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Real Time Information: > Amber Alert Ticker > Emergency and Disaster Information > National Homeland Security Knowledgebase > Weather Warnings Be Prepaired: > Basic Earthquake Information > Basic Flood/Flash Flood Information > Basic Heat Wave Information > Basic Hurricane Information > Basic Tornado Information > Basic Wildfire Information |
Be Prepaired (Con't): > Basic Winter Storm Information Useful Information: > Canada Weather > Disaster Relief Links > Medical Links > News Links > Pets > Swine Flu (H1N1) > United States Product Recalls > United States Weather > World Weather |
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Swine Flu/H1N1 Update: On Saturday, October 24th in the United States, President Obama declared a national emergency to deal with the "rapid increase in illness" from the Swine Flu/H1N1 virus. "The 2009 H1N1 pandemic continues to evolve. The rates of illness continue to rise rapidly within many communities across the nation, and the potential exists for the pandemic to overburden health care resources in some localities," President Obama said in a statement. "Thus, in recognition of the continuing progression of the pandemic, and in further preparation as a nation, we are taking additional steps to facilitate our response." United States Government officials point out that the declaration is not meant to panic people, but is to simply put plans in place so that health care facilities can be ready if the need arrises. The declaration allows Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius "to temporarily waive or modify certain requirements" to help health care facilities enact emergency plans to deal with the Swine Flu/H1N1 virus. Such emergency plans would include giving hospitals the power to set up off-site facilities to deal with emergency situations. For more information about the Swine Flu/H1N1 virus, click here. |
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Be ready before hand -
prepare a Home Earthquake Plan:
- Choose a safe place in every room--under a sturdy table or desk or against an inside wall where nothing can fall on you.
- Practice DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON at least twice a year. Drop under a sturdy desk or table, hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. If there's no table or desk nearby, sit on the floor against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases, or tall furniture that could fall on you. Teach children to DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!
- Choose an out-of-town family contact.
- Consult a professional to find out additional ways you can protect your home, such as bolting the house to its foundation and other structural mitigation techniques.
- Take a first aid class from your local Red Cross chapter. Keep your training current.
- Get training in how to use a fire extinguisher from your local fire department.
- Inform babysitters and caregivers of your plan.
Eliminate hazards, including:
- Bolting bookcases, china cabinets, and other tall furniture to wall studs.
- Installing strong latches on cupboards.
- Strapping the water heater to wall studs.
Prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit For Home and Car, including:
- Prescription medications and medical supplies.
- Bedding and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows.
- Bottled water, battery-operated radio and extra batteries, first aid kit, flashlight
Car keys and maps.
- Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
- Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)
- Documents, including driver’s license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, etc.
- Keeping essentials, such as a flashlight and sturdy shoes, by your bedside.
Know What to Do When the Earthquake Begins:
- DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON! Move only a few steps to a nearby safe place. Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you're sure it's safe to exit. Stay away from windows. In a high-rise building, expect the fire alarms and sprinklers to go off during a quake.
- If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow.
If you are outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Drop to the ground.
- If you are in a car, slow down and drive to a clear place. Stay in the car until the shaking stops.
Identify What to Do After the Earthquake Stops:
- Check yourself for injuries. Protect yourself from further danger by putting on long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes, and work gloves.
- Check others for injuries. Give first aid for serious injuries.
- Look for and extinguish small fires. Eliminate fire hazards. Turn off the gas if you smell gas or think it's leaking. (Remember, only a professional should turn it back on.)
- Listen to the radio for instructions.
- Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one, DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!
- Inspect your home for damage. Get everyone out if your home is unsafe.
- Use the telephone only to report life-threatening emergencies.
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Basic Flood/Flash Flood Information:
- A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area.
- A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area.
- A flood WARNING means flooding is already occuring or will soon occur in your area.
- A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is already occuring or will soon occur in your area.
When a flood WATCH is issued, fill your car's gas tank in case an evacuation notice is issued. Also, move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
When a flash flood WATCH is issued, be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice.
When a flood WARNING is issued, listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If you are told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.
When a flash flood WARNING is issued, do the following:
- If you think a flash flood has already started, evacuate immediately. You may only have moments to escape. Act quickly!
- Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades (barricades are there for your safety).
- If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon the car immediately and climb to higher ground.
Be ready before hand -
prepare a flood plan:
- Know your area's flood risk. If you are unsure, call your local emergency management office, or your local planning and zoning department.
- Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance.
- Consider raising your furnace, water heater, and electrical panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded. Consult with a professional for further information if this and other damage reduction measures can be taken.
- Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several places -- a friend's home in another community, a motel, or a shelter.
- Make plans to care for your pets in case you must evacuate.
- If you are told to evacuate, keep handy the telephone numbers of places you are planning to go as well as a road map of your locality. You may need to take alternative or unfamiliar routes if roads you would normally take are closed or flooded.
Take these items with you when evacuating:
- Prescription medications and medical supplies.
- Bedding and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows.
- Bottled water, battery-operated radio and extra batteries, first aid kit, flashlight
Car keys and maps.
- Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
- Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)
- Documents, including driver’s license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, etc.
Your kitchen after the flood:
Food that has been in your home during a flood may not be safe to eat. Follow these guidelines:
- Do not eat food that may have come into direct contact with floodwater.
- Discard food that is not in a waterproof container if there is any chance that it has come into contact with floodwater.
- Discard cardboard juice/milk/baby formula boxes and home canned foods if they have come in contact with floodwater.
- Discard any meat, poultry, eggs, fish, fruits and vegetables that may have come in contact with floodwater.
- Inspect canned foods and discard any food in damaged cans.
- If you don't have bottled water, boil water to kill disease-causing organisms. Boil the water one minute, let it cool and store it in clean containers with covers.
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Heat Wave Precautions
Things to do during a heat wave
Air Conditioning - Stay in an air conditioned environment if possible. Shopping malls and restaurants offer relief if your home is not air conditioned.
Apply - When going out into the sun apply sunscreen liberally per instructions of manufacturer.
Avoidance - Avoid the outdoors as much as possible during extreme heat.
Clothing - Wear clothing that is light in color and loose fitting.
Elderly - Check on the elderly, as they are especially susceptible to heat related illness.
Postpone or Eliminate - Postpone or eliminate strenuous activities such as running, biking, gardening, ect ... until heat wave is over.
Stay hydrated - Increase your intake of non-alcoholic, non-carbonated, caffeine free beverages such as water or juice.
Heat Related Illness and their Symptoms
Heat Cramps - Heavy sweating and painful spasms usually in the leg or abdomen muscles.
Heat Exhaustion - The person becomes weak and is sweating heavily. The skin is cold, pale and clammy. The pulse becomes thready. Fainting and vomiting accompanies heat exhaustion.
Heatstroke/Sunstroke - High body temperature (106 degrees or higher) along with hot dry skin and a rapid and strong pulse. Unconsciousness is possible.
Sunburn - Redness and pain in the skin. In severe cases there is also swelling, blisters, fever, and headaches.
The Heat Index
80 to 90 degrees - Fatigue possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity.
90 to 105 degrees - Sunstroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity.
105 to 130 degrees - Sunstroke, heat cramps or heat exhaustion likely, and heatstroke likely with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity.
130 degrees and higher - Heatstroke/sunstroke highly likely with continued exposure.
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Be ready before hand -
prepare a personal evacuation plan:
- Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several places -- a friend's home in another community, a motel, or a shelter.
- Make plans to care for your pets in case you must evacuate.
- Keep handy the telephone numbers of these places as well as a road map of your locality. You may need to take alternative or unfamiliar routes if major roads are closed or clogged.
- When a hurricane threatens, listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for evacuation instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
Take these items with you when evacuating:
- Prescription medications and medical supplies.
- Bedding and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows.
- Bottled water, battery-operated radio and extra batteries, first aid kit, flashlight
Car keys and maps.
- Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
- Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)
- Documents, including driver’s license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, etc.
Difference between a hurricane WATCH
and a hurricane WARNING:
When a hurricane WATCH is issued, hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the WATCH, usually within 36 hours.
- Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for up-to-date storm information.
- Prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else that can be picked up by the wind.
- Install hurricane shutters or purchase precut 1/2" outdoor plywood boards for each window of your home. Install anchors for the plywood and predrill holes in the plywood so that you can put it up quickly.
- Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs, then strategically removing branches so that wind can blow through.
- Fill your car's gas tank.
- Recheck manufactured home tie-downs.
- Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water, and medications.
When a hurricane WARNING is issued, hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the WARNING, usually within 24 hours.
- Listen to the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so.
- Complete preparation activities.
- If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away from windows.
- Be aware that the calm "eye" is deceptive; the storm is not over. The worst part of the storm will happen once the eye passes over and the winds blow from the opposite direction. Trees, shrubs, buildings, and other objects damaged by the first winds can be broken or destroyed by the second winds.
- Be alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can happen during a hurricane and after it passes over. Remain indoors, in the center of your home, in a closet or bathroom without windows.
- Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and climb to higher ground.
What to Do After a Hurricane Is Over:
- Keep listening to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for instructions.
