NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL
https://nsc.org
National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and held annually in September, is a good reminder that natural and manmade disasters can strike at any time. It's important to have a planned response when you're at work, home, on vacation or on the road.
In 2022, 69,473 weather-related events resulted in 813 deaths and 1,718 injuries. Winter weather, heat, floods and hurricanes resulted in the most deaths that year, according to Injury Facts. The National Safety Council (NSC) offers safety tips specific to preparing for earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and tornadoes. Federal agencies like Ready.gov and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) also are valuable resources for emergency preparedness. When you face a natural or manmade emergency, try to stay informed through radio, TV or the internet. In some cases, however, cable, electric and cellphone service will be disabled, making communication nearly impossible. The NSC recommends the following general precautions that apply to many disaster situations:
- Make sure at least one family member knows first aid and CPR.
- Download the FEMA app for resources, weather alerts and safety tips.
- Have a family communication plan in place; all members of the family should review and practice the plan.
- Have all family members' and other important phone numbers written down or memorized.
- Have an emergency kit in your car and at least three days of food and water at home.
- Be sure to store all important documents — birth certificates, insurance policies, etc. — in a fireproof safe or safety deposit box.
- Know how to shut off utilities.
Earthquakes
While California has seen the most serious earthquakes in the continental U.S., tremors occur all over the country. In fact, there is a significant risk of a major quake along the New Madrid Fault in the central U.S. within the next few decades, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Earthquakes are difficult to predict, but there are ways to secure your belongings and protect your family.
- Secure large appliances and install flexible gas and water connections.
- Anchor top-heavy furniture to the wall and place heavy objects on lower shelves.
- Never hang anything heavy above where you sleep.
- If you're outside when an earthquake occurs, move away from buildings, streetlights, utility wires and overpasses.
- If you are inside, get under a sturdy table or desk and hold onto it. If that's not possible, crouch in a strongly supported doorway or inside corner and protect your head.
- Stay clear of windows.
Floods
Floods are among the most common weather hazards in the United States. They can happen anywhere at any time of year. Densely populated areas have a higher risk for flash floods than rural areas. Flash floods can occur within minutes or hours of heavy rainfall, and waters can rise as high as 30 feet or more. Even small streams and creeks can flood rapidly and cause damage.
Flash floods are usually caused by slow-moving thunderstorms and can move homes and cars, uproot trees and destroy bridges. Because floods happen with little to no warning, residents in low-lying areas are particularly at risk. According to the American Red Cross, flash floods are the No. 1 weather-related killer in the U.S. Almost half of all flash flood fatalities are vehicle related, according to the National Weather Service. If you're driving and approach a water-covered road, turn around. Just 6 inches of water can stall a vehicle, and 2 feet can float most cars, trucks and SUVs. Here are some other tips to stay high and dry:
- Know your proximity to rivers, streams and dams.
- During heavy rain, avoid underpasses, underground parking garages and basements.
- Avoid hiking or camping if thunderstorms are predicted.
- Develop an evacuation plan for your family.
- Don't walk in water above your ankles; you can be swept off your feet in as little as 6 inches of rushing water.
- Turn off the electricity and other utilities.
Hurricanes
Unlike tornadoes and earthquakes, hurricanes can be forecast several days ahead of landfall, giving residents time to take precautions. For those in the path of a hurricane:
- Board up windows and secure loose items like patio furniture.
- Know where to go in the event of an evacuation and how to get there; establish an assembly point for family members to meet if separated and choose one person everyone can contact with their whereabouts and status.
- Take shelter in a sturdy building; avoid isolated sheds or other small structures, open areas, hilltops, the beach or boats.
- If you are driving in heavy rain, try to safely exit the road, stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers.
- Never drive into flooded areas; if flood waters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground.
- Contact your local emergency management agency for information.
- Avoid contact with electrical equipment, cords, metal and water.
- Listen for warning sirens, stay away from windows and exterior doors, and seek shelter in a bathroom or basement.
- Stay indoors until authorities tell you it's safe to go outside.
- Learn about safe cleanup from local authorities or visit ready.gov.
- Get hurricane updates from FEMA.
Tornadoes
Not one state in the continental U.S. has escaped the wrath of tornadoes. According to the NOAA, tornado season runs between May and June in the Southern Plains, June and July in the central United States and earlier in the spring on the Gulf Coast. But tornadoes can strike at any time of the year. If a tornado is spotted:
- Seek shelter immediately.
- If you're away from home, seek out a basement, interior corridor, tunnel, underground parking lot or subway.
- Avoid auditoriums, upper floors of buildings, trailers and parked vehicles.
- Stay away from all windows.
- If you're out in the open, lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area and protect your head; stay away from poles or overhead lines.
- If you're driving, drive at right angles to the tornado's path; if you can't escape it, get out of the vehicle and seek a low-lying area.
- If you're at home, head for the basement and take cover under a heavy table or workbench; if you don't have a basement, go into a windowless room in the center of the house.
- Stay away from windows and cover yourself with a rug for protection against flying glass and debris.
- Know the difference between a watch (conditions are favorable for a tornado to form) and a warning (a tornado has been spotted in your area and you should take shelter immediately).
Emergency supplies for the home
Every home should have an emergency supply kit located in an accessible storage area. It's best if you store the items in plastic containers that are easy to grab and carry. Kits should be checked every six months, and expired items should be replaced.
Emergency kits are meant to help you survive not only during an emergency, but also during the aftermath. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, after a tornado in Marion, Illinois, 50 percent of the tornado-related injuries were suffered during rescue attempts, cleanup and other post-tornado activities. Home emergency supply kits should include:
- One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
- Three days’ worth of nonperishable protein-packed foods you can cook without electricity, such as tuna, peanut butter and granola bars, and don't forget about food for your pets
- Manual can opener • Hand-crank or battery-powered radio with extra batteries
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First aid kit with gauze, tape, bandages, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, a blanket, nonlatex gloves, scissors, hydrocortisone, thermometer, tweezers and instant cold compress
- Tool kit with basic tools in case you need to shut off utilities
- Hand sanitizer and garbage bags for sanitation
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape in case of broken windows or a leaky roof
- Whistle to signal for help so rescuers can locate you
Emergency supplies for the car
Every vehicle should have an emergency supply kit in the trunk. Kits should be checked every six months, and expired items should be replaced regularly. Vehicle emergency supply kits should include:
- A properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod jack
- Jumper cables
- Tool kit and/or a multipurpose utility tool
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Reflective triangles and brightly colored cloth to make your vehicle more visible
- Compass
- First aid kit with gauze, tape, bandages, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, a blanket, nonlatex gloves, scissors, hydrocortisone, thermometer, tweezers and instant cold compress
- Nonperishable, high-energy foods, such as unsalted nuts, dried fruits and hard candy
- Drinking water
- Reflective vest in case you need to walk to get help
- Car charger for your cellphone
- Fire extinguisher
- Duct tape
- Rain poncho
- Snow brush
- Shovel
- Windshield washer fluid
- Warm clothing
- Cat litter for traction
- Blankets
It's also a good idea to keep family and emergency phone numbers, including your auto insurance provider and a towing company, in your phone.
Conclusion
An emergency can occur at any time, so know what to do when disaster strikes. The exact steps you take will depend on the situation, but if you have a plan and stay informed, you’ll have peace of mind that you’ve done everything possible to ensure your family’s safety.
Did You Know?
FEMA hosts a wealth of safety products, including social media toolkits, articles, posters, videos and much more, at https://www.ready.gov.