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What
We Can Do to Save Our Lives
Online
Brochure  pdf
This
information was developed by the Rochester-Monroe County
Chapter, American Red Cross.
Dear Friends,
We are a group of older adults who experienced a two-week power
outage when a massive ice storm hit the Greater Rochester, New
York, area. We were unprepared for such a disaster. If we had
only taken a few simple steps to prepare ourselves for such an
event, we could have eliminated many of the hardships we had to
endure.
We are just like many of you. Some of us are in good health but
aren't quite a agile as we used to be; some of us have hearing
or vision problems; others use a cane or wheelchair. Whatever
our limitations, however, we need to be prepared. We can be
prepared.
For six months we have researched and discussed disasters and
preparedness with the American Red Cross. To avoid getting
caught unprepared, we urge you to immediately review the
enclosed information and fill in the appropriate local emergency
numbers. Be sure to keep this helpful reference tool in a handy
place for quick reference.
Sincerely,
Vi, Melvin Q., Julia L., Nancy C., Marion V., Jam, Dorothy M.,
Janet H., Fran, Roger H., Mary S., and LaVinia
TAKE RESPONSIBILITY
Prepare NOW for a sudden emergency
Learn how to protect yourself and cope with disaster by planning
ahead.
Even if you have physical limitations, you can still protect
yourself.
Disaster can strike quickly and without warning!
Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a
disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away.
Take responsibility--Save your life!
Keep in touch with your neighbors and look out for each other.
Knowing What to Do Is Your Best Protection And Your
Responsibility.
Every day some part of the country is affected by one or more of
the following emergencies:
Hurricanes
Earthquakes
Winter Storms
Tornadoes
Thunderstorms
Flooding
Toxic Spills
Fires
Which
three are most likely to happen in your area?
Preparing for a disaster that is most likely to happen in your
area will help you be prepared for any disaster. Remember
anything can happen at any time.
See the section, "For More Information," at the end of
this document to obtain information on potential disasters that
can happen in your area.
NOTIFICATION
How You May Be Notified Of A Possible Emergency
NOAA weather radio.
These special radios provide the earliest warning with an alarm
that will alert you in case of anticipated bad weather. To learn
more, call your local National Weather Service office.
Commercial radio and television stations.
Know your designed Emergency Alert System stations (EAS).
My EAS Radio Station is:
My EAS Television Station:
Door to door warning from local emergency officials.
Strictly follow their instructions!
Be aware of anyone in your neighborhood who may need special
help. If available, take advantage of advance registration
systems in your area for those who need help.
FAMILY DISASTER PLAN
Plan Ahead!!!
The next time disaster strikes, you may not have much time to
act. Prepare now for a sudden emergency. By planning ahead
you can avoid waiting in long lines for critical supplies, such
as food, water and medicine. Remember to review your plan
regularly.
Use the following checklist to get started:
Your Disaster Checklist
-
Assemble
a disaster supplies kit.
-
Arrange
for someone to check on you.
-
Plan
and practice the best escape routes from your home.
-
Plan
for transportation if you need to evacuate to a Red Cross
shelter.
-
Find
the safe places in your home for each type of emergency.
-
Have
a plan to signal the need for help.
-
Post
emergency phone numbers near the phone.
-
If
you have home health care service, plan ahead with your
agency for emergency procedures.
-
Teach
those who may need to assist you in an emergency how to
operate necessary equipment.
-
Be
sure they will be able to reach you.
-
Medical
Emergency Supplies
-
For
your safety and comfort, you need to have emergency supplies
packed and ready in one place before disaster hits.
-
You
should assemble enough supplies to last for at least three
days.
-
Assemble
the supplies you would need in an evacuation, both medical
and general supplies.
-
Store
them in an easy-to-carry container, such as a backpack of
duffel bag.
-
Be
sure your bag has an ID tag.
-
Label
any equipment, such as wheelchairs, canes or walkers, that
you would need.
