Natural Disasters

Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as making an emergency supply kit and developing a family communications plan, are the same for all emergencies. However, there are important differences among natural disasters that will impact the decisions you make and the actions you take. Some natural disasters are easily predicted, others happen without warning. Planning what to do in advance is an important part of being prepared.

Earthquakes

One of the most frightening and destructive phenomena of nature is a severe earthquake and its terrible aftereffects. An earthquake is a sudden movement of the earth, caused by the abrupt release of strain that has accumulated over a long time. For hundreds of millions of years, the forces of plate tectonics have shaped the earth, as the huge plates that form the earth’s surface slowly move over, under, and past each other. Sometimes, the movement is gradual. At other times, the plates are locked together, unable to release the accumulating energy. When the accumulated energy grows strong enough, the plates break free. If the earthquake occurs in a populated area, it may cause many deaths and injuries and extensive property damage.

Before an Earthquake

• Repair defective electrical wiring, leaky gas lines, and inflexible utility connections. Get appropriate professional help. Do not work with gas or electrical lines yourself.

• Bolt down and secure to the wall studs your water heater, refrigerator, furnace, and gas appliances. If recommended by your gas company, have an automatic gas shut-off valve installed that is triggered by strong

  vibrations.

• Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves. Fasten shelves, mirrors, and large picture frames to walls. Brace high and top-heavy objects.

• Store bottled foods, glass, china, and other breakables on low shelves or in cabinets that fasten shut.

• Anchor overhead lighting fixtures.

• Be sure the residence is firmly anchored to its foundation.

• Install flexible pipe fittings to avoid gas or water leaks. Flexible fittings are more resistant to breakage.

• Locate safe spots in each room under a sturdy table or against an inside wall. Reinforce this information by moving to these places during each drill.

• Hold earthquake drills with your family members: Drop, cover, and hold on!

During an Earthquake

Minimize your movements during an earthquake to a few steps to a nearby safe place. Stay indoors until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.

If you are indoors:

• Take cover under a sturdy desk, table, or bench or against an inside wall, and hold on. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.

• Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.

• Stay in bed - if you are there when the earthquake strikes - hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.

• Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, loadbearing doorway.

• Stay inside until shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Most injuries during earthquakes occur when people are hit by falling objects when entering into or exiting from buildings.

• Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.

• DO NOT use the elevators.

If you are outdoors:

• Stay there.

• Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.

• In a moving vehicle Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.

• Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped, watching for road and bridge damage.

• Trapped under debris Do not light a match.· Do not move about or kick up dust.

• Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.

• Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort - shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

After an Earthquake

• Be prepared for aftershocks. These secondary shockwaves are usually less violent than the main quake but can be strong enough to do additional damage to weakened structures.

• Open cabinets cautiously. Beware of objects that can fall off shelves.

• Stay away from damaged areas unless your assistance has been specifically requested by police, fire, or relief organizations.

• Be aware of possible tsunamis if you live in coastal areas. These are also known as seismic sea waves (mistakenly called “tidal waves”). When local authorities issue a tsunami warning, assume that a series of dangerous waves is on the way. Stay away from the beach.

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Flooding

Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States. Flood effects can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins and multiple states.

Before a Flood

• Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your home.

• Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel if susceptible to flooding.

• Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.

• Construct barriers (levees, beams, floodwalls) to stop floodwater from entering the building.

• Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.

During a Flood

• Listen to the radio or television for information.

• Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.

• Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.

• If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following:

  • Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.

  • Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

• Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.

• Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.

After a Flood

• Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink.
  Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.

• Avoid moving water.

• Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.

• Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company.

• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.

• Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.

• Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.

• Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.

• Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.

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Fire

Each year, more than 4,000 Americans die and more than 25,000 are injured in fires, many of which could be prevented. Direct property loss due to fires is estimated at $8.6 billion annually.

To protect yourself, it is important to understand the basic characteristics of fire. Fire spreads quickly; there is no time to gather valuables or make a phone call. In just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames.

Before a Fire

• Smoke Alarms

  • Install smoke alarms. Properly working smoke alarms decrease your chances of dying in a fire by half.

