During a Disaster

A. During an Earthquake

1. Sit under a heavy desk or table
2. If there is no desk, stand by an inner wall or in door frame
3. Stay away from glass, hanging objects, bookcases, china cabinets
4. Grab something to shield face
5. Use battery operated flashlights not candles
6. Turn off stove if on
7. In public areas–do not rush to doorways
8. Outdoors — stay in an open area away from buildings and utilities
9. Automobiles — stay away from electricity poles, stay in vehicle until shaking stops, use parking brake
10. Long–span buildings such as shopping malls — stay away from windows
    Department store — stay under counters or heavy shelving
    Theaters — stay under seats

For more information, please visit: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes/during.asp

B. During a Tornado

Signs of an approaching tornado include:

• Dark or green colored sky
• Dark or low lying clouds
• Large hail
• Loud roar

What to do during a tornado:

• If the tornado is close take shelter immediately. If it is further away, notify local radio or TV station then take shelter.

Shelter

1. Avoid windows
2. Go to interior part of basement
3. If no basement is available, stay in an inside room without windows on the lowest floor. (i.e., Center hallway, bathroom, or closet)
4. Do not stay in a mobile home — go to nearest shelter. If no shelter is available, go to nearest ditch or ravine and cover head with arms
5. Do not stay in cars or try to outrun tornado in car. Also, do not get under cars
6. If outdoors, avoid vehicles and areas with trees:
   • lay down flat in gully, ditch or low spot;
   • protect head with arms or an object
   
   For more information, please visit: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/tornadoes/

C. During a Flood

Before a flood: Preparation

1. Know if your home is in a flood prone-area
2. Have a flood evacuation route
3. Have an out of state contact person in case family members separated
4. Place emergency numbers at every phone
5. Have a fire extinguisher
6. Have an electrician raise electrical components
7. Install backflow valves

In Case of Flood Warning or Watch

1. Gather emergency supplies
2. Turn off utilities
3. Keep emergency numbers handy
4. Fill bath tubs, sinks, and plastic soda bottles with clean water. Before filling with water sanitize sinks and tubs by using bleach.
5. Bring outdoor furniture inside or tie down.

Evacuation
If ordered to evacuate:

1. Fill gas tank in car
2. Make sure emergency kit is ready
3. Keep emergency numbers handy
4. Fill clean water containers
5. Put pets and livestock in safe area as most shelters do not accept pets
6. Turn fridge and freezer to lowest temperature possible
7. During evacuation take only essential items with you. Turn off gas and electrical power and unplug appliances before leaving if time allows. Follow evacuation routes and do not drive across flooded roads. Expect heavy traffic.
8. Listen to radio or television for updates.

For more information, please visit: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/readiness.asp

C. During a Fire

Fire Prevention

1. Don't leave cooking food unattended
2. Keep cooking areas free of flammable objects and don't cook in loose fitting clothing
3. Don't smoke in bed
4. Don't empty smoldering ashtrays into trash
5. Keep matches and lighters outside the reach of children
6. Don't keep portable heaters near flammable materials
7. Have a smoke alarm on every floor and use long–life batteries
8. Test alarms every month
9. Have a fire escape plan
   • 2 ways to escape each room
   • A designating meeting place

For more information, please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/fireprevention.htm

During A Fire

1. If your clothes are on fire stop, drop, and roll until fire is extinguished
2. To escape check closed doors with them back of your hand (not palm) before opening them.
3. If door is hot, do not open it. Instead escape through a window. If this is not possible hang a white or light–colored sheet outside window to alert firefighters of your presence.
4. If door is cool, open slowly and check to see is fire/smoke is blocking your escape route. If escape route is blocked shut door and use alternate route such as a window. If route is clear leave immediately closing door behind you.
5. Crawl on the floor below the smoke towards your exit. Close doors as you escape to prevent spread of fire.
6. Do not re-enter building/home once you are safely out. Call 911.

For more information, please visit: http://www.fema.gov/hazard/fire/fire_during.shtm

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