FOR YOUR MEDICAL NEEDS
-
First-aid
kit
-
Prescription
medicines, list of medications including dosage, list of any
allergies
-
Extra
eyeglasses and hearing-aid batteries
-
Extra
wheelchair batteries, oxygen
-
List
of the style and serial numbers of medical devices such as
pacemakers
-
Medical
insurance and Medicare cards
-
List
of doctors and relatives or friends who should be notified
if you are injured
-
Any
other items you may need
GENERAL DISASTER SUPPLIES
-
Battery-powered
radio and flashlight with extra batteries for each
-
Change
of clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes
-
Blanket
or sleeping bag
-
Extra
set of keys
-
Cash,
credit cards, change for the pay phone
-
Personal
hygiene supplies
-
Phone
numbers of local and non-local relatives or friends
-
Insurance
agent's name and number
-
Other
items you want to include
It
may not be necessary to evacuate, or you may be ordered to stay
in your home. If this happens, you will need in addition to the
above items:
-
Water
supply: one gallon per day per person. Remember, plan for at
least 3 days. Store water in sealed, unbreakable containers
that you are able to handle. Identify the storage date and
replace every six months.
-
Non-perishable
food supply--including any special foods you require.
Choose foods that are easy to store and carry, nutritious
and ready-to-eat. Rotate them regularly. See section,
"For More Information".
-
Manual
can opener you are able to use.
-
Non-perishable
food for any pets.
SHELTER
IN PLACE
In a chemical emergency, you may be told to shelter in place.
This means staying where you are and making yourself as safe as
possible until the emergency passes or you are told to evacuate.
In this situation it is safer to remain indoors than to go
outside where the air is unsafe to breathe.
If You are Told To Shelter In Place
-
Close
all windows in your home.
-
Turn
off all fans, heating, and air conditioning systems.
-
Close
the fireplace damper.
-
Go
to an above-ground room (not the basement) with the fewest
windows and doors.
-
Take
your Disaster Supplies Kit with you.
-
Wet
some towels and jam them in the crack under the doors. Tape
around doors, windows, exhaust fans or vents. Use plastic
garbage bags to cover windows, outlets and heat registers.
-
If
you are told there is danger of explosion, close the window
shades, blinds or curtains. To avoid injury, stay away from
the windows.
-
Stay
in the room and listen to your radio until you are told all
is safe or you are told to evacuate.
RED CROSS SHELTERS
Red
Cross Shelters may be opened if
Be
Prepared to Go to a Shelter if. . .
-
Your
area is without electrical power.
-
There
is a chemical emergency affecting your area.
-
Flood
water is rising.
-
Your
home has been severely damaged.
-
Police
or other local officials tell you to evacuate.
Services
Provided at a Red Cross Shelter
-
Food.
-
Temporary
shelter.
-
Basic
First Aid.
To
Learn About Red Cross Shelters Serving Your Area
-
Listen
to your battery-powered radio.
-
Check
with your local Red Cross chapter. In King County call (206)
323-2345. In Kitsap County, call (360) 377-3761.
All
American Red Cross emergency services are provided free of
charge.
If You Need To Evacuate
-
Coordinate
with your home care provider for evacuation procedures.
-
Try
to car pool if possible.
-
If
you must have assistance for special transportation call the
American Red Cross or your local officials.
-
Wear
appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes.
-
Take
your Disaster Supplies Kit.
-
Lock
your home.
-
Use
the travel routes specified or special assistance provided
by local officials. Don't take any short cuts, they may be
unsafe.
-
Notify
shelter authorities of any need you may have. They will do
their best to accommodate you and make you comfortable.
If
You Are Sure You Have Enough Time...
-
Shut
off water, gas, and electricity if instructed to do so and
if you know how. Gas must be turned back on by a
professional.
-
Let
others know when you left and where you are going.
-
Make
arrangements for pets. Animals other than working animals
may not be allowed in public shelters.
RESIDENTIAL
FIRES
One emergency we could all face at any time is a home fire. A
home fire could be a special challenge for one with physical
limitations. However, there are some things we can do to improve
our safety:
Before a Fire
-
Plan
two escape routes out of each room. If you cannot use
stairways, make special arrangements for help in advance.
Never use elevators.
