In our post 9/11/2001 world we need to BE PREPARED TO RESPOND TO EMERGENCIES, DISASTERS, AND/OR ACTS
OF TERRORlSM. The confusion and aftermath of Hurricane Katrina has taught us that in the immediate 72 hours following a major disaster, federal and state assistance cannot be assured. Individual citizens and local government must be prepared to sustain themselves within their own residences in those first 72 hours after an event.
In cities and towns across America, key officials are meeting regularly and planning for small and large scale emergency response, conducting emergency response analysis and enhancing all aspects of emergency communications.
Your readiness to provide for yourself, your family, and those close to you (your neighbors) will help.
We urge you to review the enclosed materials. They have been provided by the Massachusetts Department Public Health Emergency Planning Region 4A and with the County of Los Angeles Emergency Survival Program
Please, also take the next step, TAKE ACTION and GET PREPARED!
We hope you'll consider discussing emergency response preferred options with your neighbors. Some neighbors will have useful skills and equipment, yet others will need your assistance. Some people think emergency planning is like putting the
pieces of a puzzle together. A well organized community neighborhood will be able and ready to help its neighbors and provide that help where it is truly needed the most.
Volumes of useful information exist on the World Wide Web. We recommend you visit the website www.ready.gov for additional information on the subject of emergency preparedness.
ESP Neighborhood Preparedness AWARE Plan
ESP Emergency SupplyChecklist
Less than $5
1. Bottled water: For drinking. (One gallon
per person, per day fmat least 3 days.)
2. Local maps: To help guide the user if an
alternate route is needed.
3. Manual can opener: To open canned
goods in an emergency food supply.
4. Nonperishable food: Dried fruit, unsalted
nuts and other high-energy foods to provide
nourishment and energy.
5. Safety lightsticks: To provide light, especially
good for use by children.
6. Whistle: To signal, attract or call for help
In an emergency.
~--~
$5-10
1. Books, games, toys: To provide comfort
to children after an earthquake or another
disaster.
2. Comfort and personal hygiene kit:
Surgical gloves, mouthwash, toothbrush
and toothpaste, wet wipes, bar soap,
shampoo, toilet paper, feminine and
infant supplies, etc.
3. Flashlight, spare bulb, and batteries: To
provide .light if power is out or the user
needs to walk home at night.
4. Heavy leather work gloves: To protect from sharp objects and debris.
5. Pocket knife: To cut rope or other materials.
5 Portable battery-operated radio: To provide
access to information and instructions
if power is out.
$10-20
1. Duffel bag or backpack: To store items
that comprise an emergency kit.
2. Multipurpose ABC-type fire extinguisher:
To help combat small residential fires
that might result from downed power
lines, damaged wiring in appliances, or
other causes since firefighters may not be
available for at least 72 hours.
3. Hand tools: Adjustable wrench, crowbar,
pliers, screwdrivers, hammer, shovel, etc.,
to help turn off utilities, remove debris,
etc.
Over $20
1 Camp stove or barbecue: To facilitate
outdoor cooking should gas leaks or
other factors make cooking indoors
impractical.
2 Commercially made emergency kit: For
home, office or car.
3 Emergency cash: Include enough cash to
begin repairs, etc. Small bills-ones,
fives and tens-are best. Also include
change to make calls.
4 First aid kit and book: To treat cuts,
burns, abrasions.
5. Lantern: To provide emergency lighting.
Portable generators: To provide emer- -
gency power.
6. Sleeping bag: To provide warmth and
comfort if outside sleeping is required
due to a damaged home.
7. Sturdy shoes: To protect feet from broken
glass and other sharp objects.
Tent: To provide protection from rain,
wind, and other environmental elements.
ESP Emergency Supply Checklist 11
Credit: This page has been obtained trom www.cert-la.cornlESP~hl!!! web site.
Family Disaster Plan www.region4a.org
Be Prepared
1. Post emergency telephone numbersby phones (fire, police, ambulance, etc.).
2 Determine your family emergency contact.
3. Designate emergency meeting places for your family.
4. Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services number for
emergency help.
5. Stock emergency supplies and assemble a disaster supplies kit.
Seethe American Red CrossWebsite: http:/ /www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/supplies.html or
phone their Disaster Information EtResourceCenter at 1-866-GET-INFO(1-866-438-4636).
6. Conduct a home hazard hunt.
In a disaster, ordinary items in the home can cause injury and damage. Anything that can move, fall, break, or
causea fire is a potential hazard. Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. Fasten shelves
securely. Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves. Hangpictures and mirrors away from beds. Brace overhead
light fixtures. Secure water heater and strap to wall studs. Repair cracks in ceilings or foundations. Store weed
killers,in -metal cans. Clean and repair chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors, and gas vents.
7 Determine the best escape routes from your home. Findtwo ways out of each room.
8. Installcarbon monoxide and smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms,
and check batteries every six months.
9. Show each family member how and when to turn off the utilities (water, gas, and electricity) at the
main switches.
10. Have a fire extinguisher (ABCtype) handy and make sure each family member knows where it is
and how to use it.
11. Take a first aid class and a CPR class.
12. Check if you have adequate insurance coverage (property, life, &health).
13. Consider ways to help neighbors or family members who may need special assistance (elderly,
people with disabilities, etc.).
