No one can predict when and how long you might be displaced form your home when disaster strikes. Being prepared will lessen the stress. The following information suggest ways to be prepared when Disaster strikes.
CREATE A PLAN:
Discuss with children and family members a contact plan and place. Include an out-of-town contact person or place where you might go, if you must evacuate the city. Store valuable documents, such as passports, insurance policies, and titles in a safe place, such as a bank box. Place copies of these documents in the emergency kit.
Develop a contingency plan for family members with disabilities or special medical needs.
MAKE AN EMERGENCY KIT:
* Flashlights and extra batteries
* Portable radio
* Map of your area
* A Whistle
* Duct tape
* Scissors
* Non-perishable food items to last three days, with manual can opener
* One gallon of water per person per day
* Water, approximately 3 gallons per person
* Medications
* Some form of indentification
* Cash
* Blankets
* Extra clothing
* Pet supplies
*First Aid supplies should include: Special needs items for babies and adults:
Two pairs of sterile gloves Formula
Sterile Dressings Diapers
Cleaning agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes Powdered Milk
Antibiotic ointment Medications
Adhesive bandages Denture needs
Eye wash solution Contact lenses and supplies
Thermometer Extra eye glasses
Prescription medications
Prescribed medical supplies
Potassium lodide
Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
Anti-diarrhea medication
Antacid
Syrup of Ipecac
Laxative
Activated Charcoal
*Ask your doctor about storing prescription medications
LISTEN FOR INFORMATION:
During an extended disaster, public officials will use radio, television, and local newspapers to keep you informed of the situation. In the case of an electrical outage, battery- or crank-operated equipment is a necessity.
COMMUNITY SHELTERS:
During an electric outage, the appliances we use on a daily basis will not work. Keep in mind, gas furnaces require an electrical blower and well water uses an electric pump. You must be prepared to withstand these inconveniences or relocate to a community shelter. Remember, to avoid fire or safety hazards later, turn appliances in the off position. If you need to go to a shelter, bring your emergency kit, remain calm and be patient. Pets are not allowed at shelters, with the exception of service animals.
PORTABLE GENERATORS:
Portable generators can be hazardous to you and electrical workers, if used improperly. Primary hazards include carbon monoxide poisoning, electrocution and fire. Operate generators outdoors in a well-ventilated area, away from doors, windows, and vents, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Do not run a generator in a garage, even with the door open.
Observe the generator manufacturer's instructions for safe operation and how to avoid electrocution. Never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet, a practice known as "backfeeding". This creates an electrocution risk and is extremely dangerous for utility workers and neighbors served by the same electric transformer. Notify CU that you have a generator when reporting an outage.
DOWNED UTILITY LINES:
Stay away from utility lines brought to the ground by storms, even if you are not sure if it is an electric,telephone, or cable line. On overhead service, check your weatherhead. A private, licensed electrician must repair damaged weatherheads before CU can reconnect electric services.
AVOID CARBON MONOXIDE:
* DO NOT ever use a charcoal grill indoors, even in a fireplace.
* DO NOT sleep in any room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater.
* DO NOT use a gas range or oven to heat your home, even for a short time.
* DO NOT ignore symptoms of illness, particularly if more than one person is feeling them. You could
lose consciousness and die if you do nothing.
* DO NOT strike any matches until you are certain there are no gas leaks.
HEAVY SNOW AND ICE:
During cold weather, open cabinet doors and start a slow water drip to help avoid frozen water lines.
Keep your natural gas meter clear during deep snows. Never use a shovel or kick the meter to break or clear ice. Damage to the meter could cause serious problems. Also, be sure to clear chimneys and vents with a broom to enable proper appliance venting and to prevent carbon monoxide accumulation in your home or business.
Springfield-Greene
County office of
Emergcency Management
417-829-6200
www.greencountyoem.org
City of Springfield
Information
www.springfieldmogov.org
City Utilities
417-863-9000
www.cityutilites.net