DO:
Arrange for a friend or neighbor to help your children if you are not able to respond or are away at work.
WEEK 18 (HARDWARE STORE)
- Padlocks & keys
- Plastic sheeting
- Plastic bucket with tight lid
- Childproof latches or other fasteners
- Double-sided tape or Velcro to secure movable objects.
TO DO:
Install latches on cupboards and secure movable objects.
Put away a blanket or sleeping bag for each household member.
WEEK 19 (GROCERY STORE)
- Plastic wrap
- Aluminum foil
- 1 box quick energy snacks
- Charcoal
- Comfort foods (cookies, candy bars, etc.)
TO DO:
Review your insurance coverage with your agent to be sure you are covered for the disasters that may occur in your area. Obtain additional coverage, as needed.
Purchase and have installed an emergency escape ladder for upper story windows, if needed.
WEEK 20 (HARDWARE STORE)
- Camping or utility knife
- Work gloves
- Safety goggles
- Disposable dust masks
- 2 blank video cassettes or DVDs
SPECIALTY STORE:
Get extra battery for motorized mobility units
TO DO:
- Use a video camera to tape the contents of your home for insurance purposes.
- Make a copy of the video and store it with an out-of-town friend or family member.
- Find out about your workplace disaster plan.
- Congratulations! You have just prepared your entire family for a disaster.
- Guidelines for dealing with refrigerated and frozen foods
When to save and when to throw out.
Stop Stay! Take Shelter!
Stay Put – Learn How to Shelter in Place
Sometimes the best way to stay safe in an emergency is to get inside and stay put inside a building or vehicle. Where you should stay can be different for different types of emergencies.
Be informed(http://emergency.cdc.gov/preparedness/informed/index.asp) about the different kinds of emergencies that could affect your area and ways officials share emergency information. Ask your local emergency management agency about the best places to take shelter during different types of emergencies.
Get Inside, Stay Inside
If local officials tell you to “stay put,” act quickly. Listen carefully to local radio or television stations for instructions, because the exact directions will depend on the emergency situation. In general you should:
Get inside. Bring your loved ones, your emergency supplies, and when possible, your pets,
Find a safe spot in this location. The exact spot will depend on the type of emergency,
Stay put in this location until officials say that it is safe to leave.
Stay in Touch
Once you and your family are in place, let your emergency contact know what’s happening, and listen carefully for new information.
Call or text your emergency contact. Let them know where you are, if any family members are missing, and how you are doing.
Use your phone only as necessary. Keep the phone handy in case you need to report a life threatening emergency. Otherwise, do not use the phone, so that the lines will be available for emergency responders.
Keep listening to your radio, television, or phone for updates. Do not leave your shelter unless authorities tell you it is safe to do so. If they tell you to evacuate the area, follow their instructions
Sheltering with pets
Prepare a spot for your pets to use the restroom while inside the shelter. You will need plenty of plastic bags, newspapers, containers, and cleaning supplies to deal with the pet waste.
Do not allow pets to go outside the shelter until the danger has passed.
Sealing a Room
In some types of emergencies, you will need to stop outside air from coming in. If officials tell you to “seal the room,” you need to:
Turn off things that move air, like fans and air conditioners,
Get yourself and your loved ones inside the room,
Bring your emergency supplies if they are clean and easy to get to
Block air from entering the room, and
Listen to officials for further instructions.
Once officials say the emergency is over, turn on fans and other things that circulate air. Everyone should go outside until the building’s air has been exchanged with the now clean outdoor air. For more details, read FEMA’s Guidelines for Staying Put.
Staying Put in Your Vehicle
In some emergencies it is safer to pull over and stay in your car than to keep driving. If you are very close to home, your workplace, or a public building, go there immediately and go inside. Follow the “shelter-in-place” recommendations for that location. If you can’t get indoors quickly and safely:
Listen to the radio for updates and additional instructions.
Modern car radios do not use much battery power, so listening to the radio for an hour or two should not cause your car battery to die.
Even after it is safe to get back on the road, keep listening to the radio and follow directions of law enforcement officials.