- If you evacuated, return home only when local officials tell you it is safe to do so.
- Inspect your home for damage.
- Use flashlights in the dark; do not use candles.
- Look out for damaged power lines and damaged power circuits.
- Make sure any food you have is safe to eat.
- Make sure any water you have is safe to drink.
- When using a chainsaw, be careful.
- When using a portable generator, follow the instructions that came with the generator.
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A National Weather Service WATCH is a message indicating that conditions favor the occurrence of a certain type of hazardous weather. For example, a severe thunderstorm watch means that a severe thunderstorm is expected in the next six hours or so within an area approximately 120 to 150 miles wide and 300 to 400 miles long (36,000 to 60,000 square miles). The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center issues such watches. Local National Weather Service forecast offices issue other watches (flash flood, winter weather, etc.) 12 to 36 hours in advance of a possible hazardous-weather or flooding event. Each local forecast office usually covers a state or a portion of a state.
A National Weather Service WARNING indicates that a hazardous event is occurring or is imminent in about 30 minutes to an hour. Local National Weather Service forecast offices issue warnings on a county-by-county basis.
During a tornado ...
In a house with a basement:
Avoid windows. Get in the basement and under some kind of sturdy protection (heavy table or work bench), or cover yourself with a mattress or sleeping bag. Know where very heavy objects rest on the floor above (pianos, refrigerators, waterbeds, etc.) and do not go under them. They may fall down through a weakened floor and crush you.
In a house with no basement, a dorm, or an apartment:
Avoid windows. Go to the lowest floor, small center room (like a bathroom or closet), under a stairwell, or in an interior hallway with no windows. Crouch as low as possible to the floor, facing down; and cover your head with your hands. A bath tub may offer a shell of partial protection. Even in an interior room, you should cover yourself with some sort of thick padding (mattress, blankets, etc.), to protect against falling debris in case the roof and ceiling fail.
In an office building, hospital, nursing home or skyscraper:
Go directly to an enclosed, windowless area in the center of the building -- away from glass. Then, crouch down and cover your head. Interior stairwells are usually good places to take shelter, and if not crowded, allow you to get to a lower level quickly. Stay off the elevators; you could be trapped in them if the power is lost.
In a mobile home:
Get out! Even if your home is tied down, you are probably safer outside, even if the only alternative is to seek shelter out in the open. Most tornadoes can destroy even tied-down mobile homes; and it is best not to play the low odds that yours will make it. If your community has a tornado shelter, go there fast. If there is a sturdy permanent building within easy running distance, seek shelter there. Otherwise, lie flat on low ground away from your home, protecting your head. If possible, use open ground away from trees and cars, which can be blown onto you.
At school:
Follow instructions. Go to the interior hall or room in an orderly way as you are told. Crouch low, head down, and protect the back of your head with your arms. Stay away from windows and large open rooms like gyms and auditoriums.
In a car or truck:
Vehicles are extremely dangerous in a tornado. If the tornado is visible, far away, and the traffic is light, you may be able to drive out of its path by moving at right angles to the tornado. Otherwise, park the car as quickly and safely as possible -- out of the traffic lanes. [It is safer to get the car out of mud later if necessary than to cause a crash.] Get out and seek shelter in a sturdy building. If in the open country, run to low ground away from any cars (which may roll over on you). Lie flat and face-down, protecting the back of your head with your arms. Avoid seeking shelter under bridges, which can create deadly traffic hazards while offering little protection against flying debris.
In the open outdoors:
If possible, seek shelter in a sturdy building. If not, lie flat and face-down on low ground, protecting the back of your head with your arms. Get as far away from trees and cars as you can; they may be blown onto you in a tornado.
In a shopping mall or large store:
Watch for others. Move as quickly as possible to an interior bathroom, storage room or other small enclosed area, away from windows.
In a church or theater:
If possible, move quickly but orderly to an interior bathroom or hallway, away from windows. Crouch face-down and protect your head with your arms. If there is no time to do that, get under the seats or pews, protecting your head with your arms or hands.
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Be ready before hand -
prepare a wildfire plan:
Wildfires often begin unnoticed. They spread quickly, igniting brush, trees, and homes. Reduce your risk by preparing now before wildfire strikes.
When wildfire threatens, you won't have time to shop or search for supplies. Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit with items you may need if advised to evacuate. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, dufflebags, or trash containers.
Include:
- A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil.
- One change of clothing and footwear per person and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
- A first aid kit that includes your family's prescription medications.
- Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries.
An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash, or traveler's checks.
- Sanitation supplies.
- Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.
- Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Assemble a smaller version of your kit to keep in the trunk of your car.
When a Wildfire Threatens:
- If you are warned that a wildfire is threatening your area, listen to your battery-operated radio for reports and evacuation information. Follow the instructions of local officials.
- Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape. Shut doors and roll up windows. Leave the key in the ignition. Close garage windows and doors, but leave them unlocked. Disconnect automatic garage door openers.
- Confine pets to one room. Make plans to care for your pets in case you must evacuate.
- Arrange temporary housing at a friend or relative's home outside the threatened area.
If Advised to Evacuate, Do So Immediately:
- Wear protective clothing -- sturdy shoes, cotton or woolen clothing, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, gloves, and a handkerchief to protect your face.
- Take your Disaster Supplies Kit.
- Lock your home.
- Tell someone when you left and where you are going.
- Choose a route away from fire hazards. Watch for changes in the speed and direction of fire and smoke.
If You're Sure You Have Time, Take Steps to Protect Your Home:
Inside:
- Close windows, vents, doors, venetian blinds or non-combustible window coverings, and heavy drapes. Remove lightweight curtains.
- Shut off gas at the meter. Turn off pilot lights.
- Open fireplace damper. Close fireplace screens.
- Move flammable furniture into the center of the home away from windows and sliding-glass doors.
- Turn on a light in each room to increase the visibility of your home in heavy smoke.
Outside:
- Seal attic and ground vents with pre-cut plywood or commercial seals.
- Turn off propane tanks.
- Place combustible patio furniture inside.
- Connect the garden hose to outside taps.
- Place lawn sprinklers on the roof and near above-ground fuel tanks. Wet the roof.
- Wet or remove shrubs within 15 feet of the home.
- Gather fire tools.
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Basic Winter Storm Information:
Be ready before hand -
prepare a Winter Storm Plan:
- Have extra blankets on hand.
- Ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, and water-resistant boots.
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing:
- First aid kit and essential medications.
- Battery-powered NOAA Weather radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
- Canned food and can opener.
- Bottled water (at least one gallon of water per person per day to last at least 3 days).
- Extra warm clothing, including boots, mittens, and a hat.
- Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit for your car, too.
- Have your car winterized before winter storm season.
Stay Tuned for Storm Warnings.
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio and your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information. Know What Winter Storm WATCHES and WARNINGS Mean:
- A winter storm WATCH means a winter storm is possible in your area.
- A winter storm WARNING means a winter storm is headed for your area.
- A blizzard WARNING means strong winds, blinding wind-driven snow, and dangerous wind chill are expected. Seek shelter immediately!
When a Winter Storm WATCH is Issued:
- Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio, and TV stations, or cable TV such as The Weather Channel for further updates.
- Be alert to changing weather conditions.
- Avoid unnecessary travel.
When a Winter Storm WARNING is Issued:
- Stay indoors during the storm.
- If you must go outside, several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.
- Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin.
- As the wind increases, heat is carried away from a person's body at an accelerated rated, driving down the body temperature.
- Walk carefully on snowy, icy, sidewalks.
- After the storm, if you shovel snow, be extremely careful. It is physically strenuous work, so take frequent breaks. Avoid overexertion.
- Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if you must...
- Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk.
- Keep your car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
- Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
- If You Do Get Stuck...
- Stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety.
- Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.
- Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won't back up in the car.
- Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.
- As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to stay warm.
- Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.
What to Do After a Winter Storm:
- Continue listening to local radio or television stations or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions. Access may be limited to some parts of the community, or roads may be blocked.
- Help a neighbor who may require special assistance--infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities. Elderly people and people with disabilities may require additional assistance. People who care for them or who have large families may need additional assistance in emergency situations.
- Avoid driving and other travel until conditions have improved. Roads may be blocked by snow or emergency vehicles.
- Avoid overexertion. Heart attacks from shoveling heavy snow are a leading cause of deaths during winter.
- Follow forecasts and be prepared when venturing outside. Major winter storms are often followed by even colder conditions.
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Swine Flu (also being referred to as H1N1): For those interested in learning more about the current Swine Flu outbreak, you might find the following resources useful: Australia Government Swine Flu Portal | Health Canada | MedlinePlus* | World Health Organization (* for MedlinePlus, type "Swine Flu" into it's search box and you'll be connected with a variety of U.S. documents on the subject). Also, click on the following news services to keep up with the latest news on the current Swine Flu outbreak: ABC News | Alerts/Current Headlines | BBC News Online | Cable News Network | Canada.com | CBC Newsworld | CBS News | CTV News | Fox News Channel | Google News | MSNBC | Reuters | Yahoo News |
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