14. Know your city's or town's Emergency Plan.
Emergency Phone Numbers and Contacts
Work,school, e-mail address and cell phone number for each member of the household.
Family Member 1 Work/School PhoneNumber Cell Phone e-mail
Family Member 2 Work/School Phone Number Cell Phone e-mail
Family Member 3 Work/School Phone Number Cell Phone e-mail
Family Member 4 Work/School PhoneNumber Cell Phone e-mail
Family Member 5 Work/School PhoneNumber Cell Phone e-mail
Neighbor Police Department
Doctor Ambulance
Poison Control Hospital
---
Fire Department Veterinarian
Family Emergency Contact
Askan out-of-state friend to be your "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long
distance. Other family members should call this person to say where they are. Everyone must know your
contact's phonenumbers.
Out-ot-State Family Contact Day Phone Evening Phone Cell Phone/Beeper
Medfield
Millis
Natick
Norfolk
Sharon
Sherborn
Southborough
Stow
Sudbury
Walpole
Waltham
Wayland
Weston
Wilmington
Winchester
Woburn
Wrentham
Emergency Information
Emergency Meeting Places
Designate three (3) emergency meeting places for your family.
1. Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire.
2. Outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home.
3. Inside your home to shelter=in-place (usually a small, "interior room with no or few windows).
Outside your home:
Outside your neighborhood:
Phone Address
Inside your home:
The Local Emergency Medical Services Number
In Massachusetts,as in most areas, this number is 911. There are some rural areas in the U.S. that use alternative
numbers. Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services
number for emergency help.
General guidelines for calling 911 are as follows:
~calf911foraLiFE-THREATENING EMERGENCYsuch as: - -- --- -- ------
. Breathing difficulty/shortness of breath/breathing has
stopped
. Choking (can't talk or breathe)
. Chestpain- in adults (lasting longer than two minutes)
. Uncontrollable bleeding/large blood loss
. Drowning
. Electrocution
. Drug overdose/poisoning
. Gunshot wounds, stabbings
. Vomiting blood
. Suddenfainting/unconsciousness
. Convulsions/seizures (uncontrolled jerking movements)
. Severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing/
unresponsive)
- ---
. Major burns (white or charred skin; blisters and rednessover
large area) . Someonewho will not wake up, even when you shake
them
. Injuries from:
- Traffic accidents
- Head injury
- Falls
. Physical entrapment (i.e. car accident with victim
trapped in the vehicle)
. Emotional disturbances with potential to harm self or
others
Remember, these are general guidelines - if there is
any doubt, do not hesitate to call 911.
Things to remember during a disaster
Remain calm and patient. Put your plan into action.
Check for Injuries
Give first aid and get help for seriously injured people.
Listen to Your Battery-Powered Radio for News and Instructions
Check for Damage in Your Home...
. Use flashlights. Donot light matches or turn on electrical switches if you suspect damage. . Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the water heater. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main
gas valve, openwindows,and get everyoneoutside quickly.Shutoff any other damagedutilities.
(Youwill need a professional to turn gas back on.) Show each family member how and when to turn
off the utWties (water, gas, and electricity) at the main switches.
. Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline, and other flammableJiquidsjmmediately.
Remember to...
. Callyourfamilycontact - do not use the telephone again unless it is a life-threatening
emergency.
. Make sure you have an adequate water supply in case service is cut off. (1 gallon per person/day) . Stay away from downed power lines.
. Check on your neighbors, especially elderly or disabled persons.
Working with neighbors can save lives and property. Meet with your neighbors to plan how the
neighborhood could work together after a disaster until help arrives. If you're a member of a
neighborhood organization, such as a home association or crime watch group, introduce disaster
preparedness as a new activity. Knowyour neighbors' special skills (e.g. medical, technical) and
consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs, such as disabled and elderly persons.
Make plans for child care in case parents can't get home. . Confine or secure your pets.
1. Have a safe place to take your pets. Red Crossdisaster shelters cannot accept pets because of
states' health and safety regulations and other considerations. Service animals who assist people
with disabWties are the only animals allowed in Red Crossshelters. It may be difficult, if
~~c=~~ ~'h(jr ,mpossibre, to[ifiosfT€lterlbr your anImalSTn the m"idstbra dfsastet, so plan dheaa. Do-not
wait until disaster strikes to do your research.
2. Assemble a portable pet disaster supplies kit. Whether you are away from home for a day or a
week, you'll need essential supplies. Keep items in an accessible place and store them in sturdy
containers that can be carried easily (duffel bags, covered trash containers, etc.).
3. You may not be home when the evacuation order comes. Find out if a trusted neighbor would be
willing to take your pets and meet you at a prearranged location. This person should be comfortable
with your pets, know where your animals are likely to be, know where your pet disaster
supplies kit is kept, and have a key to your home. If you use a pet-sitting service, it may be
available to help, but discuss the possibWty well in advance.
* This material has been developed by Emergency Preparedness Region 4A through a grant from the Massachusetts
Department of Public Health.
Some of this material has been adapted from "Family Disaster Plan" developed by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency and the American Red Cross. (www.redcross.org)
*