Stay where you are until officials say it is safe to get back on the road.
Stop your vehicle in the safest place possible and turn off the engine.
If it is warm outside, it is better to stop under a bridge or in a shady spot so you don’t get overheated.[/x_accordion_item][x_accordion_item title=”Planning for pets in emergencies!” open=”false”]Nobody likes to think about disaster, but if and when one happens you need to be prepared, not only for you and your family, but for your pets!
Pets are members of the family and they rely on you to prepare and care for them in case of an emergency. You need to plan for both evacuation and if you need to remain in your home.
How to prepare before a disaster
* If possible have a two week supply of the following for your pet: drinking water, pet food, litter, and medication
Before a disaster strikes is the best time to figure out what you are going to do with you pet! Your pet needs to have a safe place to go to either with you or without you. Here are some suggestions as to how to prepare a safe place for your pet to go:
ASSEMBLE A PET DISASTER KIT
A pet kit should be created to help you have the essential items you need for your pet. So when a disaster strikes you already have everything you need for them in a designated kit. Below we have some suggestions as to what you should keep in your pet disaster kit.
Remember, even pets that appear calm startle easily in distress, so be careful that they don’t escape.
Decide on a safe location in your house where you could leave you pet in an emergency.
For more information, please contact:
Stephanie Bragg
419-947-1545 ext. 308
stephanie.bragg@morrowcountyhealth.org
Stop Stay! Take Shelter!
Stay Put – Learn How to Shelter in Place
Sometimes the best way to stay safe in an emergency is to get inside and stay put inside a building or vehicle. Where you should stay can be different for different types of emergencies.
Be informed(http://emergency.cdc.gov/preparedness/informed/index.asp) about the different kinds of emergencies that could affect your area and ways officials share emergency information. Ask your local emergency management agency about the best places to take shelter during different types of emergencies.
Get Inside, Stay Inside
If local officials tell you to “stay put,” act quickly. Listen carefully to local radio or television stations for instructions, because the exact directions will depend on the emergency situation. In general you should:
Get inside. Bring your loved ones, your emergency supplies, and when possible, your pets,
Find a safe spot in this location. The exact spot will depend on the type of emergency,
Stay put in this location until officials say that it is safe to leave.
Stay in Touch
Once you and your family are in place, let your emergency contact know what’s happening, and listen carefully for new information.
Call or text your emergency contact. Let them know where you are, if any family members are missing, and how you are doing.
Use your phone only as necessary. Keep the phone handy in case you need to report a life threatening emergency. Otherwise, do not use the phone, so that the lines will be available for emergency responders.
Keep listening to your radio, television, or phone for updates. Do not leave your shelter unless authorities tell you it is safe to do so. If they tell you to evacuate the area, follow their instructions
Sheltering with pets
Prepare a spot for your pets to use the restroom while inside the shelter. You will need plenty of plastic bags, newspapers, containers, and cleaning supplies to deal with the pet waste.
Do not allow pets to go outside the shelter until the danger has passed.
Sealing a Room
In some types of emergencies, you will need to stop outside air from coming in. If officials tell you to “seal the room,” you need to:
Turn off things that move air, like fans and air conditioners,
Get yourself and your loved ones inside the room,
Bring your emergency supplies if they are clean and easy to get to
Block air from entering the room, and
Listen to officials for further instructions.
Once officials say the emergency is over, turn on fans and other things that circulate air. Everyone should go outside until the building’s air has been exchanged with the now clean outdoor air. For more details, read FEMA’s Guidelines for Staying Put.
Staying Put in Your Vehicle
In some emergencies it is safer to pull over and stay in your car than to keep driving. If you are very close to home, your workplace, or a public building, go there immediately and go inside. Follow the “shelter-in-place” recommendations for that location. If you can’t get indoors quickly and safely:
Listen to the radio for updates and additional instructions.
Modern car radios do not use much battery power, so listening to the radio for an hour or two should not cause your car battery to die.
Even after it is safe to get back on the road, keep listening to the radio and follow directions of law enforcement officials.
Stay where you are until officials say it is safe to get back on the road.
