Running Head: HOUSEHOLD DISASTER PLAN 1 Household Disaster Plan Erin Burdi Ferris State University
HOUSEHOLD DISASTER PLAN 2 Abstract Disasters can occur at anytime or any place. The unpredictable nature of disasters is why preparedness is so important. A disaster is defined as, any destructive event that disrupts the normal functioning of a community. They can be ecologic disruptions, or emergencies of a severity and magnitude that result in deaths, injuries, illness, and property damage that cannot be effectively managed using routine procedures, or resources and that require outside assistance (Veenema,2007,p.4). There are two major categories of disasters; natural and manmade (Veenema, 2007, p.4). Disasters range in scale, from a house fire that affects a single family to an earthquake that can shatter the infrastructure of an entire nation. A comprehensive household disaster plan has been established utilizing recommended guidelines made by the American Red Cross (ARC) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This plan has identified disasters that could occur in Jenison, Michigan, the contents of a household disaster kit and appropriate safety measures to be taken should a disaster occur.
HOUSEHOLD DISASTER PLAN 3 Disaster Plan Effective disaster planning can help minimize the harmful effect of an event and reduce recovery time required. The American Red Cross (ARC) identifies three steps to effective disaster planning. The first step is to maintain a disaster kit of essential items. This kit should be easily accessible and portable, in the event that an evacuation is necessary. Second, be informed. Know what potential disasters could affect your area. Finally, make a plan. Meet with family and household members to discuss; disaster potential, safety, roles each member would assume, and identify a meeting place should they become separated (ARC, 2009). These steps recommended by the ARC concur closely with the recommendations of the Federal Emergency Management Agency s (FEMA). These recommendations include; get informed, plan for emergencies, assemble a disaster supplies kit, effectively shelter, get children involved, address special needs or concerns, and address needs of pets or livestock (FEMA, 2009). The purpose of this paper is to identify potential disasters which could occur in my Western Michigan community, discuss the necessary contents of a survival kit, and develop a household survival plan. The recommended guidelines given by FEMA and the ARC will be used as a framework for such plan. Western Michigan Disasters Natural Disasters Natural disasters are defined as those that are caused by natural or environmental forces (Veenema, 2007, p.4). Tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, flooding, winter storms and extreme cold are five natural disasters that have been identified as the most likely to affect my community in Jenison, Michigan (Citizen Corps, 2010).
HOUSEHOLD DISASTER PLAN 4 Tornadoes. Tornadoes are one of nature's most violent storms. A tornado appears as a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground with whirling winds that can reach up to 300 miles per hour (FEMA, 2009, p.1). Damage caused by these storms can be severe. A damage path of a tornado can be up to a mile wide and fifty miles long and can include downed power lines, fires, and home, or road destruction due to debris. The spontaneous and unpredictable nature of tornadoes is what makes early warning so difficult. It is crucial for individuals to have an awareness of weather conditions in their immediate location, especially during a thunderstorm. There are two terms associated with advance tornado warning systems; tornado watch and tornado warning (FEMA, 2009). A tornado watch indicates that weather conditions are present for a potential tornado in the area. Individuals should watch the sky and stay tuned to a NOAA weather radio, local radio, or television station for further details (FEMA, 2009). A tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted or detected by radar in the area and individuals should seek shelter (FEMA, 2009). Warning sirens in each community are activated at this time. The warning siren closest to my home is located approximately one mile at a local elementary school. Proper shelter in the event of a tornado would be an underground storm cellar, or basement room. In the event that proper shelter is unavailable, individuals should go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls (FEMA,2009). If trapped outside, a person should lie flat in the lowest area possible, like a ditch, and cover their head with their hands. I have discussed with my husband potential safe rooms in the basement of our home and we have decided that the small room located on the northeast corner of our basement would be the safest shelter. This room is the most isolated from the outside. We have also decided that in the event that we are separated during an event, and cannot meet at home, that we should meet at my
HOUSEHOLD DISASTER PLAN 5 father-in-laws home in Ada. We have also agreed to use him as a contact person to communicate to each other that we are okay. Severe thunderstorms. Thunderstorms are quite common in Western Michigan and can be very dangerous. Thunderstorms can produce large amounts of rain, which can lead to flash flooding, tornadoes, hail, high winds, and lightning. Home and property preparation is an important step in storm preparedness. Preparation measures recommended by FEMA include; remove dead or rotting trees or branches that could fall during a storm and cause home damage, shutter windows, close blinds or shades, secure outside storm doors and any other outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage, and unplug appliances and other electrical items in the home (2009). Personal protection from a thunderstorm is similar to that of a tornado. Outdoor events should be postponed; individuals should seek shelter indoors, and stay tuned to a NOAA weather radio, local radio or television station for further information regarding the storm. Watch and warning terminology are used in the event of a thunderstorm and are similar to warnings given during a tornado. A thunderstorm watch indicates that weather conditions are present and indicates when and where severe thunderstorms may occur (FEMA, 2009). Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are issued when severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property to those in the path of the storm (FEMA, 2009). Flash flooding and lightning are two very dangerous effects of a severe thunderstorm that everyone should be aware of. Lightning can cause power outages, fires, and personal damage if stricken. A supply kit that includes flashlights should be kept readily available. Thunderstorms are very common in my community. Trees on our property are kept pruned and our safe room has been identified as the same one we would use in the event of a tornado.