  • Place smoke alarms on every level of your residence. Place them outside bedrooms on the ceiling or high on the wall (4 to 12 inches from ceiling), at the top of open stairways, or at the bottom of enclosed stairs and near (but not in) the kitchen.

  • Test and clean smoke alarms once a month and replace batteries at least once a year. Replace smoke alarms once every 10 years.

• Escaping the Fire:

  • Review escape routes with your family. Practice escaping from each room.

  • Make sure windows are not nailed or painted shut. Make sure security gratings on windows have a fire safety opening feature so they can be easily opened from the inside.

  • Consider escape ladders if your residence has more than one level, and ensure that burglar bars and other antitheft mechanisms that block outside window entry are easily opened from the inside.

  • Teach family members to stay low to the floor (where the air is safer in a fire) when escaping from a fire.

  • Clean out storage areas. Do not let trash, such as old newspapers and magazines, accumulate.

• Flammable Items

  • Never use gasoline, benzine, naptha, or similar flammable liquids indoors.

  • Store flammable liquids in approved containers in well-ventilated storage areas.

  • Never smoke near flammable liquids.

  • Discard all rags or materials that have been soaked in flammable liquids after you have used them. Safely discard them outdoors in a metal container.

  • Insulate chimneys and place spark arresters on top. The chimney should be at least three feet higher than the roof. Remove branches hanging above and around the chimney.

• Heating Sources

  • Be careful when using alternative heating sources.

  • Check with your local fire department on the legality of using kerosene heaters in your community. Be sure to fill kerosene heaters outside, and be sure they have cooled.

  • Place heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials. Make sure the floor and nearby walls are properly insulated.

  • Use only the type of fuel designated for your unit and follow manufacturer’s instructions.
    Store ashes in a metal container outside and away from your residence.

  • Keep open flames away from walls, furniture, drapery, and flammable items.

  • Keep a screen in front of the fireplace.

  • Have heating units inspected and cleaned annually by a certified specialist.

• Matches and Smoking

  • Keep matches and lighters up high, away from children, and, if possible, in a locked cabinet.

  • Never smoke in bed or when drowsy or medicated. Provide smokers with deep, sturdy ashtrays. Douse cigarette and cigar butts with water before disposal.

• Electrical Wiring

  • Have the electrical wiring in your residence checked by an electrician.

  • Inspect extension cords for frayed or exposed wires or loose plugs.

  • Make sure outlets have cover plates and no exposed wiring.

  • Make sure wiring does not run under rugs, over nails, or across high-traffic areas.

  • Do not overload extension cords or outlets. If you need to plug in two or three appliances, get a UL-approved unit with built-in circuit breakers to prevent sparks and short circuits.

  • Make sure insulation does not touch bare electrical wiring.

• Other

  • Sleep with your door closed.

  • Install A-B-C-type fire extinguishers in your residence and teach family members how to use them.

  • Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your residence.

  • Ask your local fire department to inspect your residence for fire safety and prevention.

During a Fire

• If your clothes catch on fire, you should:

  • Stop, drop, and roll - until the fire is extinguished. Running only makes the fire burn faster.

• To escape a fire, you should:

  • Check closed doors for heat before you open them. If you are escaping through a closed door, use the back of your hand to feel the top of the door, the doorknob, and the crack between the door and door frame before you open it. Never use the palm of your hand or fingers to test for heat - burning those areas could impair your ability to escape a fire (i.e., ladders and crawling).

• Hot Door Cool Door

  • Do not open. Escape through a window. If you cannot escape, hang a white or light-colored sheet outside the window, alerting fire fighters to your presence. Open slowly and ensure fire and/or smoke is not blocking your escape route. If your escape route is blocked, shut the door immediately and use an alternate escape route, such as a window. If clear, leave immediately through the door and close it behind you. Be prepared to crawl. Smoke and heat rise. The air is clearer and cooler near the floor.

  • Crawl low under any smoke to your exit - heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling.

  • Close doors behind you as you escape to delay the spread of the fire.

