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Emergencies and disasters affecting large areas and many people can sometimes develop quickly. Flash floods, fires, and earthquakes, for example, can strike with little or no advance warning. Other types of emergencies and disasters are preceded by a build-up period that provides more time for taking effective protective measures. These might include tornadoes, ice storms, blizzards, hurricanes, some floods, as well as the remote possibility of a nuclear attack.
What to do in various emergencies/disasters:
i. Do not let trash and debris accumulate.
ii. Check electrical wiring regularly.
iii. Use caution and avoid overuse of extension cords and wiring.
iv. Store explosives or flammable fluids carefully in approved containers and areas only. v. Never store any combustibles near heaters or electrical outlets.
vi. Never use gasoline, benzene, naphtha, and/or similar fluids indoors.
vii. Never let oil or gas-soaked rags accumulate in a closed space.
viii. Never smoke or use flame near combustibles.
b. Extinguishing
i. Take away the fire fuel (remove unburned material from the fire area, if possible).
ii. Remove the air supply (smother it out by using water, sand, earth or chemicals, depending on the type of fire).
iii. Cool the fire with wet blankets.
iv. If it is an electrical fire, shut off the electricity supply first. Then put out flames with an available method. v. If it is an oil or grease fire, shut off supply, then smother flames with sand, earth, or other heavy nonflammable material.
vi. If it is a gas fire, shut off the gas supply, then use water, sand, or earth to put out flames.
a. Precautions
i. High winds and hail—if indoors stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls. Stay near the innermost part of the building with cover nearby.
ii. Lightning—Get inside as soon as possible, either a large building or an automobile. Do not use the telephone. If caught outside, do not stand underneath a tall, isolated tree or a telephone pole. Avoid projecting above the surrounding landscape. If you should feel your hair “stand on end,” drop to your knees and bend forward putting your hands on your knees. Do not lie flat.
a. Know the warnings:
i. Tornado Watch—conditions exist for the development of a tornado.
ii. Tornado Warning—a tornado has been sighted and you should take action, as described below.
b. Action to take:
iii. Take cover under a sturdy workbench or table as near to the center of the building as possible (hallways furthest from doors, restrooms, closets, etc.). Stay away from the windows, crouch near an interior wall on your elbows and knees with hands over the back of your head.
a. Keep posted on weather conditions.
b. Be prepared for isolation.
c. Dress for the season.
d. Travel only if necessary.
i. Make sure your car is in good condition, properly serviced, and equipped with good tires.
ii. Travel with another person with you, if possible.
iii. Make sure someone knows you are traveling and approximately when you may arrive.
iv. Carry emergency “winter storm” supplies in the car such as sand, shovel, windshield scraper, tow chain or rope, extra gasoline and a flashlight. v. Carry extra clothing such as gloves, hat, etc.
a. Keep calm, do not panic or run.
b. Stay where you are. If indoors, stay there and take cover under a table, desk, etc. or against inside wall or in doorways. Stay away from glass, windows, and outside doors. If outdoors move away from buildings and utility wires. Stay in the open until shaking stops.
c. Do not use candles, matches, or other flames during or after a tremor.
d. If in a car, stop immediately away from overhead objects and remain inside.
a. Learn warning signals.
b. If you see a flash, take cover instantly. By getting inside or under something immediately, you could avoid being seriously burned. Never look directly at the flash.
c. Take cover in any kind of building, under a parked car or heavy piece of furniture. If no cover is available, simply lie down on the ground and curl up; cover your head with your arms and hands. d. Move to a fallout shelter as soon as possible after the blast has abated.