HOUSEHOLD DISASTER PLAN 6 Winter storms and severe cold. The National Weather Service refers to winter storms as the Deceptive Killers because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm. Instead, people die in traffic accidents on icy roads and of hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold (CitizenCorps, 2009). Winter storms and severe cold are quite common in Michigan. Individuals should be prepared for possible isolation in their home. Home preparation includes the following; making sure your home is well insulated, provide weather stripping around doors and windows, insulate pipes to prevent bursts, know how to shut off water valves and have an alternative heat fuel source (CitizenCorps, 2009). In addition to a standard emergency kit, rock salt, sand, snow shovels and extra warm clothes and blankets should be kept on hand (FEMA, 2009). Unnecessary travel should be avoided. Individuals should prepare their car, as well as, their home for winter weather. This includes having an emergency kit in the vehicle and winterizing the vehicle with a mechanic before winter weather strikes. Also individuals should stay tuned in to a NOAA weather radio, local radio, or television station to stay informed about weather advisories. Our home has a wood burning fireplace that is used during the winter months and we also have kerosene lamp and heater just in case the gas or electric goes out. My husband had been kind enough to show me where the main water, gas and electric valves are located in the basement of our home. The insulation in our attic is checked, pipes are checked and insulated, and outdoor faucets are shut off and hoses are disconnected and stored. Our vehicles are serviced each fall. Whenever either one of us has to travel in the winter, we contact each other regarding when we are leaving and that we have arrived safely. Both of us have an emergency travel kit in the trunk of our car. This includes; a flashlight, flares, jumper cables, a bag of sand, spare tire, ice scraper and brush, a sleeping bag, and a small first-aid kit. Food and water are two things that should be added to these kits.
HOUSEHOLD DISASTER PLAN 7 Flooding. The greatest causes of flooding in my area are those related to flash floods causes by heavy rain storms and spring thaws. Our home is not located in an Ottawa county flood plain, however, we live approximately ten miles from the Grand River so flooding could affect our daily travel. The waste water treatment plant is located about ten miles south east of our community, just off the Grand River bank, so flooding in that area could contaminate water supply. Bottled water is always kept on hand in our household just in case this should occur. In addition to keeping an emergency kit available, individuals should stay tuned to radio and television for information regarding flood risk. Flood watches and warnings have been established by the National Weather Service to inform individuals of the risk of flooding in their area. In the event of flooding, an evacuation plan should be identified and individuals should head toward higher ground and remain there until the area has been declared safe to return by city officials. My husband and I have discussed evacuation options and have agreed to meet at my father-in-laws home in Ada. We have also added flood insurance to our homeowner s insurance policy. Man-Made and Chemical Disasters Man-made disasters are defined as those that are created by human actions, deliberate, or otherwise. Man-made disasters include biological and biochemical terrorism, chemical spills, radiological (nuclear) events, fire, explosions, transportation accidents, armed conflicts and acts of war (Veenema, 2007, p.4). While any one of these man-made disasters could occur in any community, this paper will focus on potential chemical and fire related disasters in my Jenison community.