-
Sleep
with the bedroom door closed. This gives you extra minutes
of protection from toxic fumes and fire.
-
Test
your smoke detector battery regularly, and as a reminder,
change batteries on the same day each year. Vacuum it
occasionally to remove dust.
In
Case Of Fire
-
Remain
calm.
-
Drop
to the floor and crawl. Most fire fatalities are due to
breathing toxic fumes and smoke. The cleanest air is near
the floor. Breathing toxic fumes and smoke is more dangerous
than the risk of injury in getting to the floor quickly.
-
Feel
any door before you open it. If it is hot, find another way
out.
-
If
your smoke detector goes off, never waste time to get
dressed or collect valuables or pets. Get out of the house
immediately.
-
Do
not try to fight the fire! Call for help from a neighbor's
phone.
-
Never
go back into a burning building for any reason.
-
If
your clothes catch on fire, drop to the floor and roll to
suffocate the fire. Keep rolling (running from the fire only
"fans" the flames and makes it worse).
-
If
you are in a wheelchair or cannot get out of your house,
stay by the window near the floor. If you are able, signal
the need to help.
GRANDCHILDREN'S SAFETY
It is estimated that 3.4 million children live in a household
headed by grandparents. And, many children visit their
grandparents often. The following safety advice for children can
help grandparents prepare a safe environment at home for
children:
-
Store
matches and lighters up high, away from children.
-
Move
cleaning chemicals like cleansers, soap, drain cleaner, and
other poisons to high cupboards OR install a child-proof
lock if you must keep these items in low cabinets.
-
Store
prescription medicines and over-the-counter drugs like
aspirin, cough medicines, and stomachache remedies in a
cabinet out of reach of children.
-
If
children are playing outside or in a pool when skies grow
dark or you hear thunder, ask them to come indoors right
away. Install plastic covers over all exposed
electrical outlets.
Children
Can Help Grandparents, too:
Have children test each smoke detector in your home to make sure
it is working by using a broom handle to push the test button.
See that the battery is changed in each detector that doesn't
work.
Ask children to draw a floor plan of your home and show two ways
out of every room in case of fire.
SUMMARY AND REMINDERS
-
Take
responsibility by planning now.
-
Listen
for information on radio and TV about hazardous weather and
other events, and heed the advice of local officials. Leave
right away if told to do so.
-
In
some communities, people who need help or transportation
during an evacuation are asked to register that need with
their local government.
-
Call
your local emergency management office for information and
suggestions about what to do during an evacuation.
-
Gather
essential supplies, and be sure to keep a copy of your
eyeglass prescription, list of medications and their dosage,
and other important papers to take with you if you have to
leave your home.
FOR
MORE INFORMATION:
If you would like more information on disaster planning or on
the disasters likely to happen in your area, the following
information is available here at our chapter.
The
following may be ordered free from the U.S. Fire Administration
FEMA/U.S.
Fire Administration
P.O. Box 2012
Jessup, MD 20794-2012
NOAA
Weather Radio information from
The
following may be ordered from the Federal Emergency Management
Agency
FEMA
P.O. Box 2012
Jessup, MD 20794-2012
-
Preparedness
for People with Disabilities (earthquake), Pub. #
FEMA-75
-
Hurricane
Awareness-Action Guidelines for Senior Citizens, Item
#8-0440
Or,
consult FEMA.
Emergency information may also be obtained from your utility
company.
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Local emergency services number:_______________________
Ambulance:___________________________________________
Nearest relative:_______________________________________
Local contact:_________________________________________
Out of state contact:____________________________________
Doctors:______________________________________________
Local Red Cross Chapter:_______________________________
Insurance Agent:_______________________________________
Other:_________________________________________________
Medications List With Dosage
Production of this information was funded by a grant from the
Special Projects Fund of the American National Red Cross to the
Rochester-Monroe County Chapter of the American Red Cross and
was developed in cooperation with:
Monroe County Office of Emergency Preparedness
Monroe County Community Home Health Agency
Monroe County Office for the Aging
Visiting Nurse Service
Catholic Family Center
Rochester Gas and Electric
Rochester Telephone
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