by Kent M. Sherry, Executive Director
So far, the year 2007 has been fairly quite in our area with only one severe thunder storm doing some light damage to the north of Springfield. But it is early and hopefully the devastation of Katrina and Rita which left nearly 1 million homeless and many more ingrained with a vivid image of the oft-vicious temperament of Mother Nature will not be visited upon us in the form of tornados and devastating storms. With the devastation of these two huge events still relatively fresh in our minds, it is important to remember there are measures that can be taken by both individuals and communities before the storm strikes to reduce vulnerability. Tornados, blizzards, severe thunder storms with hail, lightening, and straight line winds are a real threat to Springfield and Clark County.
While some disasters occur suddenly and without warning, there are still ways to plan ahead and prepare. These steps can make a big difference should you need to cope with an unexpected natural disaster.
Be Informed and Make a Plan: A critical factor in surviving emergencies is being prepared. Your chances of survival will be heightened, and the level of impact a disaster has will be lessened, by knowing what to do before, during and after the storm.
1. Make a plan of action. Learn about your family's various (community, workplace, school) emergency plans, warning signals, evacuation routes, and locations of emergency shelters. Make sure family members know the routine if a tornado or severe weather strikes, and have emergency plans/numbers posted in prominent places. If you own a pet, remember to include plans for their safety in your family's emergency plan.
2. Learn important emergency skills such as first-aid. In times of emergency, professional medical assistance may not be immediately available, so make sure family members have basic emergency skills. Besides first aid, it is crucial family members are familiar with smoke detectors and fire extinguishers and how to use them. Teach responsible family members how to turn off the water, gas and electricity at main switches as well in times of emergency. Conduct evacuation drills and regularly practice these basic safety skills.
3. Identify potential home hazards and know how to secure or protect them before the storm strikes. Be prepared to turn off electrical power when there is standing water, fallen power lines, or before you evacuate. Secure structurally unstable building materials.
4. Keep important papers such as insurance policies, will, licenses, stocks, etc. in a place you can easily access in case of evacuation. By simply keeping your important papers in one central location, you can make emergency situations that less frantic. Keep them in a water-and fire-proof container. Complete a home inventory and take photographs of each room and valuable possessions for insurance claims.
Stockpile Emergency Food Supplies: Since an emergency can potentially leave you and your family members isolated, make sure you have on hand at least a five-day supply of food and water for each person. Water (about five gallons per person) should be stored in sealed, unbreakable containers. And because refrigeration and cooking facilities may not be available, food should be non-perishable. Other items to keep on hand include:
1. Special food or medicines required by family members. Keep family member prescriptions in a document, giving generic names and prescribed dosage and include the name and telephone number of your doctor. For those who rely on medical devices such as a pacemaker, the style, serial number, and other pertinent information should be carried with you at all times.
2. Battery-powered radio flashlight and extra batteries for each.
3. A first aid kit an manual. Your local fire department, rescue squad, or local American Red Cross chapter can offer advice about items you should include in your kit.
4. Fire-fighting equipment to suppress small fires, including an all-purpose, 5 lb. fire extinguisher (rated A-B-C).
5. Fuel heating device. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and make sure there is adequate ventilation to avoid build-up of hazardous fumes.
6. Sleeping bags or extra blankets.
7. Water-purifying supplies, such as chlorine or iodine tablets or unscented, ordinary household chlorine bleach.
8. Disposable cleaning cloths, such as "baby wipes" for the whole family to use in case bathing facilities are not available. If a dangerous storm is imminent, fill sinks and bathtubs with water as an extra supply for washing.
9. Personal hygiene supplies, such as soap, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, etc.
10. An emergency kit for your car with food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, etc. (In the most serious of conditions, cell phones and GPS will not work. You must be able to exist without most of today's modern conveniences and don't forget a portable toilet, or other means, of disposing of human waste. Treatment facilities and pumping stations could be non-operative.)
Be Prepared to Seek Shelter or Evacuate: The National Weather Service will issue a tornado or severe thunder storm watch when conditions are right. In the case of a tornado, a warning indicates that a tornado has actually been sighted. Take shelter immediately. If the tornado's path is unusual or erratic, the warnings may be issued on very short notice.
During a tornado watch, move cars inside a garage or carport. Keep your car keys and house keys with you. Move lawn furniture and yard equipment such as lawnmowers inside, if time permits. Keep your radio or TV tuned into the weather reports, however if you have satellite TV, the radio could be your only option.
The safest place to be during a tornado is underground, preferably under something sturdy like a work bench. If there's no basement or cellar in your home, a small room in the middle of the house - like a bathroom or a closet - is best. The more walls between you and the outside, the better. Stay away from glass windows and doors.
Mobile home residents should immediately evacuate their home for safe shelter elsewhere at the first sign of severe weather. Even those with tiedowns. As a last resort, should shelter not be available, go outside and lie flat on the ground with your hands over your head and neck.
Never try to outrun a tornado in your car or truck, regardless of how big and powerful it is. If you see a funnel cloud or hear a tornado warning issued on the radio or by siren, get out of your vehicle and seek a safe structure or lie down in a low area with your hands covering the back of your head and neck.
After the Storm: No emergency plans are complete without knowing what to do after the storm is over. Following these tips can keep you and your family safe while you recover:
1. Remember, buildings that don't look damaged on the exterior can be structurally unsound. Use extreme caution when exiting or entering your home if it has been damaged by the disaster. The roof, walls, or floor deck could collapse without warning.
2. Check for leaking gas pipes in your home. Do this by smell only; don't light a match or candle. If you smell gas, immediately open windows and doors, turn off the main gas valve, get out of the house.
3. If any of your electrical appliances are wet, first turn off the main power switch in your house, then unplug the wet appliances, dry them out, and check for visible damage. DO NOT stand in water or have wet clothes on when turning the power back on. If fuses blow when power is restored, turn off the main power switch and seek professional help.
4. Use only battery powered lanterns or flashlights to examine your home for damage.
5. Check food and water supplies before using them. Don't eat fresh food that has come into contact with flood water.
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