HOUSEHOLD DISASTER PLAN 8 Chemical threats. A chemical attack could come without warning. Signs of a chemical release include people having difficulty breathing; experiencing eye irritation; losing coordination; becoming nauseated; or having a burning sensation in the nose, throat, and lungs. Also, the presence of many dead insects or birds may indicate a chemical agent release (FEMA, 2009). Chemical threats can be accidental or intended acts of terrorism. Individuals should be prepared should either occur. Chemical threat preparedness includes maintaining a disaster supply kit that includes; duct tape, scissors, and plastic to seal doors and windows. In the event of a chemical disaster, individuals should stay tuned to local radio or television stations for information. Bring pets inside. Close and lock all exterior doors and windows. Homeowners should close vents, fireplace dampers, and as many interior doors as possible. Turn off air conditioners and ventilation systems. Seal gaps under doorways and windows with wet towels or plastic sheeting and duct tape. Finally, go into the pre-selected shelter room (FEMA, 2009). Individuals should remain in their shelter until instructed by local authorities that it is safe to leave. Chemical manufacturers are one source of hazardous materials, but there are many others, including service stations, hospitals, and hazardous materials waste sites (FEMA, 2009). There are six-hundred and sixty facilities in my community that are required to report to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the handling of hazardous chemicals. These include many local gas stations, laundry cleaners, Orkin pest control, various auto repair shops, Grand Rapids Gravel Company, Dodgen Aircraft, the Ottawa County Road Commission, Allied Waste disposal and the Grandville Wastewater Treatment Plant (EPA, 2010). Fires. Household fires are the number one killer than all other disasters combined (ARC, 2009). Heat and smoke inhalation are leading causes of death related to fires. In order to prepare one s home for potential fire, smoke detectors should be installed on each level of the home and
HOUSEHOLD DISASTER PLAN 9 checked to ensure proper working order. Our home has two battery operated smoke detectors; one located on the main floor and another in our basement. We have established a routine of changing the batteries twice a year when we change our clocks for daylight savings. Another key element to fire safety is to have an established floor plan of the home with at least two identified exits marked. My husband and I have yet to draw up a floor plan; however, we have discussed exit routes from each room in our home in the event of a fire. We plan to meet at my mothers home, located less than one block from our house, in the event that we become separated. Disaster Supply Kit Each household should have and maintain a disaster supply kit in the event that an emergency should occur in their area. Supply kits should contain enough supplies to sustain a minimum of three days, be kept in a designated place, and portable in case an evacuation is necessary (Veenema, 2007, p.633). Recommended components of a kit include: water, food, first aid kit, NOAA weather radio, tools, important documents, clothes and bedding (Veenema, 2007, p.634-635). My husband and I have decided to obtain and keep these items in Rubbermaid totes located in the identified safe room in our basement. These totes are moisture and pest proof as well as, portable. The average person requires at least two quarts of water per day for drinking alone. Another gallon of water per person, per day, should be kept on hand for cooking and sanitation purposes (Veenema, 2007, p.633). I plan to purchase and keep two, twenty-four packs, of bottled water and six gallon jugs in storage to meet these requirements for myself, my husband and my dog. Stored water should be rotated out every six months (Veenema, 2007, p.633).
HOUSEHOLD DISASTER PLAN 10 While human beings can go longer without food than water, it is essential to have and maintain a spare food supply in case you are homebound for an extended period of time. Nonperishable and canned foods are recommended for storage (Veenema, 2007, p.634). An assortment of canned vegetables, meats, fruits and powdered milk will be stored in one of our Rubbermaid totes. In addition to canned items, we have decided to include Meals Ready to Eat (MRE s). My husband uses these packaged meals during hiking and hunting trips. They are easy to use, nutritious, and portable. An extra five pound bag of dog food will also be kept in our tote. Our spare food supply will be rotated every six months as recommended (Veenema, 2007, p.634). Tools that will be kept on and include: a household tool set, which contains a variety of screwdriver, pliers, wrenches, a hammer, and three kinds of tape, propane lamp and stove, water proof matches, fire extinguisher, flashlights with batteries, a manual can opener, paper plates, and eating utensils. My husband and I have also determined that it would be a wise idea to keep two backpacks that contain: MRE s, small bag of dog food, water, a small first aid kit, flashlight, batteries, waterproof matches, utility knife, an extra pair of glasses for each of us, toiletries, trash bags, and a change of clothing, in the event that we should need to evacuate our home on foot.
HOUSEHOLD DISASTER PLAN 11 Conclusion The amount of advanced emergency preparedness a family has can be a matter of life or death should a crisis arise. It is important for each household to sit down and discuss potential disasters in their area, develop a plan of action, including roles each person should assume during crisis, and assemble a disaster supply kit as I have done here. There are many resources available within the community, such as the ARC, who have guidelines and checklists for individual disaster preparedness.
HOUSEHOLD DISASTER PLAN 12 References American Red Cross. (2009). Be Red Cross Ready. http://www.redcross.org/wwwfiles/documents/pdf/preparedness/checklists/be_red_cross_ready.pdf CitizenCorps. (2009, March 9). Be Informed. http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/index.html Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2009, June 4). Are You Ready? http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/getting_informed.shtm Federal Emergency Agency Management. (2009, November 17). Plan Ahead. http://www.fema.gov/plan/index.shtm Veenema, T. G. (2007). Disaster Nursing and Emergency Preparedness (Second Ed.). New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.