  • Stay out once you are safely out. Do not reenter. Call 9-1-1.

After a Fire

• If you are with burn victims, or are a burn victim yourself, call 9-1-1; cool and cover burns to reduce chance of further injury or infection.

• If you detect heat or smoke when entering a damaged building, evacuate immediately.

• If you are a tenant, contact the landlord.

• If you have a safe or strong box, do not try to open it. It can hold intense heat for several hours. If the door is opened before the box has cooled, the contents could burst into flames.

• If you must leave your home because a building inspector says the building is unsafe, ask someone you trust to watch the property during your absence.

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Tsunami

Tsunamis (pronounced soo-ná-mees), also known as seismic sea waves (mistakenly called “tidal waves”), are a series of enormous waves created by an underwater disturbance such as an earthquake, landslide, volcanic eruption, or meteorite. A tsunami can move hundreds of miles per hour in the open ocean and smash into land with waves as high as 100 feet or more.

During a Tsunami

• Turn on your radio to learn if there is a tsunami warning if an earthquake occurs and you are in a coastal area.

• Move inland to higher ground immediately and stay there.

• CAUTION - If there is noticeable recession in water away from the shoreline this is nature's tsunami warning and it should be heeded. You should move away immediately.

After a Tsunami

• Stay away from flooded and damaged areas until officials say it is safe to return.

• Stay away from debris in the water; it may pose a safety hazard to boats and people.

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Landslides

Landslides occur in all U.S. states and territories. In a landslide, masses of rock, earth, or debris move down a slope. Landslides may be small or large, slow or rapid. They are activated by storms, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, fires, and human modification of land.

Debris and mud flows are rivers of rock, earth, and other debris saturated with water. They develop when water rapidly accumulates in the ground, during heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt, changing the earth into a flowing river of mud or “slurry.” They flow can rapidly, striking with little or no warning at avalanche speeds. They also can travel several miles from their source, growing in size as they pick up trees, boulders, cars, and other materials.

Before a Landslide or Debris Flow

• Do not build near steep slopes, close to mountain edges, near drainage ways, or natural erosion valleys.

• Get a ground assessment of your property.

• Consult an appropriate professional expert for advice on corrective measures.

• Minimize home hazards by having flexible pipe fittings installed to avoid gas or water leaks, as flexible fittings are more resistant to breakage (only the gas company or professionals should install gas fittings).

• Recognize Landslide Warning Signs

• Changes occur in your landscape such as patterns of storm-water drainage on slopes (especially the places where runoff water converges) land movement, small slides, flows, or progressively leaning trees.

• Doors or windows stick or jam for the first time.

• New cracks appear in plaster, tile, brick, or foundations.

• Outside walls, walks, or stairs begin pulling away from the building.

• Slowly developing, widening cracks appear on the ground or on paved areas such as streets or driveways.

• Underground utility lines break.

• Bulging ground appears at the base of a slope.

• Water breaks through the ground surface in new locations.

• Fences, retaining walls, utility poles, or trees tilt or move.

• A faint rumbling sound that increases in volume is noticeable as the landslide nears.

• The ground slopes downward in one direction and may begin shifting in that direction under your feet.

• Unusual sounds, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together, might indicate moving debris.

• Collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks, and other indications of possible debris flow can be seen when driving (embankments along roadsides are particularly susceptible to landslides).

During a Landslide or Debris Flow

• Move away from the path of a landslide or debris flow as quickly as possible.

• Curl into a tight ball and protect your head if escape is not possible.

After a Landslide or Debris Flow

• Stay away from the slide area. There may be danger of additional slides.

• Check for injured and trapped persons near the slide, without entering the direct slide area. Direct rescuers to their locations.

• Watch for associated dangers such as broken electrical, water, gas, and sewage lines and damaged roadways and railways.

• Replant damaged ground as soon as possible since erosion caused by loss of ground cover can lead to flash flooding and additional landslides in the near future.

• Seek advice from a geotechnical expert for evaluating landslide hazards or designing corrective techniques to reduce landslide risk.

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