Stop your vehicle in the safest place possible and turn off the engine.
If it is warm outside, it is better to stop under a bridge or in a shady spot so you don’t get overheated.[/x_accordion_item][x_accordion_item title=”Planning for pets in emergencies!” open=”false”]Nobody likes to think about disaster, but if and when one happens you need to be prepared, not only for you and your family, but for your pets!
Pets are members of the family and they rely on you to prepare and care for them in case of an emergency. You need to plan for both evacuation and if you need to remain in your home.
How to prepare before a disaster
* If possible have a two week supply of the following for your pet: drinking water, pet food, litter, and medication
Before a disaster strikes is the best time to figure out what you are going to do with you pet! Your pet needs to have a safe place to go to either with you or without you. Here are some suggestions as to how to prepare a safe place for your pet to go:
- Call hotels and motels outside your immediate area and ask about their policies on accepting pets during an emergency
- Keep a list of several pet-friendly place, their addresses and phone numbers
- Make a list of boarding facilities and vets that could shelter your pets
- Ask friends and relatives outside the area if they could shelter your pets
- Call local animal shelters to see if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets in an emergency
ASSEMBLE A PET DISASTER KIT
A pet kit should be created to help you have the essential items you need for your pet. So when a disaster strikes you already have everything you need for them in a designated kit. Below we have some suggestions as to what you should keep in your pet disaster kit.
- All of your pets’ medical records, current photos and medication store in a waterproof container
- A pet first-aid-kit (basic supplies: gauze pads, gauze rolls/bandages, roll of cloth, tweezers, hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic ointment, Q-tips, instant cool pack, rags for tourniquet, FIRST AID BOOK)
- Sturdy leashes, collars and transport carriers for all your pets, and some extra to help rescue pets in need along the way (carriers should allow your pet to stand up and turn around)
- Food, bowls, litter pans, can openers
- Written information on feeding schedules, medical problems, behavioral habits and full information on your veterinarians.
- Pets’ toys and blankets
Remember, even pets that appear calm startle easily in distress, so be careful that they don’t escape.
- Make sure all pets have current ID tags on.
- Move cages away from windows and objects that could fall on them.
- If confining your pets, make sure the room is pet-proofed (i.e., no sharp objects, electrical cords, poisons) so they don’t harm themselves.
- Go over your disaster plan with all the family members and make sure everyone knows where the disaster kit is located.
- Call ahead to your veterinarian and make sure you have enough of any medications your pet is currently taking.
- Stock up on essentials.
Decide on a safe location in your house where you could leave you pet in an emergency.
- Consider easy to clean areas such as utility areas or bathrooms and rooms with access to a supply of fresh water.
- Avoid choosing rooms with hazards such as windows, hanging plants or pictures.
- In case of flooding, the location should have access to high counters that pets can escape rising water levels.
- Set up two separate locations if you have dogs and cats
- Use large capacity self-feeder and water dispenser
- Keep small pets (i.e. hamsters, gerbils) away from dogs and cats[
For more information, please contact:
Stephanie Bragg
419-947-1545 ext. 308
stephanie.bragg@morrowcountyhealth.org
Prep Act Questions and Answers
Closed POD Kit
CRI Planning Workbook
Closed POD Information from CDC
Closed POD Importance from NACCHO
Closed POD Kit
CRI Planning Workbook
Closed POD Information from CDC
Closed POD Importance from NACCHO
Closed POD Planning:
As part of Morrow County Health District (MCHD) Public Health Preparedness planning we are required to plan for an event that would require a mass dispensing of medication to the general population. In order to do this MCHD plans on opening one open point of dispensing (open POD) to the general public. To alleviate the demand of Open PODs, MCHD has identified local private facilities in the community that could provide medications to their employees, patients, staff, essential service providers, and other specific groups to minimize the amount of people at the Open PODs. The Private locations are referred to as closed PODS
- Call MCHD today and we can help get the process started.
- Look at the helpful links on the side for tools for Closed POD Planning.
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Community Partners
Morrow County Health District Emergency Preparedness works closely with the county partners to ensure swiftness and coordination of emergency preparedness plans.